Top MSRE Program vs Non target MBA
I saw very similar post on this that was from 2015 (credit to OP). I wanted to put it back up here similar as times have changed since then.
I would be looking at RE programs like NYU or Columbia. But for MBA programs it would be something along the lines of Rutgers, Fordham, Villanova. The way I see it, the RE programs have the big names but the MBA programs can offer a little more flexibility. I see so much negativity towards non top MBA programs so I wouldn't want to shoot myself in the foot by attending one over a RE program.
The easiest and most affordable answer is to focus on getting and stacking up actual experience above all else -- in the real estate area where you want to end up. Real-world and relevant experience where you can demonstrate working skills will trump most, if not all, degrees. Practical and relevant skills vouched for by credible and respected third parties (ideally 3+ industry sources/direct employers/etc.) wins the day, all day. Use all your energy and resources towards that immediate goal, and it will be time well spent. Do this is NYC and it will have an exponential effect. These degrees are not golden tickets.
General comment about these threads, which may or may not be applicable here: a lot people looking for advice about grad programs seem to want to go to grad school for reasons other than simple career optimization. Sometimes it seems like people are trying to rationalize what they already want to do, rather than simply analyze, in an objective manner, whether the cost of the tuition and lost income is worth it.
Basically my current predicament.
I understand my career progression won’t be hinged on getting a MRED/MSRE, but I really want access to larger alumni networks as my undergrad was at a “non-target”.
In my experience, one of the best ways to network is just to be really active in your field in the location where you want to be in the long term. Your network will develop organically. And, if you want, you can supplement it by going to meetups and conferences and by reaching out to people.
I would bet that the alumni network is only worth the price of admission and lost income if you go to the very, very top- like HBS and a few other places.
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What is your background? That's the most relevant part of the equation.
I am in mid 20s. Worked in wealth management for a few years at a bigger shop now currently with a small but growing development firm.
Ultimately the question is what you want to get out of either program. A dedicated RE program will undoubtedly give you better bang for your buck when it comes to useful knowledge for day to day work in relevant roles. However, you could likely get a large portion of that know-how from an MBA program if they have the right electives (it might just be a little more cost-intensive). But at the end of the day, as others have mentioned you could also likely accrue the same knowledge, plus valuable experience, in the work-place at no cost (in fact, I hear that this approach often entails them paying YOU).
On the other hand, if you think a degree will be the difference-maker in getting access to certain jobs, I would confidently say that a highly-regarded RE program trumps a middling MBA program in terms of differentiating yourself.
Ultimately, you'll see the C-suites of plenty of RE firms flooded with MBAs from the likes of HBS, Wharton, and whatever top business school is closest (i.e. Kenan-Flagler or Fuqua in the South, McCombs in Texas, etc.), but there will also be plenty of MSREDs represented as well.
If you're limiting yourself to the two options you stated, I would personally say that a dedicated RE program would be more helpful. However, why not brush up on the GMAT and shoot for one of the top MBA programs while you're at it?
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