UVA McIntire MS Commerce or Duke Fuqua MMS

Hello all. I've been accepted to both UVA's MS Commerce (Marketing & Management Track) and Duke's Master of Management Studies. I'm having a bit of trouble deciding which program is the best choice. Both schools have incredible faculty, alumni networks, as well as job placement rates.

I don't have much business experience and I know that UVa's program is designed for students with no business experience. I have an interest in Health Care Consultancy and Non-Profit Organization Management.

I've read through each program's websites, statistics, etc. Does anyone have further input or insight into either of these programs? Differences in the curriculum? Any information is appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

 

It's six of one, half-dozen of the other. Both are well-respected, south-ish, hard-partying, good looking, etc., schools. Forced to choose I'd probably go Duke, but I don't really think it matters. Also - secret: it doesn't really matter what you're interested in. Like, you can learn whatever you need to learn on your own through books, and no recruiter in his or her right mind would say, "I know tinamaria is into health care consulting, but had she gone to UVA over Duke she would have gotten the nod....".

 

I don't know much about Duke's program, but I know a few people who have gone to UVa's MS Commerce program. One thing that might differentiate it from other masters in business programs is that it incorporates a global immersion aspect, where students go abroad from May to June after the second semester. If you're at all interested in International Business, I would recommend UVa's program.

Aside from the curriculum, I agree with above, Charlottesville is a great town with a thriving college community and bar scene.

 

I think you would be better off not getting an MSF. As somebody currently in one of the top programs I can tell you that nobody in my class has gotten BB IBD offers, typically your looking at boutiques/MM. I would just start looking for jobs, you would be much better off working for a year in a related job then lateraling rather than spending a year of your life and 40k on an MSF.

You mentioned that you wouldn't be happy at a smaller firm or rotational program, but in all honestly most of the MSF job placements will be at those types of roles. Most kids in my program fight over IB jobs at firms like RJ, Buldge Brackets are a stretch for sure.

 
jss09:

I think you would be better off not getting an MSF. As somebody currently in one of the top programs I can tell you that nobody in my class has gotten BB IBD offers, typically your looking at boutiques/MM. I would just start looking for jobs, you would be much better off working for a year in a related job then lateraling rather than spending a year of your life and 40k on an MSF.

You mentioned that you wouldn't be happy at a smaller firm or rotational program, but in all honestly most of the MSF job placements will be at those types of roles. Most kids in my program fight over IB jobs at firms like RJ, Buldge Brackets are a stretch for sure.

I am in an MSF and heading to a BB

'Before you enter... be willing to pay the price'
 

UVA is one of the top programs out there, just take a look at their placements. IMO, the Duke program might be "easier" since it is more management than pure finance. The range of placements will be wider because of this.

As for this BB or bust mentality, get real. Tons of great banks out there beyond what WSO considers bulge bracket. Placements are largely dependent on the individual student also.

 

@jss09 That's kinda what I've heard and read, which is why I've never really considered the MSFs; however, after going back and looking at the Duke and UVA placements and who comes to OCR I've started to reconsider. Along with the education I want out of an MSF program is 1. Rebrand a little and get good grades 2. Have the opportunity to get into some interviews. In my opinion interviewing is one of my strongest assets and I'm confident that if I can be channeled into first round interviews at top banks and consultancies, that I can convert.

@notthehospitalER Villanova seems like a weak placing program. I've heard that their OCR is shit and I'm not a huge fan of Philly. I know I'm not a candidate for any of the super quantitate programs like Princeton or MIT, but Duke and UVA seems to be easier to get into, have a larger class size, and have good placement

@TNA Thats how I felt after looking at the placements. They get some big names to come to campus. I'm by no means a BB or bust guy. I'd be extremely happy with a Tier 2 consultancy, one of the "lesser" BBs, or even a good boutique firm. Right now, those are mainly out of my reach, which is why I'm considering an MSF.

Thanks for all the comments guys

 

Many people want banking few are qualified and prepared. Programs can provide a quality education, a strong brand and a good alumni base. The rest is on the student. If you look at all of the main MSF programs they provide all three.

Placements will always ebb and flow in MSF programs because MSF students, in general, are looking for a second shot.

As for Villanova's placements being "shit" I'd be interested to know your source. Considering the fact that I know all the placements the program has ever had and I wouldn't call them shit.

