University of Utah - Eccles School of Business

University of Utah offers a forward-thinking MBA program with a “modern approach [and] a focus on technology and entrepreneurship.” From day one, students will benefit from the “emphasis on business technology and analytics” and a “focus on … the strategic mindset.” They’ll also find “experiential opportunities [that are] a huge draw.” And perhaps just as importantly, Utah offers a “good amount of flexibility in tailoring course work to your interests.” As one student shares, “The structure of the program allowed me to balance my rigorous work schedule while completing my MBA.” But don’t worry about that flexibility coming at a cost: the program here has connections to the surrounding area too. With a “close association … [to] the Sorenson Impact Center and Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute,” attendees can participate in a program that “pairs faculty inventors with business students to help bring their new products to market.” This is often enticing for those who have a “strong interest in product innovation and [want] hands-on experience in this space.”

As for the “world-class faculty”? They’re “nothing short of amazing,” working diligently to ensure their courses are “relevant … to the current business climate.” Overall, they are “smart, well prepared, funny, easily accessible, [and] well organized.” What’s more, Eccles’ cohorts are “smaller than most, which helps [students] form tight bonds” with their professors. Additionally, “the administrative staff know everyone” and are “genuinely invested in each student's unique academic and career path.” These close relationships extend into the student body as well: One current enrollee elaborates, “In the first year of the program, every student takes nearly every class together. Students spend so much time together that we become very close and engaged in each other’s lives.”

Students quickly note that Utah’s “career center is … outstanding.” Here, you’ll find “career coaches [who] provide highly individualized support and feedback that actually improves student job prospects.” Additionally, the office is “very beneficial in setting up networking opportunities.” And the school’s location is a real boon to their program as well: After all, “business in [the state] is growing rapidly and many companies are more than willing to mentor/hire students.” Plus, if they’re ever in need of further assistance, students can turn to their fellow Utes for help and advice. As one student shares, “University of Utah alumni are a very tight knit group and always willing to help out a fellow alumnus.” Indeed, some go as far as to say that “the network is the greatest strength of the school.”

There’s a “collaborative spirit” that permeates Eccles. As one student explains, “It seems clear that we each came into the program … to build connections that will last throughout our careers.” Even better, Utah students arrive with “a broad range of professional experiences.” A classmate shares, “We had a wide variety of students that … exceeded my expectations, making for a rich learning environment.” And while MBAs here admit that “there is not a ton of diversity,” they stress that their peers are “welcoming,” “very friendly,” and “accepting regardless of where opinions or lifestyles [don’t] match.” As for day-to-day life, “the business school is fairly self-contained.” One reveals that “a typical day [includes] attending lectures, working on group assignments in one of the numerous study rooms, and networking with fellow students in the graduate student lounge.” But rest assured there are “many opportunities to connect outside of the classroom” too, including a guest lecture series and mixers. As for the facilities, the business “building is amazing and a great resource,” and it offers “some of the best views on the entire campus.” Lastly, students seem to love living in Salt Lake City, which “has all of the amenities of a big city with very few big city problems.”