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US MBAs in terms of student life/networking


Posted Jul 31, 2015 14:26

I know it's one of the last things I should be thinking about, but could somebody help me shortlist some US MBA programs based on the student life experience?

I want to make the most of my time during my studies, both in terms of student life (availability of social activities, as well as proximity...) and networking potential?

I was considering UCLA, because it has great placements in the firms I will target post graduation (Adobe, Apple, Ebay, et al) but as somebody who has lived carless in London most of his life, the idea of having to get a car and then to drive it around southern California, just to network and meet people, seems to me absurd.

So I have started to look closely at the NYC schools (NYU and Columbia), I love the city and it obviously has a great nightlife and networking opportunities, but neither NYU nor Columbia seem to place well in the internet/tech/online retail spaces... So I am also looking for other suggestions!

Thanks!
I know it's one of the last things I should be thinking about, but could somebody help me shortlist some US MBA programs based on the student life experience?

I want to make the most of my time during my studies, both in terms of student life (availability of social activities, as well as proximity...) and networking potential?

I was considering UCLA, because it has great placements in the firms I will target post graduation (Adobe, Apple, Ebay, et al) but as somebody who has lived carless in London most of his life, the idea of having to get a car and then to drive it around southern California, just to network and meet people, seems to me absurd.

So I have started to look closely at the NYC schools (NYU and Columbia), I love the city and it obviously has a great nightlife and networking opportunities, but neither NYU nor Columbia seem to place well in the internet/tech/online retail spaces... So I am also looking for other suggestions!

Thanks!
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Posted Aug 02, 2015 23:18

I think this depends on the social activities you want. There is a trade off: you'll get the best networking in a more isolated campus setting. In a city-centre, people will get off campus quickly.
I think this depends on the social activities you want. There is a trade off: you'll get the best networking in a more isolated campus setting. In a city-centre, people will get off campus quickly.
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Posted Aug 04, 2015 07:02

I wouldn't discount UCLA simply due to lack of transportation options. You can use use services like uber, certainly, or even normal taxis if you budget in transportation costs.

Also, carsharing: there are at least 5 Zipcar pods on the UCLA campus that I know of, maybe even more. Zipcar isn't that costly, and you'll get a discount just by being a UCLA student. Plus, they allow you to use the service with an international license.

Not saying it's not absurd that LA requires so much driving, but, if UCLA is the best school for you in terms of your career goals, then I wouldn't discount it simply because of the transportation hassles.
I wouldn't discount UCLA simply due to lack of transportation options. You can use use services like uber, certainly, or even normal taxis if you budget in transportation costs.

Also, carsharing: there are at least 5 Zipcar pods on the UCLA campus that I know of, maybe even more. Zipcar isn't that costly, and you'll get a discount just by being a UCLA student. Plus, they allow you to use the service with an international license.

Not saying it's not absurd that LA requires so much driving, but, if UCLA is the best school for you in terms of your career goals, then I wouldn't discount it simply because of the transportation hassles.
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Posted Aug 05, 2015 10:19

This is good to know. I had not really considered car sharing. Also, I've been reading about LA's metro system, and it seems there's a stop near UCLA. From what I can tell, service is not comprehensive (ie you can't get to many parts of the area with the metro) but it does go to downtown. That's something.
This is good to know. I had not really considered car sharing. Also, I've been reading about LA's metro system, and it seems there's a stop near UCLA. From what I can tell, service is not comprehensive (ie you can't get to many parts of the area with the metro) but it does go to downtown. That's something.
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Posted Aug 10, 2015 09:59

Hey, one more thing. What do you think of the MBAs at Seattle Foster and Carnegie Mellon, especially compared to UCLA? I am reading that they are also good for tech/internet placements, and maybe better location wise than UCLA.
Hey, one more thing. What do you think of the MBAs at Seattle Foster and Carnegie Mellon, especially compared to UCLA? I am reading that they are also good for tech/internet placements, and maybe better location wise than UCLA.
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Posted Aug 10, 2015 21:00

I used the Metro bus service when I studied at UCLA Anderson, and it was fine. Don't forget sunscreen.
I used the Metro bus service when I studied at UCLA Anderson, and it was fine. Don't forget sunscreen.
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Posted Aug 12, 2015 15:50

Hey, one more thing. What do you think of the MBAs at Seattle Foster and Carnegie Mellon, especially compared to UCLA? I am reading that they are also good for tech/internet placements, and maybe better location wise than UCLA.

I think UCLA is probably stronger, in the general sense. I would look at MBA grads on Linkedin in the firms that you want to get into, and see who goes where. My sense is that Tepper is pretty strong for tech placements but the big firms recruit from many of the top schools, so UCLA might do just fine.
[quote]Hey, one more thing. What do you think of the MBAs at Seattle Foster and Carnegie Mellon, especially compared to UCLA? I am reading that they are also good for tech/internet placements, and maybe better location wise than UCLA.[/quote]
I think UCLA is probably stronger, in the general sense. I would look at MBA grads on Linkedin in the firms that you want to get into, and see who goes where. My sense is that Tepper is pretty strong for tech placements but the big firms recruit from many of the top schools, so UCLA might do just fine.
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Posted Aug 13, 2015 14:42

Thanks will do. I'm still leaning towards UCLA, and am feeling less hesitant about the whole "getting around LA without a car" part.
Thanks will do. I'm still leaning towards UCLA, and am feeling less hesitant about the whole "getting around LA without a car" part.
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Posted Aug 13, 2015 18:12

It's certainly a major lifestyle choice and one that will make people think you are eccentric, but it worked for me. If UCLA is the best school for you, then don't hesitate to go there.
It's certainly a major lifestyle choice and one that will make people think you are eccentric, but it worked for me. If UCLA is the best school for you, then don't hesitate to go there.
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Posted Aug 14, 2015 15:00

Ha, I don't mind being "eccentric!"
Ha, I don't mind being "eccentric!"
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