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27 Apr 2025, 12:25
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Hi everyone,
I’m an Indian candidate with a software engineering background, looking to pivot into consulting post-MBA. My backup is tech PM as I have similar experience.
I’ve been fortunate to receive admits from:
UT Austin - McCombs
UW Foster
Foster being slightly cheaper overall. Here’s my current thinking:
UT Austin - McCombs
Pros:
(+) Stronger consulting placement according to employment reports
(+) Larger alumni base and stronger brand value
(+) Broader access to diverse opportunities across industries
Cons:
(-) Tech recruitment seems more localized and not as strong. More legacy companies and lesser big tech companies.
(-) Personally, Texas would be my lesser preferred location to work post MBA. As per employment reports 60% people recruit in the system which is bothering.
UW Foster
Pros:
(+) Excellent tech pipeline due to Seattle’s ecosystem
(+) I already have some friends and connections in Seattle
(+) About 30k cheaper
Cons:
(-) Smaller alumni network and comparatively lesser brand value
(-) Consulting opportunities seem more limited
Given that consulting is my top goal, but I want a strong tech fallback, I’m really torn. Considering the current market, I have a better shot at tech. Would love to hear thoughts from anyone who's navigated a similar decision.
Thanks in advance for your help!
bb would love to hear your perspective
I’m an Indian candidate with a software engineering background, looking to pivot into consulting post-MBA. My backup is tech PM as I have similar experience.
I’ve been fortunate to receive admits from:
UT Austin - McCombs
UW Foster
Foster being slightly cheaper overall. Here’s my current thinking:
UT Austin - McCombs
Pros:
(+) Stronger consulting placement according to employment reports
(+) Larger alumni base and stronger brand value
(+) Broader access to diverse opportunities across industries
Cons:
(-) Tech recruitment seems more localized and not as strong. More legacy companies and lesser big tech companies.
(-) Personally, Texas would be my lesser preferred location to work post MBA. As per employment reports 60% people recruit in the system which is bothering.
UW Foster
Pros:
(+) Excellent tech pipeline due to Seattle’s ecosystem
(+) I already have some friends and connections in Seattle
(+) About 30k cheaper
Cons:
(-) Smaller alumni network and comparatively lesser brand value
(-) Consulting opportunities seem more limited
Given that consulting is my top goal, but I want a strong tech fallback, I’m really torn. Considering the current market, I have a better shot at tech. Would love to hear thoughts from anyone who's navigated a similar decision.
Thanks in advance for your help!
bb would love to hear your perspective
28 Apr 2025, 04:14
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gmatenthusiast123
Not bb but bc might still share a perspective that can help. So, sharing this, if it helps!
There is a way to negotiate with McCombs and here is something that can help- << Negotiations strategy >>. It also has link to McCombs specific strategy that can help and as of now, what I have heard about negotiations with Foster from folks I am helping, it will happen after May 1st for most people! So there is a chance that you might still get an increase. After May, the funds will be exhausted so getting an increase would be difficult.
Most of the Universities in Texas generally work in a more local capacity. And UT Austin is THE school to be in if you are looking at Texas- even in consulting. But since you don't want to be in Texas, it might not be worth it as network outside might be limited. On the other hand, Foster is a dominant player in tech which happens to be your backup option. So in either of the case, you would have to make a tradeoff- either go to Texas and have some chance at Consulting or go to Foster and have a decent chance at Tech. I am sure you know this but I am restating it just in case.
Your software background might serve as an issue to differentiate yourself for consulting regardless. You could still save more at Foster (negotiate for a higher scholarship) and try your shot at consulting. I know that the network is not as big but at least in seattle region, you'll still have exit options in tech after consulting.
MBAGuide
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 21 Apr 2026
Posts: 2,358
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Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
28 Apr 2025, 04:49
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Hey gmatenthusiast123 hope you would mind my two cents.
UW Foster is a very well-known feeder pipeline into Seattle's regional tech ecosystem, perhaps stronger than McCombs in the Austin region. You could totally take advantage of that. Broader opportunities and placements and a vast alumni network are all fine, but in this market one should be strategic and targeted in the recruitment strategy. I also think Foster has a small class, so that is an advantage too.
Not an expert, but McCombs is considered by my mentees who also have a targeted recruitment plan, for example in the energy space. Now, I don't know what your background is, and probably it wouldn't even matter for someone who is from the US, but as an international student, you want to be in the proximity of strong recruiter networks. Some people I have known went into MBB a couple of years after joining Amazon, so that could be a possibility too.
Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanchal-sahni-83b00819/ |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]
UW Foster is a very well-known feeder pipeline into Seattle's regional tech ecosystem, perhaps stronger than McCombs in the Austin region. You could totally take advantage of that. Broader opportunities and placements and a vast alumni network are all fine, but in this market one should be strategic and targeted in the recruitment strategy. I also think Foster has a small class, so that is an advantage too.
Not an expert, but McCombs is considered by my mentees who also have a targeted recruitment plan, for example in the energy space. Now, I don't know what your background is, and probably it wouldn't even matter for someone who is from the US, but as an international student, you want to be in the proximity of strong recruiter networks. Some people I have known went into MBB a couple of years after joining Amazon, so that could be a possibility too.
Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanchal-sahni-83b00819/ |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]
gmatenthusiast123
