Ask Critical Square

Hi Bhavik,
As far as my research goes, for MBA applicants with RE focus, UCLA has got pretty strong real estate program (I know there are other schools as well in the top 20 with strong or may be stronger RE focused MBA curriculum, but I'm considering it along side those) . However, I've some dilemma in locking it for my apps mostly because of the following -

I don't want to be in Cali post-MBA. Rather I want to be in the South or East Coast, preferably Texas/Georgia(Atlanta)/North Carolina etc.

For a UCLA MBA grad, what are the prospects/chances of getting RE consulting job in East coast or South in the firms such as CBRE,C&W,JLL (and/or in some MC firms,with strong business in RE field, such as Deloitte,PwC,E&Y,McKinsey) ?
If coming out from UCLA, I say that I wanna have a posting in any of the above mentioned states then will that become a hindrance and will they gonna push me into their West coast offices?

So, bottom-line is that considering the above, should I go ahead with UCLA application ?

Would much appreciate your feedback on this!

Looking forward to your thoughts. Thank you.

CriticalSquareMBA wrote:Hi there,

That's a great question. That's definitely a risk but in an industry like RE, you have a lot more ability to push for certain regions. A lot of this will hinge on your personal networking efforts. Honestly, having a UCLA degree won't hinder your ability to land a job elsewhere. But going to school in those locations will help because you're going to get an immediate alumni bump! So places like Duke, McCombs, Emory, etc. - all good options too!

If, however, you're looking at Management Consulting firms - they can't guarantee you RE assignments so be aware of that! But if you're going MC, then it doesn't matter where you go to school as long as it's top 20.

Bhavik

Thanks Bhavik for your reply.

Few quick follow-ups and clarification -
So,you'd suggest applying to UCLA along with other schools as mentioned earlier. Right ?

Just wanna clarify that after UCLA, if I'd like to be in the South or East Coast, preferably Texas/Georgia(Atlanta)/North Carolina etc., then those RE firms won't really push me into their West coast offices? Am I getting you correct ?

As for MC - yes, I can understand that,but as you know one has to keep some back-up options in hand...hence, these MC firms! Otherwise my primary goal is to land up in a RE firm as I said in my first post.