Just want to get some ideas from you guys... I was just admitted to Darden, so now I'm deciding between USC and Darden. I know Darden has a better rank and reputation, but if I want to stay in Southern California, should I pick USC? I'm interested in international business/marketing. Thanks.

Somebody else posted a similar post regarding staying in SoCal. SC has a great international business program, and if you are set on staying in SoCal, go to USC! If you're trying to get a job at a company in SoCal, they will ALL recognize USC, but some may not appreciate the value of a Darden MBA. SC will build you a better network in CA to start with. Just my 2 cents.

Def go for USC. There is nothing like the Trojan mafia in SoCal. I think people in SoCal won't know what "Darden" is, and when you say "Virginia," I don't think that will help you.

In terms of "brand," I really do think some of these named schools suffer by not being more associated with their overall brands. I'm sure the schools had to be named such and such b/c of naming gifts, but still... "Sloan" "Tuck" "McDonough" "Fuqua" "Anderson" (and "Marshall" too!) etc...

Blah, blah. Bottom line: For SoCal, Hawaii and Asia, USC is king.

I'm graduating from a top-tier MBA program this May (and working on Level II) and have received two offers to commence when I graduate. I am looking for advice from intelligent individuals like those on this board, many of whom are either in similar situations or will be in the near future (hopefully).

The first offer is an equity research associate position at a large buy-side firm. The role is exactly what you'd expect. I'd be working with two senior analysts covering specific stocks in a specific sector. I'd be performing financial modeling, preparing research notes, etc. Career track trends towards becoming a senior research analyst or possibly a PM several years down the road.

The second offer is at a very small Investment Management firm (and by very small I mean 3 employees and $100M in AUM). The firm manages money for a number of institutional clients (pensions, endowments). They currently manage three funds (large, mid, & small cap) and have a solid track record. My role would be helping the owner roll out and manage a new long/short ETF fund. I guess I should explain. Basically we will analyze sectors of the market we believe will outperform (tech, defense, etc.) and go long corresponding ETF sector funds.

Additionally, we will analyze sectors we expect to underperform and short those sector-specific ETFs. I would be completely involved at the onset assisting the owner in every facet of the development and management process. The company expects to grow considerably over the next couple years and it could (and I stress COULD) be a great opportunity to get in at a growing firm and make a name for myself at a young age... or it could go bust, who knows.

As you can tell these are different roles that would lead down different paths.

The question is: Which would you take and why?

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Hey, I would not like to comment without more information, but with the info you provided if I was in your position I would go for the second option , since I would be building a position for myself and a name for myself rather than a great portfolio for someone else. I may not be the best person to advice you but personally I have a risk taking nature and the second offer seems like a better investment for my career compared to the first one. But then if you want to play safe I would advise to take the first option.

As the previous poster said, I think it comes down all to your risk preference. Personally, Iā?Td go for the 1st option but I tend to be risk averse. How long has the 2nd firm been around?

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Do you remember when I mentioned a program called Tech Trek West in an earlier blog? After weeks of preparation, our group of 24 flew out to Seattle just a few days ago.

If you are interested in working in the technology industry or other non-technology companies on the West Coast, this is the ultimate trip. Imagine being escorted into Starbucks headquarters where you receive a master class by a senior marketing director who led the development of the Starbucks-Apple partnership. Imagine discussing RFID technology with one of the leading CEOs of our time. Imagine working on a case study with the consumer marketing team at one of the largest telecom providers in the world, AT&T Wireless. And imagine getting career advice from Boston College alumni at Microsoft. And now understand that these things happened in only the first two days of the trip. This truly is the best "Tech Trek" of any business school - I canā?Tt imagine any better. Kudos to Professor Gallaugher.

After a whirlwind two days (and an extended birthday party last night) Iā?Tm sitting in my hotel room watching the Seattle Seahawks - and their quarterback, Matt Hasselback - another BC alum. Eagles are everywhere.