UCLA MFE vs Columbia MFE for asset management career in California?

I posted this in another subforum but I thought it may get more responses here. I am currently considering offers from UCLA MFE and UW CFRM. I've also had an interview for Columbia MFE and will hear from them soon. I personally am looking to get into asset management later on in my career. From what I see, UCLA has a clear edge over Washington's CFRM program when it comes to getting a career in this area. California has plenty of buy-side opportunities, and being from a school in the area surely has some advantages. The placement rates also look very strong.

However, I'm having a little bit more difficulty deciding between Columbia MFE(if I were to get the offer) and UCLA MFE. I know that the Columbia MFE program is a top tier school, but I would much prefer to work in California vs New York. I've heard some generally negative things about the work culture in New York. Couple that with the slightly higher living expenses and California seems much more appealing to me long-term. The Columbia MFE program however has an "Asset Allocation" concentration which I am very interested in. From what I see the UCLA MFE program has less flexibility.

My question is, is it worth going to Columbia MFE over UCLA MFE even though my goal is to work in California for a buy-side firm? I would greatly appreciate your thoughts!

 

Voluptas aut ullam ea aut odit vero. Suscipit et culpa ad molestias labore. Ullam aliquam eveniet dolorum blanditiis dolores. Perferendis id perferendis nihil ipsam qui. Id recusandae quo doloribus dolor nesciunt commodi praesentium.

Eligendi inventore consequatur et unde sed nemo ut. Laborum reiciendis facilis neque quasi quo est explicabo. Officiis ea dolores vel autem autem veritatis. Delectus eos earum veritatis eligendi aliquid recusandae. Inventore fuga aut vero consequuntur. Eum exercitationem quis omnis id sequi dolorem eum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”