Hi all -
I was recently accepted into both Harvard and Stanford for business school. I’m from a large cap PE background, and want to continue down that path post business school. Any sense for if one school vs the other is preferable to continue that path?
Thanks!
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Congratulations on your acceptances to both Harvard and Stanford, that's quite the achievement! When it comes to choosing between Harvard Business School (HBS) and Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) for a career in large cap private equity (PE), here are some points to consider based on the most helpful WSO content:
Alumni Network: Both HBS and GSB have strong alumni networks in the PE industry. However, it's often noted that Harvard's network is broader due to its larger class sizes, which might offer more connections in the PE space.
Reputation in PE: HBS has a longstanding reputation in the field of private equity. It's known for its case method approach, which can be very beneficial for PE professionals. Stanford, on the other hand, is also highly regarded, especially in the venture capital (VC) space, but it has a strong presence in PE as well.
Location and Networking: While HBS is located in Boston, which is relatively close to the PE hub of New York City, Stanford's location in California may offer different networking opportunities, particularly if you're interested in the intersection of PE and technology or startups.
Culture: Stanford GSB is known for its collaborative and laid-back culture, which might make networking within the school and with alumni feel more natural. HBS has a more traditional and formal atmosphere, which some may prefer.
Entrepreneurship: If you have any interest in entrepreneurship, Stanford is renowned for its entrepreneurial environment, especially for those looking to start their own PE firms in the future.
Curriculum: Consider the courses and experiences each school offers that are relevant to PE. Look into the faculty, case studies, and practical learning opportunities such as field studies or internships that each program provides.
Career Services: Both schools have robust career services, but you may want to investigate which one has stronger ties to the PE firms you're interested in.
Ultimately, both schools can open doors in the PE industry, and your decision might come down to where you feel you fit best culturally and which school aligns more closely with your long-term career goals. Remember, it's not just about the brand of the school, but also about the specific opportunities and experiences you'll have during your MBA that will shape your future in private equity.
Sources: Stanford vs Wharton vs Booth vs Columbia for PE, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/wharton-vs-stanford-gsb-for-private-equity-recruiting?customgpt=1, GSB overtaking HBS?, MBA: Stanford or Harvard?, Business School Rankings for Private Equity?
You'll be fine at either realistically, pick whatever you prefer based on program structure / culture / location. Most people in that situation choose GSB from my experience FWIW. One consideration is where you want to be post-grad, as the GSB network will skew more heavily west-coast / tech and HBS has a broader network in the east coast + across PE in general (partially driven by class size differences).
Go where you want to live. I’d choose Stanford on location alone and the fact that it’s not as case heavy. Courses that are case heavy get old fast.
Interested in being on the east coast long term but don’t mind for school. Any sense on if NYC post MBA is easier or harder at hbs or gsb?
Pretty obvious it will be incrementally easier at HBS, but both will be fine if you put in the work to network / recruit
Was in same situation and chose GSB (as do 80-90% of cross-admits) and am happy with my choicr. Over half of my class ended up in NYC but the class size is obviously smaller which has its pros and cons.
The opportunities from either will be almost identical. Same top HFs/PEs recruit from both. GSB has a slight edge for sillicon valley VCs but that doesn’t seem to be a consideration for you in any case.
Visit both schools and see which one gives you a better vibe
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