 

You could also consider delaying graduation one semester. That would allow you to recruit as a junior all over again. With your new graduation date of January 2015 rather than May 2014, you are eligible for every firm's summer program. You would be more competitive than many peers given your prior BB internship, you could get your grades up in the meantime, and you have more insight on how the recruiting process works as well as how to perform during the summer program.

To do this, you can either take the spring off and complete an off-cycle internship at whatever place you can convince in the coming months to take you, go half-time in the spring and the following fall, or simply take nine full semesters (and pick up a second major or minor) if your school allows it. You could even spend a semester abroad.

This allows you to avoid the MSF problem, as we've all seen that placements out of even the top programs are less than consistently stellar. It is very easy to explain any circumstance that arises in undergrad; you can make up a story explaining your delayed graduation by citing pressing personal matters, familial issues, or financial concerns.

At firms you didn't previously interview with (i.e. they don't know your name when reviewing resumes), you don't even have to bring it up. On the other hand, the fairly automatic assumption most people have about someone in a one-year Master's program is that they couldn't get a good job out of undergrad.

I am permanently behind on PMs, it's not personal.
 

I think the extend a year is an interesting option, but I feel like there are some risks. I suppose if you can land a off cycle internship it would be the best bet. You should have an easy time doing it since you already have a BB internship and you would be able to commit full time to the job. You could also add another major and use that as a way to beef up your GPA and stay in school longer. Might also make sense.

You wont get an another alumni network that you would get at a masters, but since you go to a top LAC you probably don't need it. I'd see how you do on your GMAT and then make the decision. You can apply to a tight group of 2/3 schools that have solid recruiting in the area you are looking to work and if those fall through or if they don't provide any scholarship money, you can always extend a year.

 

I've heard that last year about 400 people applied to Fuqua, and about 110 got in. Don't take my word for it though; this is just what I've heard. I would assume it's about the same at UVA.

Get your GMAT up or over the average, and write well constructed essays, and you should be fine at one or the other.

Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis - when I was dead broke man I couldn't picture this
 

Dukes program accepts people with a wider and more diverse background. So I would say that Duke is "easier" to get into, although easy doesn't mean dumb. UVA's program is amazing, but for a certain type of student. I'd say they are "harder" but not simply on a GMAT/GPA basis.

If you are a non business student looking to do finance or marketing and want a great experience, UVA is a good fit. If you come from a wide range of backgrounds, business included, and are looking for a general management experience, Duke is a good fit.

Both brand names are top notch and both will get you where you want to be, the question is where do you feel more comfortable?

 

UVA has graduating timeline restrictions. You kind of have to go right into the program I believe. The Duke MMS is more suited for people without any business background. Consider it MBA lite.

 

I would think your GPA could offset that GRE score, but TNA is the guy to confirm that or not. But if you get that GRE from a 310 to a 320 you'd probably be good to go IMO.

Also, you don't need to do the GMAT. Almost every school takes both and they use the GRE converter. So right now, your score converts to a 610 GMAT. Get, say, a 160 V and 160 Q, that converts to a 670 GMAT. With that GPA of yours, that will round you out pretty well.

 

I have thought of a few schools in Europe, specifically:

UK: Cass & Warwick Netherlands: RSM, University of Amsterdam & Tilburg. Ireland: UC, Dublin & Trinity

The Only problem is that these schools are all unknown in the US and will make it difficult to come back to the states. I figure that a US masters with a good reputation abroad is the best route.

 

I actually really love the HEC Paris program and forgot to mention that above. To tell you the truth it would probably be my first choice out of al the European Programs I saw. SSE I know has a great program but I hear most recruiting is done for Nordic Desks in Europe and I speak only English Fluently ( took some French in secondary school but not even conversational). I would really appreciate it if you have any insight into the HEC Paris program.

 

If just considering Fuqua v. McIntire, I would tend to lean towards McIntire. McIntire has a built-in Global Immersion Experience in which you spend a month abroad in one of 4 locales (2 Europe trips, Southeast Asia and China). While abroad, students take classes and visit companies in those locales. Through these trips, McIntire has really increased its name recognition amongst international employers when considering applicants.

PM me for more information.

 

If you are requiring a H1 to work in the states you might want to consider European schools. Not saying you can't find a job, but you need to cast a wide net and be comfortable taking something outside of IB.

 

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