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How prestigious is Baruch college in comparison to Ivy Leagues in terms of business studies?

I'm going to be a junior, and I'm hoping to attend a CUNY college; I want to be able to have an administrative position in business, potentially graduating Baruch with an MBA. I just want to know how a degree from this college would be perceived by companies. Thanks #business #finance

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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Oliver,

Let's Dive In

Nestled in the heart of New York City, Baruch College is a proud member of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. It's particularly renowned for its laser-focused business programs, most notably through its Zicklin School of Business. In this piece, we'll explore how Baruch College's business programs stack up against those of the Ivy League institutions. We'll also delve into how the business world perceives a degree from Baruch College.

Baruch College vs. Ivy League: A Prestige Showdown

Ivy League institutions are the gold standard in American education, celebrated for their intense academic programs, selective admissions, and robust alumni networks. This elite group includes Harvard, Yale, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, and Cornell. Notably, some of these universities boast top-tier business programs, such as Columbia Business School, Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale School of Management.

Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business, though not an Ivy League member, has earned a reputation for its robust business education. It provides a broad array of undergraduate and graduate programs, including accounting, finance, management, marketing, and international business. The Zicklin School of Business has earned accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a significant milestone for business schools globally.

When it comes to rankings, the Zicklin School of Business consistently ranks among America's top public business schools, as reported by U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek. While it may not boast the same prestige as some Ivy League business schools, a degree from Baruch College carries substantial weight in the job market.

The Job Market's View of a Baruch College Degree

Employers often weigh factors such as school reputation, program quality, and alumni network when assessing job candidates. While Ivy League schools may command more prestige overall, a degree from Baruch College is still highly valued, particularly in the business sector.

Zicklin School of Business graduates can leverage the school's strong ties to the New York City business community, offering abundant networking opportunities and potential job prospects. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on practical skills and real-world experiences equips students well for business careers.

Wrapping Up

Although the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College may not match the prestige of some Ivy League business schools, it delivers a robust education across various business disciplines. A degree from Baruch College carries significant weight in the job market, especially for those eyeing administrative roles in business. Graduates can tap into the school's connections to the New York City business community and its focus on practical skills and real-world experiences.

Essential References

U.S. News & World Report: This trusted source ranks educational institutions, including business schools, offering invaluable insights into the reputation and quality of various programs, aiding in informed decisions about higher education pursuits.
Bloomberg Businessweek: This publication provides rankings and analysis of business schools, covering undergraduate and graduate programs. By consulting Bloomberg Businessweek, individuals can gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different institutions.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB): This organization accredits business schools that meet high standards of excellence in teaching, research, and curriculum. An AACSB accreditation signals a business school's commitment to delivering high-quality education and is a valuable tool when evaluating different institutions.

Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
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Lauren’s Answer

Recent Baruch College Graduate here! NYC corporations know Baruch, it has a strong reputation across all Investments Banks in Manhattan. Big corporations go to Baruch twice a year at the career fair and recruit. You also have to realize yes, you can go to an IVY, but getting hired comes down to your relative experience and you persona. I my self, have managed to work for top investment banks by putting in the work and dedication and using people skills. Also, factor in how much you will owe in student loans and average starting salary (NYC is very expensive to live in). Wishing you the best of luck!
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James’s Answer

Oliver,

In a previous job, I was a college recruiter and covered the NY/NYC colleges. I can tell you that I hired a lot of Baruch students. In fact, I hired more from Baruch, then from an IVY up state. With that said, I felt the students at Baruch had the skill sets, drive, background that my large IT company was looking for.

Focus on:

Doing well in classes
Get involved in clubs (business and social) and take a leadership role if you can.
Get to know your teachers - since they will help with internships and maybe recommend jobs they know of.
Find your recruiting office and get to know them. They can help with job search, internship search and helping you with basic job/interview skills
As you get into your major classes, take a project management role.
Network both in school and out.
Set up your linked In profile now and start that network process as well.

