Biggest Myths About Your Favorite Business Schools

Myth: Hanover is too far away to draw recruiters to Dartmouth Tuck.

Reality: A common question that prospective students ask is if there is anything to do up here since Tuck is in the “middle of nowhere.” Compared to schools located in major cities, yes, there is relatively “less” to do. At the same time, that answer is a matter of perspective. I can confidently say that there is no shortage of things to do here. Where else can you, in one day, play pond hockey in the morning, go to class and speak with a few recruiters during the day, ski in the afternoon, and have dinner with a visiting executive in the evening?
Brent Quimby, Dartmouth (Tuck)

 

Myth: LBS is a “Finance School.”

Reality: LBS has stellar faculty and career options in this sector, but other industries are equally well-catered to as well. Because of our Central London location, students have access to outstanding technology and startup ecosystems apart from major consulting offices. In fact, a significant portion of my class will be pursuing careers in technology, entrepreneurship, and corporate strategy.
Sid Singh, London Business School

 

Myth: The University of Michigan’s location is a hindrance.

Reality: Being located in Ann Arbor is a strength, not a weakness. Why? Because everyone here is fully present and fully invested in this specific experience. There are few resources more valuable than people’s undivided presence. I am a 10-minute walk within 100 of my new best friends. Where is everyone in the evenings or weekends? The same places you’ll be. This focus and intentionality add a layer of richness, depth, and intensity to the Ross experience that is hard to replicate in larger urban areas. Also, in case you were concerned, every top company comes to campus. That’s the power of the Ross alumni network. We’re also only a half-hour from Detroit International Airport for when you need to escape town.
Christopher Lee Owen, University of Michigan (Ross)

 

Myth: IE Business School is not suitable for people who want to go into consulting or finance.

Reality: While the school’s focus certainly lies on entrepreneurship, it still covers consulting and finance as well (by offering relevant classes through campus clubs, and the Careers Department). For consulting I’d even say that, in fact, IE’s focus on entrepreneurship will help consultants in their career because the work is more entrepreneurial than many people think (even before becoming a partner.) For example, when working on a project, excellent (entrepreneurial) team members always identify ways to increase the impact of that project for the client and are able to pitch their ideas to the team’s leadership. Usually, this behavior is what differentiates a high-performing team member from an average one.
Maximilian Noll, IE Business School

 

Myth: You should only go to Foster if you are interested in technology careers.

Reality: I am proud to stand as living proof of a Foster (soon-to-be) grad who will be going back to a 75-year-old company in a traditional CPG field to bring back to life a brand that was in its heyday during the 80s. Of course, there is some truth to the statement. Foster is well-ingrained in the Seattle community. With companies like Amazon, Microsoft, T-Mobile, and Phillips at our fingertips, there has been a wealth of opportunities to network, intern, and engage with the Seattle tech scene. However, during my time at Foster, I was also able to visit sports apparel companies like Nike and Adidas, participate in case competitions for companies like P&G, and work on projects for non-profit organizations like NatureBridge. Overall, as Foster continues to select diverse candidates with a range of interests, I am confident that the alumni network will continue to grow into new industries, functions, and locations.
Zara Mahmood, University of Washington (Foster)

 

Myth: Haas is a school for tech and startups.

Reality: While we are a hub for entrepreneurship, there are also students who work in a variety of industries after graduation and that is something I’m really proud of. Another myth is that Berkeley is an echo chamber of beliefs. One of Haas’ defining principles is “Question The Status Quo” and I have seen first-hand how my peers are doing that in the classroom, in our dialogues over dinner, and in the companies, they are launching or joining. It’s definitely a place where a foundation of shared values allows you to have deeper and more meaningful conversations–whether or not you agree.
Danielle Mayorga, U.C.-Berkeley (Haas)

 

Myth: Coming to Goizueta means being forced to limit your job opportunities to the Southeast region.

Reality: Goizueta students have managed to find success all over the country. Most of my interviews for summer internships were for jobs outside of the Southeast. I’m choosing Atlanta for full-time not because I have to, but because I want to. You’re only as limited as you allow yourself to be. We’re equipped to #GoBeyond all boundaries, limitations, and expectations throughout our time here.
Tierra Evans, Emory University (Goizueta)

 

Myth: Wharton students are too competitive.

Reality: Before I came to Wharton, I heard that it could be a competitive environment. I have never experienced that at Wharton. My classmates are some of the most collaborative and friendly people I’ve met. We are all driven and invested in each others’ success. Whether it is a friend dropping off food when I was sick or an acquaintance staying up late in the evening to help me understand a course concept, the Wharton family has been there for me through the thick and thin.
Anisha Mocherla, Wharton School

 

Myth: Johnson is a “Finance School.” 

Reality: Although investment banking, corporate finance, and investment research make up a significant portion of the class’s career path, there is also a large emphasis on tech careers and other paths. With the launch of the Cornell Tech campus, the introduction of our Digital Technology Immersion, the refresh of our Marketing Immersion to include an emphasis on strategic product management for tech, and the creation of our Intensives in Digital Marketing and Fintech, Johnson is offering more and more resources to students who are seeking a career in technology.
Kevin Shen, Cornell University (Johnson)

 

Myth: Simon is too small and finance-focused.

Reality: It’s true. It is actually smaller than some schools, but I view that as a benefit. The size allows us to connect more easily and with a large variety of students. For example, we have some classes with both MS students and part-time MBA students. These individuals bring a different viewpoint based on geography and professional experience that contributes to dynamic discussions. Although Simon is a small program, our alumni network is simply amazing. In addition, advisory boards of professional clubs really provide valuable assistance and guidance for students.

For the second part, that is a misconception. In recent years we have had many students working in a variety of other fields ranging from strategy consulting to technology or marketing and pricing. We choose our school projects from four functions – finance, consulting, marketing, and product management – to give us better exposure and experience for our future careers. A myriad of different clubs host sessions inviting alumni in these fields to share their experiences as well.
Tady Chen, University of Rochester (Simon)

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