Question

Topic: Career/Training

Loyola's Gsb Msimc Vs. Northwestern's Medill Msimc

Posted by Anonymous on 12/25/2009 at 2:18 AM ET 250 Points
I graduated in May 2008 and currently have about 2 years of mixes sales and marketing experience. I am currently looking to begin my candidacy for my MS in Integrated Marketing Communications this year.

My search has been narrowed down to 2 schools, and I am having a very tough time deciding which program I would like to enter. I just recently received my exceptance letter to Loyola's MSIMC program. The program sounds nearly perfect and the teachers seem great (not to mention Loyola's amazing reputation).

The only problem is my number one choice was Medill's MSIMC program. However, I am not sure that is still the case anymore (both programs have their pros and cons). I am just turning in my application to Medill this week, so it will be awhile before I get my acceptance letter back. By that time, most likely, I will have to of made a decision as to whether or not I would like to start my graduate studies at Loyola.

Here is my problem and my main question:
1- Should I start Loyola's MSIMC program in the Spring just to get a start on my graduate studies (I am anxiously awaiting the start of a program), or should I wait until the summer or even the fall semester to hear back from Medill (Medill's program only starts in the fall)?

2 - Can anyone provide some insight from past experience or quantifiable comparison data regarding these two programs?



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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Gary Bloomer on 12/28/2009 at 12:24 PM Accepted
    Dear Nick,

    You don't have a problem, you have a choice, and one only you can make. As it was you who chose the programs I'd say you're the best qualified to pick one.

    Only one person knows what you want, where you see yourself three years from now, and what you want out of life and that's you.

    If you wait for the second opportunity to come along and it does not, you'll have flushed the first one down the pan. Stop second guessing yourself, stop attempting to predict the future, and make a decision.

    The longer you swing from one choice to the other, the longer you'll be torturing yourself. Stop. Flip a coin if necessary. But make a choice and stick with it.

    Either way you'll come out the other end with a great education. But the longer you muck around, the further into angst you'll go.
    I cannot and will not tell you which one is best for you—only you can make that choice.

    But I can and will urge you to act. Do it now and get on with your life.

    Gary Bloomer
    Wilmington, DE, USA
  • Posted on 1/3/2010 at 6:03 PM Accepted
    This is a decision you make with your gut, not with a check-list of pros and cons. Which feels right to you?

    If you are truly convinced that they're equally attractive and don't have an intuitive preference, then take the bird in the hand and run with it (as Gary suggests).

    I'm not sure why you thought WE might be able to offer any useful advice about choosing between your two alternatives. They're both good schools, as you already know. The difference between them (for you) is the chemistry you feel for them. Trust your intuition ... not the opinion of others -- especially not from a bunch of marketing professionals, most of whom have not made a decision like yours (i.e., which graduate program to choose) for years, if ever.
  • Posted on 1/3/2010 at 7:41 PM Author
    Thank you both for the solid advice. It is true that going with my gut will probably do me more good than carefully weighing out every possible pro and con in this situation.

    However, I have had bad luck with decisions like this in the past, given my lack of a mentor or any past situational examples to help guide me through decision process. Because of this, I tend to be almost mavenish (new word) when it comes to making any tough decision. I do believe that testimonials from experts are necessary for decisions of this financial caliber (not to mention neccesary because of the decision's affect on my future professional career), and as so I did do some research.

    Gary you were very blunt but also very correct. This is my decision, and ultimately I am the one who has to make it. Having some knowledge on both program's credentials is imperative to making an educated decision, but there is never a clear-cut winner.

    It may serve you well to know that I have done just that, and the decision has been made. I am very excited to start this next chapter in my life! Again, thank you both for the words of wisdom.
  • Posted on 1/3/2010 at 7:52 PM Moderator
    Recommended reading for you:

    How We Decide, by Jonah Lehrer.
  • Posted by Gary Bloomer on 1/3/2010 at 9:57 PM Member
    Dear Nick,

    Apologies for being blunt—I DO tend to call it the way I see it and in
    this case, I simply wanted you to see what great opportunities BOTH opportunities are, but that by waiting, you might well be letting both go. Congratulations on making a choice.

    Good luck to you.

    Gary Bloomer
    Wilmington, DE, USA
  • Posted on 1/5/2010 at 11:36 AM Author
    mgoodman: The book looks very interesting. It is seems very similar to Blink and The Tipping Point, which I have read and loved. Thank you for the recommendation.

    Gary Bloomer: Thank you so much for the good luck wishes, and your advice did help quite a bit. Like you said, I decided that taking action now will benefit me more than waiting on an opportunity that might never development. In the end, with hard work and dedication on my part, either program is a great fit for my needs. However, I would rather start moving forward with my education now rather than waiting any longer.

    Thanks again to you both,
    Nick
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