Help! MEM from Duke or Yale??

[animadelmondo]

Help! The decision is right around the corner, and I need to start mentally preparing for this (huge) life change/decision.

For anyone who has considered, attended, or decided - where do I pursue my MEM, Duke or Yale?

I visited Duke, and I could tell it was a great program. The administration is clearly willing to help students out financially, supportive with research and work opportunities, and they consistently tout their alumni network as one of the best. Many people seem to say Duke really emphasizes building concrete technical skills, and that it might be easier to find a job upon graduation. HOWEVER, I don't know if I felt like I "fit". Maybe because I'm an introvert and prospective student weekends are always overwhelming. Also, I love cities and Durham felt quite small when I visited its campus*.

On the other side: Yale has always been my dream school. I love the idea of how much flexibility they offer, and in some ways, their classes sound more exciting to me (I'm a sucker for more qualitative, theoretical classes). I've heard some criticism that Yale F&ES students might not as well prepared, but from my conversations, Yale has many client-based projects that students can work on. I know they are introducing required professional skill workshops this year, and it seems like I could select classes that are more focused on skill-building.

Yale has been the goal for a few years, but Duke also offered me a bit more money (and my impression is that cost of living would be less). How much weight do I give to anticipated loan debt? Do I choose the school based on what "feels right", or one that has a better reputation in terms of professional skills?

*Caveat - I will be visiting Yale in a few days, so maybe this clarify my thoughts.

[snowbound]

What area are you hoping to focus in? What undergrad experience do you already have? Both schools offer similar specializations (to some extent), but certain topics may be stronger at one school versus the other. Either place you'll be proud to say "I went here" ... just make sure you get the skills you're paying for. 

I'm someone who has moved from major cities to rural towns (with a population of under 1,000) and everything in between. Durham may seem small (it's really not!!), but it has the amenities. Also, it's warm there. Yes, New Haven is a city... so, it some perks. If this week is going to be your first time in New Haven, definitely drive around and get a feel for the neighborhoods. It probably won't give you the warm fuzzies compared to Durham.  (US News ranks Raleigh/Durham as #7 Best 100 Places to Live, and New Haven comes in at #81). Don't be afraid to try a new atmosphere and new experiences! And definitely do your research on what neighborhoods you can afford, what those apartments might look like on Craigslist, street view it, and see if you're comfortable walking at night (thanks, mom). 

I'm interested to hear how you feel about "fit" with the students at Yale vs Duke. I used to not think "fit" was a big deal until I didn't "fit." It really does keep you going. 

[animadelmondo]

@snowbound Undergrad is in environmental and anthropological studies. Recent work experience has been focused on energy (I hope to work on sustainability issues), but it's been pretty good for giving me professional skills and making me more confident......So I'm also facing the question of finding an entry-level job in the field I'm interested and working towards a part-time masters degree through Johns Hopkins... They could have a similar outcome at the end of the day, so it's a tough choice.

I think part of not feeling like I "fit" had to do with learning about a concentration that I'm realizing might not be for me. So I've been reading up on a concentration that seems to fit better. I think I also felt a bit old, seeing as I have 5 years of work experience, and most people seemed to have 2-3.

We'll see how I feel at Yale. I've always been under the impression that it has more of the global/international perspective, which is a pretty big draw for me. I think I can build that into my experience at Duke, but it might be a bit more challenging. Hard to say for sure at this point - so we'll see if this perception changes after I visit.

 

[snowbound]

hmm, that is a tough decision then... 

I studied environmental studies and international relations in undergrad. I always felt that I knew a little about a lot, but ultimately lacked any tangible, technical skills to get a substantive job in the field beyond an being an assistant. Hence why I've returned to school for more specific professional skills. 

I've tended to stay away from energy since my brain just can't comprehend it as well, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I find that Duke's energy focus is more geared towards energy sector jobs and the business/economics behind it. So, completely different skills than what you would've gotten in undergrad. On the other hand, Yale to me seems like while you would still get the economic/business/tech side of energy, you're more likely to end up on the policy end. I feel like Yale looks more at the impact of energy on society, whereas Duke would make you a successful energy sector player (like working for GE). If you're thinking energy in a green building sort of way, I don't think you can go wrong with either program. All of that being said, this is only my opinion on a focus that I'm not at all involved in beyond a short stint in sustainable building. Probably not very helpful at all. 

I know some Yale grads that are very successful in international climate policy, and others that went into sustainable business and green building. The only Duke folks I know follow more along the enviro law lines, but that's a small sample. 

Lastly, HUGE congrats on getting into both Yale and Duke... that's an achievement you should be so proud of!! Don't stress. You've hit success, now pick what'll make you happiest. 

[DLR]

No question: Yale.