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Business School
Posted on 12/22/10 at 9:59 pm
Posted on 12/22/10 at 9:59 pm
What do you all think is the better MBA option?
A) The better, more expensive school that offers a higher ceiling & more opportunities.
or
B) The cheaper, lower rated school with minimal financial risk of going back to school full time.
The tuition difference is $100k versus $0. However, average post-MBA salaries say A would pay for itself over B in 3-4 years.
A) The better, more expensive school that offers a higher ceiling & more opportunities.
or
B) The cheaper, lower rated school with minimal financial risk of going back to school full time.
The tuition difference is $100k versus $0. However, average post-MBA salaries say A would pay for itself over B in 3-4 years.
6
Posted on 12/22/10 at 10:59 pm to lsu711
You're presenting the wrong alternatives.
The real question is - why *specifically* do you want an MBA? What particular career goals do you have in mind that an MBA will help with?
There can be a good answer but it doesn't sound like you've identified it, in which case it's probably better to do nothing for now.
The real question is - why *specifically* do you want an MBA? What particular career goals do you have in mind that an MBA will help with?
There can be a good answer but it doesn't sound like you've identified it, in which case it's probably better to do nothing for now.
Posted on 12/22/10 at 11:59 pm to foshizzle
I know what I want to do and how an MBA will help me get there. I'm looking to change careers to a finance heavy field. I identified several options which will enable me to develop the quant skills and the professional network to make that career change. I applied to those schools and pretty much narrowed it to these two options. Both will get me a job in the field I want. One should get me a better job than the other, but that isn't a given and comes with a heavy price tag. I'm leaning towards paying my way at the better school, but I wanted to see what others opinions were.
Posted on 12/23/10 at 1:39 am to lsu711
like it's been said, it depends on your career goals.
if you want to work at a company with a 160k salary and 70 hours a week, the decision is easy.
if you want to have more time for a family or work in the public sector, that decision is easy too.
Just remember, too much debt can close a lot of doors.
if you want to work at a company with a 160k salary and 70 hours a week, the decision is easy.
if you want to have more time for a family or work in the public sector, that decision is easy too.
Just remember, too much debt can close a lot of doors.
Posted on 12/23/10 at 7:23 am to lsu711
quote:
A) The better, more expensive school ... or B) The cheaper, lower rated school ...
You've got to be more specific. Some people could read this and think LSU v. Tulane. In that case, it's a no-brainer -- LSU for $0.
If you're talking Harvard, Wharton, Kellogg, Stanford, MIT v. LSU, then, spend the $100K. You'll make it up in the "not-too-" long run.
Posted on 12/23/10 at 8:26 am to lsu711
I think a MFIN may be a better option for you.
The value of an MBA depends largely on what you're doing career wise before you even start the program. Too many people have the idea that an MBA will offset their shitty undergrad degree and/or their dead end job...well it won't. If your employer sees leadership skills in you and encourages you to get an MBA by all means do it and go with the cheaper option. If you're going for a career change to finance I would go with the MFIN.
BTW, a more expensive school does not always translate into a higher salary. My buddy's wife has an MBA from Tulane and we both make significantly more than what she makes. I have an ISDS/MBA from LSU and he has a history degree from Nebraska
The value of an MBA depends largely on what you're doing career wise before you even start the program. Too many people have the idea that an MBA will offset their shitty undergrad degree and/or their dead end job...well it won't. If your employer sees leadership skills in you and encourages you to get an MBA by all means do it and go with the cheaper option. If you're going for a career change to finance I would go with the MFIN.
BTW, a more expensive school does not always translate into a higher salary. My buddy's wife has an MBA from Tulane and we both make significantly more than what she makes. I have an ISDS/MBA from LSU and he has a history degree from Nebraska
This post was edited on 12/23/10 at 8:31 am
Posted on 12/23/10 at 8:38 am to lsu711
quote:
What do you all think is the better MBA option?
I know I am :beatdeadhorse:, but more detail would really help.
I made the choice for the cheaper option and regret it, but it's a lot more tolerable that my job search is going slow right now with me having 0 student debt, than if I had 100k+ in debt.
As far as a top tier degree getting you a job, while I was sitting in the waiting room for one of my interviews, I had a brief chat with the Wharton graduate sitting next to me and I got the feeling that he was in the same boat that I am in, so that made me feel a lot better, in a perverse way.
Posted on 12/23/10 at 9:01 am to lsu711
Need to be more specific.
After the top 10-15 programs, MBAs are very regional.
After the top 10-15 programs, MBAs are very regional.
Posted on 12/23/10 at 9:02 am to TheHiddenFlask
quote:From UPenn?!?
I had a brief chat with the Wharton graduate sitting next to me and I got the feeling that he was in the same boat that I am in,
Say it ain't so!!!
Posted on 12/23/10 at 9:18 am to LSURussian
Guy must have some absolute shite professors. 
This post was edited on 12/23/10 at 9:19 am
Posted on 12/23/10 at 10:05 am to lsu711
quote:
I know what I want to do and how an MBA will help me get there.
That's excellent, but we don't know and therefore can't really offer much in the way of advice. Not anything worthwhile, at any rate. For example, if you want to get into finance from something else that's radically different, maybe a better bet is to do something fairly entry level for a year and *then* get the degree. That way you don't graduate with zero experience in the industry and no contacts.
