Google/Apple or Goldman Sachs/McKinsey best for MBA?
So I'm a CS major who is a senior at a Big 10 school who just got an offer for a software engineering job at Apple and I'm flying out to Google next week. I've got a 3.55 GPA and I'm pretty sure that I could get a 720+ on my GMAT (I got a 34 on the ACT). I've done some really cool projects with tons of leadership while in undergrad and I really want to get into Harvard or Stanford for B-School.
However, I'm also hearing back from recruiters at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey for analysts positions. I don't really have a strong preference for particular industries, and I'm willing to put up with the I-banking or consulting lifestyle for two years if that would substantially help my MBA chances. McKinsey is probably a long shot, but would I be better served by going with Goldman Sachs/BCG/Bain & Co if I wanted to eventually get into Harvard B-School?
I know that Apple and Google are really good, but it seems like B-School prefers Consultants and I-bankers. What do you guys think? What are my odds Harvard B-School and Stanford GSB with these companies and industries?
You're opening yourself up to a real circle-jerk of what business schools look for/accept. Bottom line is that if you go for any 4 of those you have a significant chance of getting into H/S/W (granted you're doing worthwhile work in Apple/Google) in regards to the job (which is only a portion of the application, I can't stress that enough). Goldman and McKinsey may offer a more "linear" path (Analyst) but the top B-schools aren't limited to any of those options - they're all top-shelf companies.
I'd tell you to do what makes you least miserable the next two years, work on being recognized/promoted, and if you're not a minority candidate better raise that GMAT from a 720 if you're at a 3.55.
I've been on that path for the past 5 years (gearing a profile for MBA) so I've done extensive research, but take my advice for what it's worth.
Also, if McKinsey is out of reach for you then Bain and BCG may be as well. That being said, if you're a candidate for BCG & Bain you may be a candidate for McKinsey as well. McKinsey is not above either one. Again, opening yourself up to another circle-jerk.
1) I agree with egsc. If Mck is a long shot for you, Bain and BCG are too.
2) The advantage with MBB firms is that they might sponsor your MBA. After 2 or 3 years, not sure if it is the case in tech companies or IB.
McKinsey > Google > Apple >> Goldman
If you do well on your job, that's more indicative for your MBA recommendations.... besides it sure helps if you have proximity for Stanford, etc. That also gets eyed by HBS to compete for recruits.
Choose whatever you'd actually like to do. B-school ad coms tastes change like the weather, once finance was hot now it's not and it's entirely plausible that they will between when you start work and go for an MBA. Furthermore you're assuming you're going to want or need the degree. You may not. So do what you want to do.
While finance has been hot and not at hbs, MBB has always been hot...
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