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16 Apr 2025, 13:54
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi all -
Background
Originally from Texas. CPA with almost 3 years in Big 4 public accounting and want to shift more into the realm of corporate strategy or product management in tech and entertainment. I applied to USC and UT for a full time MBA and was accepted to both on scholarship, $110K and $30K respectively (USC was very generous and negotiated up while UT has not provided a decision on scholarship reconsideration yet). My current employer targets in order are (1) FAANG, (2) major interactive entertainment developer/publisher, or (3) management consulting as a backup.
USC Marshall
+ LA is a great location for my target industries
+ Scholarship makes it ~$30K cheaper in tuition than UT
+ Culture seems very much more relaxed and great school spirit
+ Employment reports show internships/FT offers from companies I'm interested in
+ Would likely be surrounded by more like-minded people for my career interests and hobbies
- Would have to move halfway across the country
- Employment report did not have phenomenal results for the current year, with salaries being typically in lower ranges than UT. This seems not so great considering the next point...
- Fairly significant COL increase
- Marshall seems to have taken a decent hit in rankings. If I get the opportunities I'm looking for, then I don't really mind, but it is worth noting if it may affect employer opportunities. I also understand the school has recently started overhauling their admin so this may improve.
UT McCombs
+ Austin is a decent tech hub
+ Moving to Austin wouldn't be a significant uplift in comparison and I'd be closer to family
+ Lower general COL
+ Climbing in program rankings (again, not super important to me but I can see how some employers might increase their presence as a result)
+ Recent employment report shows generally higher average salaries
- Higher tuition
- Recent employment report shows a higher focus in consulting and finance (~15% going into tech and basically no media/entertainment)
- Media and entertainment opportunities are few and far between. There are a few big players in Austin, but not nearly as many in comparison to SoCal.
As a pro to both, I know the Trojan and Longhorn network are strong. I've attended events for both schools and am at a loss since the pros and cons seem fairly even at this point. I would appreciate some additional insights from others that I may be missing or not thinking about.
Background
Originally from Texas. CPA with almost 3 years in Big 4 public accounting and want to shift more into the realm of corporate strategy or product management in tech and entertainment. I applied to USC and UT for a full time MBA and was accepted to both on scholarship, $110K and $30K respectively (USC was very generous and negotiated up while UT has not provided a decision on scholarship reconsideration yet). My current employer targets in order are (1) FAANG, (2) major interactive entertainment developer/publisher, or (3) management consulting as a backup.
USC Marshall
+ LA is a great location for my target industries
+ Scholarship makes it ~$30K cheaper in tuition than UT
+ Culture seems very much more relaxed and great school spirit
+ Employment reports show internships/FT offers from companies I'm interested in
+ Would likely be surrounded by more like-minded people for my career interests and hobbies
- Would have to move halfway across the country
- Employment report did not have phenomenal results for the current year, with salaries being typically in lower ranges than UT. This seems not so great considering the next point...
- Fairly significant COL increase
- Marshall seems to have taken a decent hit in rankings. If I get the opportunities I'm looking for, then I don't really mind, but it is worth noting if it may affect employer opportunities. I also understand the school has recently started overhauling their admin so this may improve.
UT McCombs
+ Austin is a decent tech hub
+ Moving to Austin wouldn't be a significant uplift in comparison and I'd be closer to family
+ Lower general COL
+ Climbing in program rankings (again, not super important to me but I can see how some employers might increase their presence as a result)
+ Recent employment report shows generally higher average salaries
- Higher tuition
- Recent employment report shows a higher focus in consulting and finance (~15% going into tech and basically no media/entertainment)
- Media and entertainment opportunities are few and far between. There are a few big players in Austin, but not nearly as many in comparison to SoCal.
As a pro to both, I know the Trojan and Longhorn network are strong. I've attended events for both schools and am at a loss since the pros and cons seem fairly even at this point. I would appreciate some additional insights from others that I may be missing or not thinking about.
16 Apr 2025, 22:15
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi and congrats on your offers and scholarships!
You will likely come close in money due to cost of living but you can spend some time in LA and try things out.
It seems you are very capable and likely will succeed equally between these programs (there are way too many unpredictable things that will happen) but both FAANG's and MBB's are highly competitive. Virtually everyone from Top 20 applies there so I would suggest starting your networking, research, etc ASAP.
Entertainment is something very hard to touch. HSW are some of the folks who are considered unless you have a unique niche experience (e.g. high end gamer, somehow network your way, etc). There are just few PM jobs in this space for MBA's, though there are roles in Finance, Operations, and less shiny areas.
I feel to an extend Austin may be better with opportunities such as Dell (though they too recruit from all Top 20) but yes for entertainment LA is likely the only place so if that's the dream/draw, you kind of have to join the army of the folks in LA hoping to get into the entertainment space (highly networked).
I think really depends if you are trying to be safe or ballsy.
The best thing you can do is start plugging yourself into the Marshall and McCombs networks - give a call/message on Linked In to alums and ask for advice. You will be surprised how open they may be, esp people from your target areas - it is a perfect opportunity to network.
You will likely come close in money due to cost of living but you can spend some time in LA and try things out.
It seems you are very capable and likely will succeed equally between these programs (there are way too many unpredictable things that will happen) but both FAANG's and MBB's are highly competitive. Virtually everyone from Top 20 applies there so I would suggest starting your networking, research, etc ASAP.
Entertainment is something very hard to touch. HSW are some of the folks who are considered unless you have a unique niche experience (e.g. high end gamer, somehow network your way, etc). There are just few PM jobs in this space for MBA's, though there are roles in Finance, Operations, and less shiny areas.
I feel to an extend Austin may be better with opportunities such as Dell (though they too recruit from all Top 20) but yes for entertainment LA is likely the only place so if that's the dream/draw, you kind of have to join the army of the folks in LA hoping to get into the entertainment space (highly networked).
I think really depends if you are trying to be safe or ballsy.
The best thing you can do is start plugging yourself into the Marshall and McCombs networks - give a call/message on Linked In to alums and ask for advice. You will be surprised how open they may be, esp people from your target areas - it is a perfect opportunity to network.
21 Apr 2025, 05:04
Kudos
Bookmarks
Congrats on the acceptances! USC Marshall seems like the better fit for your tech and entertainment goals. LA’s proximity to FAANG and gaming giants like Activision Blizzard gives you unmatched networking and internship access.
The $110K scholarship slashes costs, offsetting LA’s higher COL. USC’s 19% tech placement and 9% media/entertainment hires align with your targets, despite lower average salaries ($142K vs. UT’s $137K). UT’s Austin tech hub is growing, but its 22% tech placement leans less toward entertainment. Stay close to family if that’s a priority, but USC’s industry connections and vibrant culture scream opportunity. Choose Marshall for your career shift.
The $110K scholarship slashes costs, offsetting LA’s higher COL. USC’s 19% tech placement and 9% media/entertainment hires align with your targets, despite lower average salaries ($142K vs. UT’s $137K). UT’s Austin tech hub is growing, but its 22% tech placement leans less toward entertainment. Stay close to family if that’s a priority, but USC’s industry connections and vibrant culture scream opportunity. Choose Marshall for your career shift.