Or, maybe you have some experience and are looking to getting into financial engineering. In that case you'll need at least a MS and maybe a Ph.D. from a top school in the northeast. An MBA probably won't help you at all.
Point being, without knowing what you have in mind the best advice we can offer is to PIIHB.
This post was edited on 12/23/10 at 10:16 am
Posted on 12/23/10 at 10:30 am to TheHiddenFlask
I am trying to move from building design to real estate development. Not a complete career change, but I've only taken entry level courses in finance, econ and accounting. I looked at MSRE but the 1 year programs are geared for people with prior experience in RE. Also, a couple RE guys said the MBA is more respected, even in RE circles. The MBA sets up well for me. I need the 1st year core courses. The summer internship will give me marketable RE experience. Then the 2nd year I can focus on the RE/finance courses.
The two schools are Kellogg and Vanderbilt. Kellogg has an established RE program and several courses specifically related to development. It is a relatively large school with a loyal alumni base. Vanderbilt's draw is its rep in the southeast and the free tuition. It is also a good finance school.
The two schools are Kellogg and Vanderbilt. Kellogg has an established RE program and several courses specifically related to development. It is a relatively large school with a loyal alumni base. Vanderbilt's draw is its rep in the southeast and the free tuition. It is also a good finance school.
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:04 am to lsu711
quote:
Kellogg and Vanderbilt
quote:
Vanderbilt's draw is its rep in the southeast and the free tuition.
Damn, well that just made it quite difficult, especially because you aren't completely changing industries and probably already have some connections in the area you will be working.
Typically I would say Kellogg without a doubt, but for some reason I am second guessing that right now....
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:07 am to lsu711
quote:
The two schools are Kellogg and Vanderbilt. Kellogg has an established RE program and several courses specifically related to development. It is a relatively large school with a loyal alumni base. Vanderbilt's draw is its rep in the southeast and the free tuition. It is also a good finance school.
Kellogg ($100K) v. Vandy ($0)?
I must admit, THAT is a dilemma. I'd probably go with Vandy. But, you really can't go wrong with either choice.
This post was edited on 12/23/10 at 11:08 am
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:12 am to Newbomb Turk
Pretty rare to have a full ride to a school like Vanderbilt. The only issue is I don't think the Owen School of Business is ranked nearly as high as other "Vanderbilt" programs. I think it is outside the 20s maybe pushing the 40s.
Here is a key question: Where do you plan on practicing real estate development after you get a MBA? Also, where do you currently live?
I think these two things will probably be the determining factors, in my mind.
Here is a key question: Where do you plan on practicing real estate development after you get a MBA? Also, where do you currently live?
I think these two things will probably be the determining factors, in my mind.
This post was edited on 12/23/10 at 11:12 am
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:22 am to lynxcat
quote:
Here is a key question: Where do you plan on practicing real estate development after you get a MBA? Also, where do you currently live?
Precisely.
I would most likely go to Vandy, but you can't make a wrong choice between those two.
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:24 am to lsu711
lsu711,
What were your stats to receive a full tuition scholorship to Vandy? I just applied for the full-time Fall 2011 term. My stats aren't that great, GPA 3.2, GMAT 690. But I do know that my GMAT is above Vanderbilt's average.
What other schools are you applying to? I have applied to UVA, Duke, Chicago, Michigan, Vandy, and Rice.
What were your stats to receive a full tuition scholorship to Vandy? I just applied for the full-time Fall 2011 term. My stats aren't that great, GPA 3.2, GMAT 690. But I do know that my GMAT is above Vanderbilt's average.
What other schools are you applying to? I have applied to UVA, Duke, Chicago, Michigan, Vandy, and Rice.
This post was edited on 12/23/10 at 11:25 am
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:27 am to Mr Magoo
quote:
lsu711,
What were your stats to receive a full tuition scholorship to Vandy? I just applied for the full-time Fall 2011 term. My stats aren't that great, GPA 3.2, GMAT 690. But I do know that my GMAT is above Vanderbilt's average.
What other schools are you applying to? I have applied to UVA, Duke, Chicago, Michigan, Vandy, and Rice.
What is your work experience and how long have you been working?
Your GMAT might give you a chance at Vanderbilt, but I think UVA, Chicago, Michigan, and maybe even Duke are reaches. I don't know anything about Rice's MBA program.
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:33 am to lsu711
quote:
lsu711
I think I had commented to you before that we had similar scores/stats on MBA qualifications. If you have some time, will you shoot me an e-mail?
This post was edited on 12/23/10 at 2:01 pm
Posted on 12/23/10 at 11:36 am to lynxcat
5 years work experience leading offshore oil and gas construction projects.
I was originally hesitant to apply to some of the higher ranked programs due to my lower GPA. It was only after I spoke with many admissions consultants that I decided I might have a chance to get accepted. I have really worked hard to express my leadership abilities in my essays. I don’t think my chances are great for any of the higher ranked schools, but I don’t want to go through life wondering if I could have made it in.
I was originally hesitant to apply to some of the higher ranked programs due to my lower GPA. It was only after I spoke with many admissions consultants that I decided I might have a chance to get accepted. I have really worked hard to express my leadership abilities in my essays. I don’t think my chances are great for any of the higher ranked schools, but I don’t want to go through life wondering if I could have made it in.
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