MBA Decision - Vanderbilt Owen vs. Georgetown McDonough
Recently accepted to both MBA programs, any thoughts on which to take?
Background in big 4 management consulting. Hoping to jump to IB or strategy consulting post-MBA (think Strategy& -- MBB probably out of reach and not very active on either campus). Would like to return to NYC after graduation, but wouldn’t mind landing down south later in my career.
Both seem pretty equal in terms of prestige, academic quality, and on campus recruiting – agree?
Feel like Georgetown’s larger size/location would provide better networking opportunities and more flexibility in terms of region (north vs. south) and function (IB vs. consulting) so leaning that way. Not in love with either city (DC kind plain/vanilla, Nashville is cool but pretty small and very southern). Other factors to consider?
Also waiting to hear back from Emory Goizueta...
Thanks!
I would say you need to decide prior to day 1 of your MBA to do either IB or conshulting, it is extremely hard to recruit for both. Second, go with McDonough, it punches above its weight for IBD and places into consulting better than Owen.
Vanderbilt. That school is a gem! Also if you are dead set on Consulting, why didn't you apply to Darden? It's a powerhouse plus they have that case method.
GlobeTF Agree that I need to decide between IB / Consulting sooner rather than later. Can you shed light on difficulties in recruiting for both? Is it more of a matter of time (i.e. prepping for both hard given workload) or something else?
Sarah94 Darden would be great but standardized test scores a little low. What makes Vandy a gem? Really enjoyed my campus visit but a bit hesitant on its smaller size and Nashville as far as range of placement goes (almost 100% don't want to be in Tennessee, Texas or Atlanta after graduation). I have FS consulting background so would lean to NYC or, if in the south, Charlotte.
This is purely a matter of fit and $$. As you stated, the differences between these schools in terms of prestige, exit ops and academic quality is essentially nonexistent.
Agree with above poster on level of difference (e.g. virtually no difference) and it coming down to fit.
Also may be worth getting in touch with current students at each to get a feel for GMAT cut offs, even if only implicit, when it comes to recruiting for ib/consulting. Heard from Owen students there's a cutoff for big four consulting interviews so if you have a sub 700 you may have some issues with landing interviews at the big four. Although I'm sure if you were truly in a consulting role pre MBA that would help to an extent. Doubt the IB bar is as high. Obviously boutique shops would be easier as well.
Agree with above poster on level of difference (e.g. virtually no difference) and it coming down to fit.
Also may be worth getting in touch with current students at each to get a feel for GMAT cut offs, even if only implicit, when it comes to recruiting for ib/consulting. Heard from Owen students there's a cutoff for big four consulting interviews so if you have a sub 700 you may have some issues with landing interviews at the big four. Although I'm sure if you were truly in a consulting role pre MBA that would help to an extent. Doubt the IB bar is as high. Obviously boutique shops would be easier as well.
Thanks guys for the comments so far.
Can someone shed light on / point me towards a good resource on why it is tough to recruit for both IB and consulting?
they know where to recruit a majority of candidates to interview, and the remaining pool has 10x candidates per spot
It is not possible because companies will have recruiting events at the exact same time. You will need to pick one to go to. The recruiting events are where you get on the company's radar, establish a POC for a follow up phone call, etc.
Its not that its too much work, its that JPM, Strategy&, and Google will have events on the same day at the same time. Only companies that are within the same industry will be deconflicted by the the career management center and student clubs.
I'd go to Georgetown. Better city in my opinion, seems like MBA experience would be fun there, and better overall brand
IMO, If you don't want southern placements or that experience, Gtown all the way. I fucking loved Vanderbilt when I visited and Nashville is a rager, but it is definitely a southern school. Also, logistically, it will be very easy to network and interview in NYC from Georgetown. Vanderbilt will be more costly and difficult.
Nostrum optio sint neque illo ad sed vero quia. Minima autem culpa nesciunt rem architecto et. Est iusto rerum veritatis magni culpa perspiciatis earum.
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