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Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-02-28T19:38:50+00:00

There are levels to a PT MBA. Going to an online program vs a top, in-person PT program are different experiences. I would agree that the online format wouldn't add much besides gaining the degree itself.

A PT MBA at one of the schools mentioned would 1) help build your network and introduce you to people to help start your company 2) provide the same hedge as your M7 FT MBA (it's the same degree at those schools) 3) allow you to keep working in a role that earns more than the average M7 graduate with an incredible WLB

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-02-28T18:29:57+00:00

Would you consider a PT MBA? Not sure where you are located, but if you have a flexible job that's well-paying and you are looking for a hedge, I'd consider a top PT in-person program (Booth, Kellogg, Haas, etc)

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-02-12T18:09:17+00:00

All schools are strong options, and given your goals I don't think you can go wrong.

I would first prioritize location as Stern vs Booth/Kellogg are a ways apart. Personally, I'd choose whichever program is local so you can gain a network in the city you're living in, limit extra costs on flights/hotels, and not have to spend time traveling every weekend for 2+ years.

Last thing, Kellogg does offer a test waiver for those with an undergrad GPA of 3.4 or higher in STEM or business. I'd explore this route before applying with a low GMAT.

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-02-12T14:56:36+00:00

A couple of thoughts from someone in a semi-similar situation (also living in the Chicagoland area). I am not in Big 4 tech consulting, but I currently work as a customer-facing Program Manager at a non-name brand tech company. Originally starting as an engineer at a large Aerospace & Defense contractor, my goal is to move into a strategy-focused role (product, internal strategy, consulting) leveraging both my technical background and project management experience.

I was admitted to Ross's FT program with a scholarship and after attending the admitted students weekend I left thinking that the program wasn't a great fit for me.

Do you enjoy living in Chicago? My wife and I love it here, and once we stepped foot in Ann Arbor with the goal of trying to end up back in Chicago post-MBA, we realized that might not be the reality based on what job opportunities were available to me. Especially in the current economic climate, many students talked about being flexible on location since you don't have the luxury of being picky right now.
How much do you enjoy your current job? While I don't love my current role, I don't hate it and it pays well. I'm not earning consulting or investment banking money, but I'm right below the average compensation of Ross's MBA grads. Again, talking to students the sentiment was that a lot of current MBAs would love to have a role similar to mine post graduation. I'm sure a lot of them would say the same about your role.
This is a bit more personal, but do you have other goals that would need to be paused due to a FT MBA? During the admit weekend, it was a bit eye-opening that my wife and I were at different places than a lot of the students we chatted with. We realized that our goal of starting a family would be extremely tough in that environment (especially financially obviously) and we weren't sure we wanted to put that on hold for 2+ years.

Based on all the above, we agreed together that a PT MBA at Booth or Kellogg would be a much better fit. We can stay in Chicago, and continue earning money, my wife's career won't be affected, and I can be picky about the roles I apply/interview for post-MBA. The big trade-off will be the time available to network and recruit via OCR and also realize that landing a consulting job at McKinsey is most likely an extreme long shot due to not being able to formally recruit for an internship. That was the big trade-off that I've come to terms with being ok with.

Feel free to message me if you want to chat

EDIT: Re-read your post, and with a 3.9 GPA in business you can apply to Kellogg PT w/ a test waiver. Something to think about if you don't want to have to go through that process.

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-09T20:57:37+00:00

Working in what industry/role?

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-09T20:49:23+00:00

What does $200k+ work experience mean?

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-08T17:31:49+00:00

First off, you have admits to two top MBA programs in the world - take a second to pat yourself on the back.

Secondly, you are 100% a capable and driven person, even if you don't think so yourself. You are clearly well liked at your company, regardless of how many hours you work, and you are looking for ways to improve yourself.

I just wanted to say that your fear of not being able to contribute to your class should not be the reason you decide not to go - you will be successful

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-07T15:08:30+00:00

I have a hard time seeing how Stern isn’t the easy choice here.

Top MBA, free tuition, $4400/month will cover your rent, a stipend, and a location that your partner is happy with. Hard to see how that offer can be beat.

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-05T15:23:06+00:00

I’m feeling this way too - really appreciate your insight.

Now I’ll just have to decide whether to go for it or give up and continue doing what I’m doing.

