State University of New York—University at Buffalo - School of Management

Offering AACSB-accredited graduate programs since the 1930s, the University at Buffalo School of Management has a long history of excellence, operating both a full-time and part-time MBA, as well as a twenty-month executive MBA for seasoned professionals. The academic programs are “very well-organized” and “the school does a great job of emphasizing ‘management’ as an underlying factor in each course” in the core curriculum. While covering business fundamentals like finance and marketing, the curriculum moves ahead with the times, and “courses are constantly updated and altered to reflect real-world experience based on current events,” and integrated ethics. Getting a strong practical perspective isn’t a problem: UB complements the academic offerings with “great opportunities outside the classroom,” including “professional speakers, networking events, country forums, [and] community service,” as well as case competitions and special offerings, like business projects with corporate partners. To further augment the curriculum, UB operates several formal exchange programs with business schools overseas, as well as shorter “trips to China for international business classes.”

Along with affordable tuition, UB offers a “smaller, more intimate MBA experience” with an “emphasis on teamwork and leadership skills” throughout the curriculum. Within each incoming class, full-time students are divided into fixed cohorts then assigned to a fixed study group of five to six students. “Group meetings outside of class require a lot of time and commitment” and can be among the most challenging aspects of the program. A student elaborates, “The curriculum is difficult and pushes students to their limits in all realms, especially in regards to working in a team environment with people you may not know to start out or who have very different perspectives than you.” Despite the challenges, the focus on teamwork “simulates the real world” and “provides for a great learning environment.” A student admits, “I have created a great network here, both with the students, professors, alums and other community members.” Adds another, “The students are all very close and the faculty and administration are extremely involved.” While the environment is friendly, the teaching staff can be “hit and miss” in the classroom, and some professors are universally disliked. Fortunately, “professors are very good overall” and “many are leaders in [their] fields.” Even more importantly, “the professors have been great and are always accessible if needed, whether…after class, during weekly office hours, or by setting up a special time to meet.”

At UB, career planning begins—quite literally—before you even step on campus. As a requirement of graduation, all students must complete MBA Advantage, a comprehen- sive professional development program in August before your first year (with additional sessions in January and September). In addition to MBA Advantage, the Career Resource Center (CRC) helps students prepare for the job hunt through career development work- shops, practice interviews, career advising and more. The CRC also hosts various net- working and recruiting events to link current students with local employers and alumni. UB is “very well-known in Western New York,” and students benefit from the school’s “great reputation and strong regional recruiting” program. For those who plan to stay in the area, UB has a “strong alumni network, especially locally.”

In recent years, MBA graduates report an average base salary of more than $63,000, with a range between $35,000 (internationally) and $115,000 (U.S.). Eighty-six percent of stu- dents were employed within three months of graduation. More than 45 percent of the class took positions in Western New York. Over the past few years, the top employers of MBA graduates have included M&T Bank, Citi, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Mattel (Fisher-Price), Deloitte, IBM, New Era Cap, and Rich Products.

Group work is an integral part of the UB curriculum and for many, “the variety of students from varying backgrounds/majors” and “the great presence of international students from all around the world make this academic experience tremendous both in and out of class.” While teamwork can be challenging, “Everybody gets along well and builds great relationships.” Throughout the MBA, “classes are all in one building,” a recently completed facility, complete with high-tech classrooms, conference rooms, breakout rooms, and a cafe. With everything concentrated into one space, “it has become like a family atmosphere.” While MBAs share facilities with the undergraduate popula- tion, a newly-renovated graduate lounge provides them with their own exclusive space.

Outside of course work, many full-time students are involved in extracurricular activi- ties, like case competitions, student clubs, and special programs like “alternative spring break.” The most active campus club, the Graduate Management Association hosts happy hours and daytrips, among other activities. On campus, “frequent student-fo- cused events are held, including a formal dinner with students and faculty [at] the end of each semester, in addition to charity drives and social events.” A great place to call home, “Buffalo is a small city, but many of the students are from the area and know where the hangouts are.”