Would love some advice

Question

Help please. I got into both Ross and Fuqua, both with $, but Ross offered slightly more and gave me a Forte Fellowship. My post MBA goal is brand management at a CPG company. For awhile I was pretty set on Ross, but now I keep hearing from different people that the Fuqua 'brand' name is stronger than that of Ross. What do you guys think? Ross or Fuqua?

bb · Answer

I think this is a matter of perception and opinion. Fuqua is definitely strong in the South and anyone from that part of the country will have a natural view of the Fuqua being superior to Ross.

However, both schools have been quite good in terms of rankings, employment, and salary reports. This is not to say the schools are the same. They have their natural strengths with Fuqua having a strong consulting/healthcare placement and Ross is strong in Consulting and Tech.

My personal experience/impression was that Ross was stronger in CPG but this is purely anecdotal. I would check the employment reports and LinkedIn to see placement numbers in the key companies you are looking to join to verify.

Congratulations on getting into these 2 great programs!

PS. Check out some of the reviews from current students:
https://gmatclub.com/reviews/business_school/ross-8
https://gmatclub.com/reviews/business_school/fuqua-13

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

Agree fully with BB on this one.

If you are pretty firm on your goal, I would go with Ross because the midwest is traditionally good for CPG recruitment. If you got into Kellogg, go there with or without scholarship. Ross is very strong across all disciplines so if you pivot there is no big risk.

I don't think Duke's culture will be a fit unless you are gregarious, outgoing and extroverted. So keep that in mind. If you are though, you're home.

Might consider speaking with MBA recruiters at target companies and/or executive CPG recruiters.
Contact these people - this would be a good opportunity to cultivate a relationship
 https://www.spencerstuart.com/our-expertise/industries/consumer/consumer-packaged-goods-durables

aerien · Answer

Ross and Fuqua cross-admit back in the day here. Both have great CPG recruiting options but will vary in location. Ross will have a bit more traction in the Chicago/Ohio/Minnesota firms so all your big players: P&G, Kellogg's, Wrigleys, etc. Fuqua is stronger in the South and can give you traction with the likes of Walmart in Arkansas or PepsiCo in Dallas.

When you're deciding id look into:
-Location of where you want to be post MBA. This does differ a bit between schools 
-Type of firm you want to work at. Do you have a backup in case CPG doesn't work out? Does your school still have good options there? 
-Student culture. Are you one for Michigan football tailgating every Saturday in below freezing weather or Blue Devil basketball tenting out in Kville? Either way you'll bleed blue for the next 2 years

In terms of prestige of one or the other, I personally think this is a wash. Everyone has their opinion and you'll find people in favor of both. I've found students at both to very friendly, personable, willing to help, and have HUGE school pride. You'll find outgoing extroverted people at both --and in most MBA programs-- and you'll find more reserved people as well. You'll have to find your niche.

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Would love some advice

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