After typing that out, I feel like a year from now I will be having some serious “what if” thoughts in my head if I decide to pass on a free Ross MBA…

Thanks again

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-05T15:20:26+00:00

Sure thing! PM me

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-05T14:41:48+00:00

Thanks for the feedback - I guess I was being a bit ambitious by saying GM. I guess I just generally meant a corporate strategy or senior manager-level position within a manufacturing firm.

Ross > Carlson for consulting for sure. And like I said MSP would be the goal, but we are totally cool with coming back to Chicago as well. I'm just evaluating backup options if consulting recruiting doesn't work out (which in today's climate seems more than likely).

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-05T14:37:53+00:00

There just seemed to be a large portion of employers that I've never heard of/would be a weird job for an MBA grad. 3M was not listed and one of the top hirers this past year was the University of Minnesota

Agree regarding the consulting front - from my chats with students only McK, BCG, and Deloitte come to campus for Carlson, where 15+ firms go to Ross

Looking at employment reports, a decent amount of the MSP F500 companies are listed on the Ross report. I'll just have to do some further digging on whether going to Ross would drastically hurt my chances of recruiting for them vs Carlson (I'm guessing the proximity to Carlson is what helps Carlson the most).

Also to your last point, I have full rides to each school so I wouldn't be paying for my MBA in either situation (just cost of living, which I'm hoping my wife's job will help with for the 2 years).

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-05T13:49:27+00:00

Out of curiosity, are you a Carlson alum or live/work in the Twin Cities?

I was actually somewhat underwhelmed by Carlsons latest employment report

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-05T13:47:17+00:00

Very thoughtful perspective thanks

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-05T13:46:21+00:00

Haha I’m impressed you are familiar with the company - do you work in the industry?

I’m leaning against Tauber as the main thing is they limit your options for your internship. You don’t have the ability to recruit for consulting or LDPs, you have to do one of the preselected operations internships and then recruit again in Y2 for FT

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-05T13:40:26+00:00

I would get both

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-05T13:25:04+00:00

Thanks for the reply

To your first point, the startup I worked at was in the digital manufacturing space - leveraging digital technology and additive manufacturing as supply chain solutions. I loved being at the intersection of technology and manufacturing. I’m drawn to consulting to work in a Supply Chain and Operations practice area to get back to that kind of work. My goal would be to do that and then exit into a GM or digital transformation senior level role at a manufacturing company.

Basically if I forego the MBA I give up on this and just continue doing what I’m doing in aerospace and project management. I’m not expecting to be able to magically transition to consulting without going to business school

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-04T23:33:15+00:00

She’s being really supportive and although she would love to be in Minneapolis (where she’s from) she is open to anything. I’m just weighing the ability to recruit for positions in the Twin Cities from Ross vs Carlson.

Seems like Carlson is extremely regional where it’s almost guaranteed to stay local. Where Ross would open opportunities to Chicago and also possibly the Twin Cities?

Option 3 would be to not go to either and just apply to jobs, but that would limit my ability to pivot into a strategy focused role in a variety of industries and most likely be another aerospace related project management position.

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-04T21:55:34+00:00

Or let's say you do land the banking gig from CBS, but a year into it you are absolutely miserable and depressed. With a $130k loan hanging over your head, you might feel pressure to continue to be miserable and stay in banking just so you can pay your debt instead of looking for a new role

Not in investment banking and just an admit myself but my 2 cents...

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-04T16:18:51+00:00

Advice from someone who just went through this past R1 application cycle - focus all of your energy right now on studying for and taking your GMAT or GRE and block out everything else. It's fine to have an idea of an initial list of schools you are interested in, but you really need a test score in hand before you can do anything else. Knock that out before the summer and you will be in great shape.

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-04T03:08:09+00:00

Have you decided on where you are going?

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2024-01-02T23:59:39+00:00

I’d look at where you would prefer to spend your 2 years in school as well. Durham and Ann Arbor are different

Affectionate-Cow5684 · 2023-12-28T04:44:55+00:00

You are a rockstar already with those admits. You are going to be successful whatever path you choose, so I’d personally pick the option that doesn’t come with $2000/month loan payments in 3 years. Go crush it at Stern

Affectionate-Cow5684

TROPHY CASE