<p>My son is trying to decide between these two schools. He doesn't really know what direction he will take in business, but has some notion that he'd like to go into sport management. Another possibility might be law school or an MBA. I know that my question is very broad, but does anyone have opinions on these schools in this context?</p>
<p>dgalodad, I can offer thoughts, however My daughter attends UM so I can't give info on UCSB. The two schools are very different. Although UCSB is a state school its in an exclusive type of area with a definite California attitude. Carlson is in very cold Minnesota. Thats not necessarily a bad thing but if your son has adjusted to the beach and sun he may have trouble adjusting. Carlson is a highly ranked B-school. There are many different programs and your major can be changed (within business) as you progress,(within reason). Kids seem to do that occasionally. There are many internship and job oppurtunities but they will almost always be near minneapolis, in the midwest. One of the things that drew her to UM was the fact that they are in the business program right away. She was able to take Carlson classes even in her freshman year. They also have an underclass and upper class honors program at Carlson which offers perks. The big difference though will be the enviornment. My D is from Az and even though she came home on oll the holidays, she seemed to have a hard time in the middle of February there. It wasnt the cold or snow, but the grey. Minneapolis, however, is also a great city and close by, with lots of things to do, and with super transportation. The school would be much larger with many more athletic and social functions going on. Do a visit in Minneapolis. Right now airfare is cheap through Frontier Air for a quick look at the campus and city. Good luck!! And remember, things are what you make of them!</p>
<p>My son, who is from California--and who used to sail all the time (including in contests in Santa Barbara) decided to go to Indiana University (he's a freshman there) rather than stay in California. On the one hand, the business school is excellent--and is especially great for his choice of majors (business law and finance)--but he's had a real tough time adjusting to the ruralness of the school and definitely is looking to work eventually on one of the coasts.</p>
<p>So, you need to assess your son--and how he will adjust to the midwest. Unlike my son, your son has chosen Minnesota--which is in a much more urban location--and this may help him adjust. But Jazzy1 makes a very good point in regard to the midwest and very cold location.</p>
<p>As far as the two schools--UCSB would be better if your son plans to major in something like Accounting or Economics--but Minnesota is better for almost all other business majors-and is a true business education, while UCSB is not (just the two areas I mentioned above). I live near Santa Cruz and my employer (a large hard-drive company) recruits from Minnesota more than any other school except UC Berkeley (hard to believe but true)--primarily because of the focus on quality--for which the Carlson school is nationally known. Now about half of these jobs are in the midwest and half are here, but at least you understand the value of the education the school provides.</p>
<p>Lastly--as far as Sports Marketing/Management--the key to this is contacts--and where you go to school makes very little difference in this regard. Unfortunately, there are about 90 people who want to go into this career for every one who gets a job in the field. So consider this statistic as well.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you and your son with his choice.</p>