Darden vs. Kenan-Flagler (Full Tuition to Both)
I am in the process of deciding which school to go to and any feedback is appreciated.
About me:
I have spent the last 5 years in non-profit accounting (ranges from staff accountant to Director of Finance) and want to make the switch to investment management. I like Darden for the case method which would force me to speak up more, but KF, based on conversations with other students, is more technically rigorous in the beginning and then introduces more cases later in the program. Given that I have little/no experience in the heavy financial analysis that IM contains, I would go to KF because of that.
Given the above and based on your experiences, career or education, what may be best for my career goals?
Thanks!
Congrats on getting in and with the full rides. Both are great. I've heard that darden gives one of the most rigorous course loads (interpret that however you want). I personally would go darden but either is a great program.
If IM is your goal, you might want to look at how each schools places into the industry and what firms typically recruit there that should be a big factor.
Darden is a CONSIDERABLY better school, just look at the GPA/GMAT averages and acceptance rates, and it has WAY more access to top level finance jobs. Since you have a full scholarship to both, how is this even a question? You're focusing way too much on the curriculum, which really isn't important - most of the shit you need for interviews you'll learn in the banking/IM club, not in class. Go to Darden.
Hello Patricia, I normally don't come out and choose one over the other, going for mushy recommendations like "whatever feels right" (see all conversations with @"RustyR"), but in your case, I am going to recommend Darden. For 3 reasons 1. The Darden Center for Asset Management : http://www.darden.virginia.edu/web/Center-for-Asset-Management/ (supported by billionaire hedge fund UVA grad Paul Tudor Jones) 2. A more rigorous student population, which will push you to perform better 3. Case method
Per #3, you implied that you wanted to be pressed to speak up more. Case method courses absolutely force you to do that, and will build your confidence in ways you cannot even imagine.
KF is coming up in its quality, but Darden has been there for longer, and that often, but not always, means a better investment in terms of recruiting and alumni help.
Thanks for being brave enough to come on this forum! Sometimes it's tough love!
Betsy
Hey Patricia,
I tend to agree with the aforementioned comments. Darden is a tier better than KF, and unless the fit is significantly better at KF, it would be hard to pass up Darden in this instance.
Will echo everyone else's comments. Darden is a pretty clear winner. Better reputation, higher caliber students, better finance placement, and in your case, I think the Case Method is a positive.
Congrats on getting two full rides (and even more impressive with a 640 GMAT).
Where did she say 640?
who said anything about 640?
Patricia. Listen to @"Betsy Massar". She is awesome. I too am doing exactly what she said. Darden is great. Though your target career is a little more difficult to break in to, Darden does place into Private Banking and IM as long as you are an American. If you are an international, then it becomes much more difficult. Call up their career office (or send an email as their direct line sometimes goes answered. I spoke with this gentleman for an hour and he was incredibly helpful and provided a lot of detailed info. Then they do have that Asset Management Center with $9 or $10 million in assets I believe. You can make stock pitches as FY and can actually join a team to manage the fund in SY! Plus Darden is a clear tier above UNC. Case method is great for helping you develop your executive presence.
This one, as they say, is a no-brainer. (Of course its easier for me to say but I understand how these choices can be tough. Just look at my own drama-filled decision making process.)
I swear this post used to say "GMAT: 640". Quite possible that I can't read.
Darden
Thanks everyone for your advice, especially Betsy and Rusty! I decided to go the Darden route. I spoke to a few people that went into IM from Darden and now feel more comfortable about career prospects given that I am a career switcher.
Great news! Now, if you have any doubts about the case method at Darden, have a look at this:
//www.youtube.com/embed/DiM-R8RbhKU
Ipsa rerum dolore quo. Eligendi accusamus at ratione labore blanditiis suscipit. Quasi libero eos architecto qui.
Culpa accusamus consequuntur veritatis eum enim. Porro optio quas quam iure qui qui cumque. Voluptatem maiores vel quas est. Est ut non delectus velit non quas ea. Vero corporis qui qui. Perspiciatis vero est omnis laboriosam.
Qui quam vitae eligendi adipisci. Deleniti ea cupiditate quae minima in eaque. Cupiditate sit minima magni repellendus. Cupiditate delectus vel doloribus laboriosam cupiditate non blanditiis quisquam.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...