Industrial Engineering & Management Sciences

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

<p>I'm a prospective student who applied to IEMS and I think I have a solid chance of getting in. I'm looking for a college that will prepare me for a career in business... specifically consulting, possibly ibanking. I am highly quantitative and would thrive on an engineering curriculum, although I feel that improving my english skills will benefit me for the GMAT and my career. My top choices are NU, Michigan (accepted), Virginia, Cal, and UIUC (instate, accepted). </p>

<p>I understand that NU doesn't have a business school, rather a few majors for people interested in business, including IEMS, MMSS and Econ. I worry that not having a business school could hurt in terms of internships, recruiting, and clubs. Does anyone have any insight on how strong the overall (or McCormick's) career center is? Will it be as helpful as Ross or McIntire?</p>

<p>I am also a tad concerned about the curriculum for IEMS. On one hand, as I said above, I am highly quantitative. I'm currently enrolled in Calc 3 through UIUC and it's a breeze; I have also set the curve on every test in AP Physics. I got an 800 and 770 on the Math II and Physics subject tests (took the physics test before even enrolled in AP physics). On the other hand, English is definitely a struggle. I got a 4 on AP Lang and I do get As in english, but I scored only a 29 and 26 on the ACT reading and english sections. Would I be better off continuing to advance my quantitative skills and leaving behind my english skills? Or going towards a more traditional business school route?</p>

<p>The kellogg certificate.. I've looked it up online a bit but I'm kind of confused about the specifics. What are the requirements? What exactly does it offer?</p>

<p>Any general opinions about IEMS vs a traditional business degree/curriculum? </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Well you need English for pretty much every job, and you have to demonstrate proficiency to graduate at NU through Freshman seminars that involve writing and such. If you want to go into i-banking, the certificate in financial economics would be good. It’s just like a degree, but you need a real major to go with it. It teaches
Cash-flow analysis and building financial models
Devising financing and capital structure strategies
Analysis of mergers and acquisitions
Researching capital budgets and other investment decisions
Analyzing portfolio investments and asset management choices
Developing and evaluating risk-management strategies
Generating cash flow forecasts and valuation estimates
Facilitating and preparing for client meetings.</p>

<p>Basically it’s a minor, sort of, as far as I know.</p>

<p>I think, despite not having a traditional business degree, you couldn’t go wrong going to NU, and IEMS is great.</p>

3

<p>The only thing that makes Kellogg cert look like a “minor” is that there are only four core courses. However, these courses are way more advanced than what you’d take at all those other undergrad business schools on your list (or any for that matter). They are all master-level courses. Also, when you add all those highly quantitative pre-requisites, it’s a 11/12-course program.</p>

4

<p>Judging by your post, your communication skills honestly seem fine. It’s not necessary to be able to critically analyze passages–just be able to express yourself.</p>