Wisconsin with $$$ vs Duke for Brand Management

Question

Hi Everyone,

I was lucky enough to be accepted into two great schools.

On one hand, I received a project assistantship from the Wisconsin School of Business Full Time program which includes free tuition + 10K stipend + health insurance for the first year. The second year is not guaranteed but it could be renewable (Estimated cost of Tuition for 2nd year 26K).

On the other hand, I just found out that I also got into the Duke daytime program. I have not heard anything about a scholarship, but I am assuming I will not be getting one (Estimated cost of tuition 105K).

My goal post MBA is to go into Brand Management at a large CPG. I am flexible when it come to geographic location post MBA.

Here are my thoughts about both schools:

Wisconsin: Great Deal, Smaller Program (more attention), Specialized Brand Program, Lower number of companies recruiting, 100% placement in brand management, lesser networking opportunities

Duke: Higher caliber / more diverse students, better student experience (more clubs / opportunities), more electives, more companies recruiting, more international opportunities while in school, higher competition for jobs, better ranking (overall and specifically in marketing).

What are everyone's thoughts on both schools from a short-term / long-term perspective?

Thanks

MIXEDin86 · Answer

I'd say go for Winconsin if Duke isn't offering any cash. That's an awesome deal and they seem to be pretty strong in your area of study given the 100% placement.

asimov · Answer

What kind of jobs does the 100% placement entails? Which CPG companies recruits for ABM position at Wisconsin? If you are planning to go into brand management, and both schools offers similar placement, I would go to with the money.

The advantage of Fuqua is in its network, and overall recruiting strength. For those who are unsure of what opportunities to pursue post-MBA, it offer an advantage. For brand management, there's almost no advantage, beyond having a larger network at a CPG company. But if you work for a CPG, no amount of network is going to help you if you don't hit your sales target.

jazzman · Answer

For Brand Marketing, especially given the financial award, I would go with Wisconsin. Their Brand Management Program has a great track record.

jmo2k10 · Answer

Thanks for the input.

Big recruiters for both schools for ABM are P&G, Johnson and Johnson.

Duke seems to have better relationships with Kraft / Unilever, while Wisconsin has Colgate / SC Johnson / General Mills

Coming in from an accounting background, do you believe I will have a hard time transitioning? I know for Consulting / Finance it is generally easier to switch careers.

spikeman84 · Answer

Tough decision. I checked out Wisconsin and it seemed pretty isolated to me. If you want to work in Chicago, then it's a good location. Otherwise, you'll need to put in a lot of time and miles finding the right job. If Wisconsin's offer to fund your education requires your time, you may have a tight schedule throughout the 2-yrs.

On the other hand, Duke does have a strong name if you ever try to make some moves 10-15 yrs out. You'll want to think about this extra 'flexibility' in relationship to the extra cost.

Good problems to have and you can't make a 'bad' decision.

Posted from my mobile device

highwyre237 · Answer

thank you for simply starting this thread. I didnt bother looking as Wisconsin, because I just wasnt drawn to the location, but as someone who's looking to get into brand management or something a bit more analytical within marketing, this school is now on my list of places to consider.

My only concern is my desire to work on the east coast post mba, but if you're happy with the midwest, this seems like a great option.

If you want something in the east, or international, duke would be the better choice IMO.

nsspaz151 · Answer

My initial interest in Madison was with the Brand Center but I was swayed into Supply Chain at their Preview event last November. I must say, however, I was very impressed with the Brand representatives I did meet and speak with. It is hard to argue with the financial aid package (congrats by the way). Madison is already very reasonably priced (and a great value) so your ROI on the MBA is likely to be much higher without having to pay for at least the first year.

The challenge you may run into should you choose to come to Madison is placement on the east coast. UW's site states that about 60% of MBA grads land in the midwest (mostly Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Minneapolis) with the remaining 40% fairly evenly distributed across the country (see  https://bus.wisc.edu/mba/your-career/job-placement-salary-stats ).

Good luck with your decision!

RG0105 · Answer

I would take the money, unless you REALLY want to go to Duke (it's your dream school or something).

PTK · Answer

Hi , my formula is simple:

if to choose between any school from top16 - take cash. 
if to choose between any school from non-top16 - take cash.

if top-16 vs. non-top16 consider factors other than cash, since your are going into brand management - name is important, and since Duke is in top16, it is wise to consider brand name vs. cash.

Also please consider that you are not receiving pure "cash", they just offer you a free chair in class room.

Wisconsin with $$$ vs Duke for Brand Management

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