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Illinois has a great program (IBC, google it) for consulting minded individuals. Highly recommend it, however most undergrads are smarter than the iMBAs
@OP - even in Illinois, an MBA of any sort from uiuc isn't viewed very highly by major firms/recruiters. Even if not changing careers, I'd investigate other online or exec Ed programs that are administered by more well regarded schools, whether nationally or regionally. If your goal is MBB, or a large D pay bump id be cautious. Many firms still don't view an online MBA as the same as an in-classroom program. @kpmg - there's still a rating system. We just can't see it anymore. We even have metrics that show our performance against others. Reviewers are still given boxes to fill out that are the equivalent of a 1-5 scale. They just removed the need for complaints when someone gets high ratings on the project reviews but not the same rating at mid/end year.
@K1 - I'd consider Northwestern, Booth, Kelley, and ND for well regarded options within 200 miles of Chicago. Not sure what Ross offers beyond Full Time, but another great option within 300 miles of Chicago. As far as online or in classroom - it is more of a criteria if the person is trying to get into consulting without a consulting background. Since they're still a student, they would have to apply through a resume drop, where the firm knows the channel the student came from. If trying another route, the question would arise as to why not go through on campus. Further out from graduation, it isn't as critical a factor. Another indicator is start/end dates since the online programs often have more start/end cycles than the in-classroom options. One other way - if you worked full time and traveled full time, your options were exec Ed or online. Age/WE is often a determining factor for Exec Ed, so process of elimination can tell recruiter or interviewer the option you took.
For the record - I'm getting married soon and planning on buying a house. 2 years at a full time program isn't realistic. My background is Tech Implementations for CRM and recently ventured into AI/Machine Learning. The MBA is more for my resume as most likely exit opps are Entrepreneurship (once I cannot climb any higher within the firm)
What 10k a year? I thought GSAP was our only option
D1- there are 3 options. All employees get 10k a year for tuition towards any masters.
2nd - GSAP (for full time 2 year study)
3rd - Extended Annual Assistance program. (Up to a 100k for a part time MBA for a high performer not wanting to do GSAP)
Curious to know more about the AI and machine learning stuff. I can post a burner....
Curious on this 10k a year benefit. Are you required to stay after getting the Masters?
What's GSAP???
If you are not going top 20-25 - then do what you are doing.
I cringe when i see people paying 90k for a program that is rated number 50. The education you will get and the person in a program rated 25-75 is the same. You will jus end up paying about 50-60% leas then he did.
Cheers buddy...enjoy the mba
Nvm I learned how to google, now know what GSAP is. But! I'll be joining uncle D in January so this is good info. Since D removed performance ratings, how are y'all defining high performer?
@D2 what about the NW evening/part time MBA? And how do they know an MBA is online if it's not designated on diploma??
@D2, the UIUC program would be free to me (costs only 20k). Not planning on going to MBB. Most likely would look for industry exit opps down the road with prior clients (at that point the MBA would just be a check box) ... what do you think?
Illinois MBA is a solid program. If MBA is just a checkbox for you, go for the online MBA. However, if experiential learning, class room discussion, and networking is important, invest in a classroom based MBA program.
Ohhhhh I see. Thanks for the detailed response @D2! 💯
Let me know ASAP cause the next cohort starts in January and the deadline to apply is in 2 days. I'll have no issues getting in but it's a 2 year commitment. Thanks everyone :)
Woah @GSAP. How selective is it to be qualified for the GSAP?
@OP - I'd hold off until you've looked at the others. Price is important, but not worth rushing the decision that can wait a month or two. Network access from your MBA also matters, and UIUC isn't a strong network at that level. Would you be okay attending a better program by covering the difference from Uncle D with loans? Taking loans for 10-20k is much better than full load. Additionally, the Uncle D name carries more weight with admissions ppl that also want the "companies that have ppl in our program are from..." In their advertising. I know a few consultants that have done Kelley Direct because of the flexibility it offered and the ranking and really enjoyed it. They were also in consulting and had plans to stay with the firm they were with before leaving for industry. As far as Booth, Kellogg, and Mendoza, everyone I know either did part time or weekend, and that doesn't sound like what you're looking for.
^^i saw the 2 day deadline. My assumption was they have a summer cohort.