Bottom line, after you get your first job, you are off and running, but it will be these skills and others that you develop now , that will help you grow and find that next job.

If I look back, in general, at the best candidates I found had these in common:

Good grades (But not 4.0)/ or good grades in their major; worked during school; involved in a fraternity/sorority/business fraternity; a few were athletes; good communicators; came prepared to interviews with knowledge of company and industry; had summer jobs/ and/or internships. Kids that had worked hard, didn't give up. Maybe had not done well their first year, but dug themselves out of a hole and graduated with good grades. (as I shared above).

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David’s Answer

According to Frank Bruni, NY Times columnist and educational expert, in his book "Where you go, is not who you'll be," the value of where you go to school is less about the prestige and more a function of what you make of it while you're in school. In other words, if you go to a less prestigious school but are a rock star in academics (GPA) and leadership activities at the school (e.g. clubs, associated students) or have meaningful internships or research opportunities that provide real-world experience, employers will be more impressed than with a student who goes to an Ivy league school but scores in the bottom of their class (GPA) and isn't active in internships or leadership activities. It's really up to you to make the college experience beneficial and it's less about where you went to school but what did you do while you were there. Often, going to a less prestigious school means that you'll have a better shot of standing out and accessing opportunities that may have been more unattainable at other perceived higher-tiered schools.

Regardless, Baruch has an very good reputation particularly in the northeast U.S. so if you plan on working in NY, more employers will have awareness of the school.

Good luck!
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James’s Answer

This is a great question. CUNY Baruch is a well established business school in NYC and as a result has a diversified network of alumni who work in and around NYC (which is no different for NYU, Columbia, Fordham, etc.). All of these schools offer quality education and avenues to success but most importantly, you are being educated in a geographic region with a high number of financial institutions. These institutions regularly and actively recruit. Do not hesitate to go to any events they may hold on campus or outside campus, you never know who you will meet. Companies value a mix of high quality education, with good grades and work experience.
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David’s Answer

Totally agree with all the answers thus far on the name not being the most important. I've seen C-suite level leaders that started at "lower ranked" schools, and have seen those who went to "prestigious" schools stay at low/mid-level manager roles their entire careers.

Sure, big name schools will open more doors -- but that's only for your first job or two. Once you're in the job and people see what you are able to contribute to the company, your school will not matter at all. It truly does come down to who YOU are as a person and how you contribute to the company. I've seen "elite school" grads who seem more entitled without putting in the work. As another person noted in the thread as well, it comes down to your work ethic and how you work well with others to advance the company together.

I hope this helps and good luck!
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Alexander’s Answer

Can't comment on the prestige element but have met a number of Baruch alumni working in finance, banking and various corporates in NYC. Manhattan location is certainly an advantage and allows for plenty networking opportunities. For some further research, a Linkedin search could help identify Baruch (or any other school's) people working in your preferred industry.
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Claudia’s Answer

I would not worry about the name or "prestige" of the college you attend. Just about every college will give you a decent education and provide opportunities. The important thing is to take advantage of those opportunities, get good grades, and get internships. While some bigger companies will recruit heavily from more business-focused schools, you can get an entry-level job after graduating no matter the school you attend.
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Mark’s Answer

Honestly, you'll have to work harder to make yourself stand out if you are going to compete against people from Ivy League schools. Figure out a way to make yourself unique - it will give you a leg up. Recruiters will always use college 'brand' as shorthand for recruit quality - whether or not you believe that is right or wrong.
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Christine’s Answer

Hi Oliver, thanks for your question. I have been in the finance industry for 26 years. Throughout my career , I have met people/ colleagues who attended Ivy League schools and others who have not. What I value utmost in a coworker is their determination, their work experience and their team effort. And I have seen those qualities in people from both Ivy league and non Ivy League. Thus I would suggest to you to pursue studies in a college that you truly like and value.

I wish you all the best!
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