Hi,

There is always lots of talk about the best schools for IB / MC / PE / IM etc..., but what are the best schools for lining up a less high flying, lower pressure gig with better work life balance (and obviously much reduced earning potential). I guess I'm thinking of jobs along the lines of Product Manager at Microsoft, Brand Management at Patagonia, Marketing Research at Starbucks, Business Development for Nike, or something similar. The kind of gig that combines interesting work, a good level of responsible, and a 40-50 hour workweek with a decent salary in the 85-105K range.

Considering the cost of the H/S/W's and M7's of the world, and the lack of 5 and 6 figure bonuses in this type of career, is someone looking for this kind of job better off ignoring the conventional wisdom - attend the best school to which you are accepted - and chosing a scholarship to a top 15 -top 30 school? Which schools outside the elite specifically target these kinds of employers, as opposed to targeting the IB and MC scraps leftover by the heavy weights? BR />
Thanks

This is totally beside the point, but I just wanted to point out that I work with a lot of product managers at Microsoft, and believe me, it is NOT a 40hr/wk job. It's at least 60+. :)

I think this is a question for Alex. Post it on the "Ask Alex" thread. He is an admissions consultant who gives the best all around advice (much more than "will my stats get me into X school") for people considering business school.

I am looking for a job like this, in corporate finance, preferably in the energy industry. You should be able to get these types of jobs out of any school, but I would consider scholarships when deciding. If you go to a top 15 school, you should be in a good position to get the good brand management, corporate finance, or general management positions. It is logical to pass up on H/S/W for another top 15 program with a significant scholarship, as long as the school is solid in your area of interest, and firms you are interested in recruit there.

I would like to point out towards jobs like those at UN, World Bank, IFC. Decent living, global exposure, less pressure. Are there any B-Schools from where people have joined these organizations?

I've heard of a few G'town people joining. In general though the people that join those programs come out of International Relations type programs and not MBA's. I think SAIS in DC sends a lot into this field.

My friend works for an oil major in corp finance. He graduated from Darden in 2006 & got his full-time offer after interning with them. His firm does recruit at other Top 15 schools. And yes, he works around 40-45 hrs/wk & is paid well, considering that there are no state taxes & it is a cheap city.

Dear God! It looks like I've been mislead by the bubbly testimonials on a company recruiting website : )

Thanks for the tip.

This is a great thread.

Was the recruiting site for Starbucks similar to Microsoft's with its bubbly testimonials? I work in Marketing Research now...would love to find a low stress research job, plus the benefit of free coffee. That alone would save me hundreds $$$. :)

Try Green Mountain Coffee in Vermont...I'm serious

Hi all,

How strong is the Kenan-Flagler as a brand in the North-East US? - by that I mean basically everything north of D.C... WSJ lists UNC as 6th on a national desire list of recruiters, so that makes it pretty strong, but what about reality, not rankings?

Thanks.

Hi Aramis,

Congrats!!! UNC is a great school. I'm choosing it over Cornell and Chicago.

It's an extremely well known brand. Not only in NE but all over. It has a strong alumni network in north east, and especially NYC. Sort of a wild card entry to all high brow places. More than anything, it has a wonderful ,collaborative culture, and an excellent career service.

Now I'll give you a pearl of wisdom- instead of fretting over things like recognition in NE, you must understand that the school can give your career a decent launching pad, but after that it's entirely on you.

Four years down the line, what will matter most is how good you are.

Good Luck.

I agree - I think UNC has a brand that can take you anywhere (at least in the US). Must be nice to be you... :)

UNC name is well known but its not going to be as highly regarded as some other schools from that area (Duke and Darden). Its strength still lies in the Southeast. Career placement data should give you a good idea of how it stands in recruiting in the North East but overall in this part of the country I think its brand while strong is more associated with basketball than being an elite b-school. I am definitely not saying its a bad option since it is a great school but I think its strongest rep is definitely going to be found in the South.

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