UCLA Business Economics vs Berkeley Economics vs USC Business Admin.?

Question

I plan on transferring to one of these schools from a community college. My career goal lies in the field of Finance or Investment Banking, and I plan on pursuing MBA at top 10 Business Schools.

I know that overall, Berkeley is the most prestigious and well known school out of the three, but UCLA's BizEcon program (I like the idea of having economics and business combined together. That's like mastering theoretical-based studing and technical training at the same time) and USC's Business Admin. (Trojan network is unignorable plus USC's Undergrad. Biz Program is extremely strong) are also quite tempting.

If I were to choose either UCLA or USC, will I have significantly harder time getting a job at a top-player I-bank or Finance Firm than if I were to choose Berkeley?

While some people say the difference is negligible and the only difference is location, many people say going to Berkeley will give me an upperhand in getting a "better" job.

What's your suggestion?

Answer 1

All three are EXCELLENT undergraduate programs and you will not likely be at a disadvantage by going to one over the other. Here's the way I see it:

1) Berkeley: UCB is obviously a great school, and that extends to their business school/department. It is a highly prestigious national and statewide program, and will definitely look great. Of course, Berkeley is in the Bay Area (so if you're not a NorCal person, definitely NOT the place to be...), and does have a national reputation for being a bit radical (whether deserved or not, I'm just stating what I hear). As the first poster said, she would be disinclined to hire someone from Berkeley, and you'll find people like that for virtually every school; but maybe do some more research and find out whether the Berkeley Business program really puts you at a disadvantage. Major Pros: Berkeley has instant name recognition nationally, Haas is a great school. Major Cons: The fog. Berkeley's national reputation (according to some, but by all means not all people), the reply of the first poster (her company's automatically out for you, are there others?)

2) UCLA: Berkeley's warmer counterpart in the Southland, UCLA's BizEcon program is definitely prestigious. It may not be as highly ranked as Berkeley's, but it's not far behind, and the UCLA name itself carries a lot of weight. From visiting friends down there, I can tell you that "BizEcon" is almost like a brand name thing, which is highly regarded even within the university itself and is difficult to get into. A program like that, including classes taught at the Anderson School of Management (again, it may not be as high as Haas, but it's not far behind) gives you a major leg up in the market. UCLA (as well as Berkeley, USC and pretty much any great California school save Stanford) suffers from a lack of reputation on the East Coast (where, if you haven't noticed, most of our financial centers are based). Everyone there knows that UCLA and UCB are great schools, but they don't know how great. For example, someone in New York might be more inclined to take someone from NYU's Stern than from UCLA's BizEcon simply because NYU's a little more known (despite its lower ranking).

USC: The Trojan Network is a much fabled, and amazingly powerful resource. People all over the nation wish they could have a taste of it. And 'SC's business school is definitely top notch. But if UCB and UCLA are less known in the east, USC is very much an unknown, known more for football and hot cheerleaders than for academics (though the alum network compensates a lot for this). In california and the west in general, it's top notch.

Anywhere you go, you'll be fine. Congratulations!

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
UCLA Business Economics vs Berkeley Economics vs USC Business Admin.?
I plan on transferring to one of these schools from a community college. My career goal lies in the field of Finance or Investment Banking, and I plan on pursuing MBA at top 10 Business Schools.

I know that overall, Berkeley is the most prestigious and well known school out of the three, but...

Answer 3

Usc Economics

Answer 4

All three are excellent schools and excellent programs. While Berkeley is the more presticious, UCLA and USC are only a few schools behind in the rankings.

Why are you limiting your interest at Berkeley to Economics? Their undergraduate B-School (Haas) is ranked #3 -- well ahead of USC. Their economics department is one of the best in the world. You could mix economics and business classes with no problem.

I got my PhD at Haas and taught some undergraduate classes while I was there. I was as impressed with the undergraduates at Berkeley as I was with the undergraduates that I taught at MIT's Sloan School and Penn's Wharton School.

I can assure you that Haas students are in demand -- and not just in California. I had several undergraduate students who got offers from prestigious I-Banks in NYC.

In fact, Haas is one of the few undergraduate programs where Goldman Sachs recruits. The irony is that at the time GS was not recruiting Haas MBA students.

Answer 5

if you plan on working in southern california when you're done with school, i highly suggest going to SC. i went there for my undergrad and even before i had finished, i had numerous offers because i took full advantage of the trojan network. and the network will continue to work for you long after you graduate. even to this day, i get offers because of the contacts i've made through the network.

Answer 6

As VP of a mid sized company I can tell you that I wouldn't be very interested with employees who had received their degree from Berkeley. The school is not known for its appreciation of business.

It may also depend on where you are planning on working. Outside of CA I think Berkely would be a hindrance.