<p>I majored in international business, so I may have some insight. In my view, the program has two key strengths: structure and networking. The major requires a second business major (I chose accounting), a language minor (I opted for French and Spanish), study abroad (Spain, France, Turkey/Austria/Czech Republic, China), and strongly encourages undergraduate research. Walking into an interview with a double major, a double minor, multiple study abroad experiences, undergraduate research, and tons of leadership experience (basically expected) on your resume is a game changer. While international business students have access to the same companies that recruit on campus as non-IB students, they easily stand out based on the aforementioned advantages. The professors are top notch and have deep connections to industry as well as to other institutions. I recommend looking through their CVs on the Moore School site when you get a chance.</p>
<p>The other key strength is the quality of the IB students. The class is a mix of geographies (nationally and internationally), ethnic backgrounds, languages, secondary majors, research foci, and study abroad countries. IB students will often work in their secondary major field, but at the best firms or companies in their chosen profession. In accounting, it’s the Big 4. In finance, it’s hedge funds, mutual funds, investment banks, huge commercial banks (Bank of America, Wells Fargo), etc. In marketing, it’s some of the top ad firms. I am a few years removed from USC and most of my friends work in New York, LA, Chicago, London, Hong Kong, DC, or Charlotte. IB students go on to do great things.</p>
<p>The ranking of the business school at large has always bothered me, just as the ranking of USC has always bothered me. In some ways, the fact that South Carolina is in the school’s name means that our reputation is tied with that of the state. Some schools, like UNC for instance, have been able to transcend the issues associated with being in a Southern state. A key metric in most rankings is peer recognition (determined by ballots sent to deans and university presidents) and I feel that USC will remedy our lower peer score through a combination of the current marketing campaign, brochures sent to leaders of other schools (a move perfected by Clemson), recognition from sports success, and increasing presence in professional societies like the AAAS. It may take some time, but I maintain that USC is a great investment that will appreciate well in the next few years. The new business school opening and the current dean leaving at the end of the year can only help bolster the quality of the education.</p>
<p>Your son could choose the other school and might have the opportunity to do all of these things. If he is not as self-motivated, he will at least come out with a double major, a minor, study abroad experience, and solid job prospects at USC. If, however, he wants to take full advantage of the college experience, he will have a resume to die for by his senior year. My major college decision was between UVA, Duke, and USC and I have never regretted my decision.</p>