NYU or Columbia EMBA

by **emba** Thu Nov 13, 2008 9:22 pm

I was accepted to both and I need to make a decision. I think NYU EMBA offers more electives in finance through the part-time program. But Columbia is an ivy league school and probably more recognized. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks.

by **MBAApply** Fri Nov 14, 2008 10:57 am

At the EMBA level, school pedigree isn't as important, particularly when you're comparing schools like Columbia vs. NYU. This is partly due to the fact that most students aren't really looking for new jobs (other than within their company), and/or the fact that many of the students have a long work history that their body of work usually is more important than school (i.e. if you have 8-10 years experience, whether you went to Columbia or NYU for your EMBA isn't really what determines whether you get a promotion or not -- and you're not really competing against full-time MBAs anyhow for jobs since you're at a different point in your career).

Go for the school you think will give you the educational experience you want, and not for the pedigree.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com

by **emba** Fri Nov 14, 2008 11:15 pm

Thanks for your response Alex. I understand your point that the pedigree is not as important because I will likely be with the same organization but I will eventually look for employment elsewhere and I wonder if the ivy league name would offer more opportunities going forward-possibly shortly after graduating. If the only difference between two candidates is the degree would an employer be indifferent as to which they hire? There may be the perception that the graduate from the ivy league school is more qualified. This is my dilemma or do you think that this perception does not exist between these two well respected schools? Your insights are appreciated. Thanks again.

by **MBAApply** Mon Nov 17, 2008 1:07 am

Pedigree matters more for those gunning for entry-level jobs. With an EMBA, you're not going for those kinds of jobs, but for middle-mgmt and senior level positions where they value experience and it's more about your total body of work (i.e. with seasoned professionals, you can't assume "the only difference is the pedigree" because both candidates have enough experience that they can't be identical).

Pedigree matters for kids, far less so for adults.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com