harrisce4

Hi everyone,

I will be applying to part time MBA programs next fall and already know I want to focus my studies in Brand Management. I currently work as an entry-level Account Manager at an advertising agency in NYC. I believe I am on the right path to success, just two things holding me back: years of experience (8-10 is usually required) and an MBA of course. I graduated with my B.S. in Marketing this past Dec., so I only have about 4 months post graduate work experience (although I worked several field-related internships during undergrad). That is why I want to wait 1 full year before applying - so by the time Fall 2014 rolls around I will have about 2 years experience. (And, my company's only sponsoring me if I am employed with them for 1 full year). Ideally, I would receive an MBA w/ a concentration in Marketing with a specialization in Brand Management.

My question is this: What are some of the best MBA programs out there specifically known for Brand Management? (I would prefer to stay in NYC, but if not my company also has locations in DC, LA, Irvine, San Diego, San Fran, Chicago, Miami, Philly, and Atlanta). So, below I will list the schools I am interested in and if you could add on, that would be great! Also, if you ARE currently or were a Brand Manager, please let me know the steps you took to get there, any advice you have etc.

-CBS
-NYU- Stern
-Fordham
-Baruch- Zicklin
-Hofstra - Zarb
-St. John's
-Temple- Fox
-American- Kogod
-UMD- College Park
-George Mason

Thanks in advance!!

Japher

Brand & Product Management at Wisconsin

barrk123

Emory and Georgia tech are in/near Atlanta not sure about Brand management though

harrisce4

Thank you both for your quick responses! I looked into Wisconsin at your provided link and it looks like a great program.

My only concern is that my company doesn't have any locations there and they will not sponsor me unless I'm employed during my MBA program. I will definitely look into Georgia Tech & Emory!

Anyone else?

cbreeze

If you wish to switch career, don't go to a PT program. Most big corporations hire from summer interns and how are you going to be able to intern while working for your employer?

harrisce4

Thanks for the reply cbreeze!

I wouldn't say I'm switching careers. I think it's more of advancing/furthering my career. Working in account management on a specific brand is similar to brand management. The only difference is, I eventually want to work client-side rather than agency-side. From what coworkers tell me, agency experience serves as a great prerequisite to client positions, because I will be familiar with the processes and I've already worked on managing brands.

I agree that summer internships would be a great opportunity, esp. with CPG companies such as Proctor & Gamble and some other great ones! My company's sponsoring me 3/4 of the way, so I can't really afford to not work for them during my MBA program.

-Lurker-

Most people will tell you that Northwestern is better than all of the schools you mentioned thus far in terms of brand management (and on par with CBS in overall reputation). I believe they have a 1 year MBA program (full time).

My opinion on MBA's is that you are spending as much of your money buying into the brand as you are into the education (if not more). I would choose to go to a better school imo

harrisce4

Thanks for your response Lurker! Yes, school brand is just as important as the education you will receive from that school. The abundance of alumni and networking, etc.