If you’re considering an MBA school, should you shoot for the big names or stay regional? We’re doing a show on that very question at MBA Podcaster. I’ve been talking to folks at regional schools, but also to consultants.
Recently, I talked with Caroline Ceniza-Levine and Connie Thanasoulis, Co-Founders of the recruiting firm SixFigureStart. It’s a career coaching firm helping Gen Y students and young professionals launch their careers. They have opposing opinions.
Caroline maintains there are many reasons for regional schools — mostly, that students resonate with the area and with the school’s specialties, and that it’s affordable.
Connie spent most of her career recruiting from higher ranked schools. She says these big-name schools position students with their very active career services departments. Big companies consider those schools a target for the positions they want to fill. Connie says when she ran campus recruiting for Merrill-Lynch, 75% came from the big-name schools, and the other 25% came from a blend of other schools, students who made their way. But they all earned $95K base. Nice.
Caroline says the thought that the school that you attend will dictate your future income is incorrect. Check out some of today’s millionaires — many are high school dropouts. She says if you know how to look for a job, you’ll be able to penetrate the big companies.
Given the choice of a regional school or a big-name, Connie would choose a big school. She says the alumni base is huge, there is great access to professors with prestigious backgrounds, and the engine at the big school will serve you well your entire career. Caroline says you should make your decision on what is best for you. Survey the advantages — she would choose a regional school, and that decision, for many students, could be based on financial, academic, environmental or geographic reasons.
Caroline says “Make your choice on what is best for you, own your choice and be empowered about moving your career forward.” To which Connie says, “Well said, Caroline.”
Read the full article: Regional vs Big Name National MBA: The MBA Recruiters Weigh In