Editor's Note: BusinessWeek collected graduate comments in 2000 during its ranking of full-time MBA programs. The next ranking is scheduled for fall, 2002.
What I learned at Thunderbird goes way beyond tax management, asset allocation, and hedge techniques; it was an experience like no other. --Anonymous
Great experience. Worth every dollar. Now, if I only had a job.... --Consulting
When I attended a Graduate Women in Business conference this year in Los Angeles, I realized how our experience at Thunderbird set us apart from other business programs. At many roundtable discussions with a business executive and seven business students from other programs, I was disappointed at the lack of social skills that the other MBA students had. I looked around the room and noticed that my fellow Thunderbird [students] had a certain openness about them as they skillfully carried conversations with executives and encouraged conversation with some otherwise socially inept women from other programs. I attribute this to our two years of studies, groups work, and social activities with our classmates from all cultures around the world. From the first day we set foot on campus, faculty and other students told us to make sure and take advantage of the people around us at T-Bird, as we can learn so much from one another that can't be taught in a classroom or a textbook. We took this advice to heart, and sacrificed a few extra hours of valuable sleep after finishing class projects and business plans, and joined our classmates at the campus pub or Asia Night Dinner to interact with the most culturally diversified group of students imaginable. In the classroom, we were far more helpful to one another and less "cut-throat competitive" than at other top B-schools. This may explain the openness among us in contrast to some of the students I encountered at other programs. --Marketing
Thunderbird constantly has international events, such as regional nights, which help give students an understanding of the people from every part of the world. Although Thunderbird may have some weaknesses, its strength in international business is the most important area of focus for today's economy; the Internet is forcing all businesses to go global whether they like it or not. --Information Technology
I am generally upset with the placement office. This is mostly due to the fact that I have not yet found a job, and they have not been at all helpful. --Marketing
Within one week of graduation, I was faced with production issues in China, FOREX decisions, and consolidating financial statements with our European subsidiary. The current CFO, who I am replacing, is from Belgium. Our factories in China, Korea, and L.A. are run by a Korean family. The Los Angeles factory is almost entirely Spanish-speaking Mexican immigrant labor. We sell our products all over the world. Thunderbird prepared me, both from an analytical and interpersonal perspective, for this career in international business. I doubt that any other school could have done a better job. --Finance
Thunderbird is not a school for everyone, and it requires you to have the right mind-set in respect to international business. The folks here are of a different breed than the average MBA student, because the students accepted here have had international exposure that is hard to beat. This exposure not only makes the average student at Thunderbird interesting and a valuable source of information, but it also supports academic progress without fostering excessive competitive behavior. The same applies to the faculty, which is extremely diverse and teaches in a manner that supports global understanding. With the faculty and student body being so rich in their international experiences, the learning curve is just very high, and that is what makes Thunderbird very unique. Furthermore, Thunderbird is utilizing Internet technology to the greatest extent in both on-campus and external information sourcing. As e-business has become a part of international business, Thunderbird has definitely embraced it and provides its students with superior e-business international information. Eventually, Thunderbird offers simply the right program for the global thinker, but it is not the right school for someone searching for the perfect investment-banking job. It is a school that is hard to categorize in respect to future opportunities, but then it also has to be realized that the students here are advancing at their own pace, and it might not be what the standard MBA programs are aiming for. We are more free and relaxed than other programs, but this also makes us more unique. Thunderbird remains a school that offers a program that is the most diverse and challenging for international business students, and that is what this school stands for. Without a doubt, Thunderbird is a school that takes a lot of pride in its achievements, and it will help anyone who is interested in international business. --Operations
The school is excellent as far as students and faculty. The administration has a lot of communication problems among themselves and with the students. This was the only school other than University of South Carolina (not a preferred location for me) that stressed international business. Most other schools have a short paragraph about their "international aspect" buried in their information packet. I could have gotten into almost any other program with a GMAT of 710, undergrad GPA of 3.5 (two degrees), and five years of work experience. This school offers a variety of subjects and views while still maintaining a strong focus on business. --Finance
Thunderbird provided me with a unique skill-set focused on successfully performing in the international-business arena. This will help me meet my long-term career goals. Further, the alumni network is outstanding and world-class. I have traveled and worked abroad and every country I have been to has Thunderbird alums. Businesspeople in these countries always know and respect the school and alums from T-Bird, even if they are not connected to the school. I know other schools profess to offer an international curriculum, but no other MBA grads I have met from any other US school have the same skills, adaptability, and international background that T-Bird's have. It really sets the school apart. --Consulting
The administration at Thunderbird lacks strategic direction and the ability to maintain a high standard of ethics in their operation. They are guided by political infighting between the various departments but do a great job at pretending all is well while painting a pretty picture. I would have done better to skip the Thunderbird experience and continue with my previous ventures. There are too many issues to highlight that will demonstrate why I make these statements. It is enough to state that Thunderbird fell seriously short of delivering on what they represent the program would provide to matriculants. As much as I am motivated to sing its praises, unfortunately Thunderbird failed to deliver. This statement is my opinion. --Information Technology
My experience at Thunderbird was amazing. The incredible diversity and tradition of the university, coupled with its unique philosophy and truly global approach make Thunderbird unique among many fine schools. In searching out the right international business school, I looked at all of the acknowledged leaders. However, after scratching the surface veneer of other "international" B-schools, I found that Thunderbird was the only "real thing." One of my best friends went to Stanford B-school, and unfortunately for him, the international program there was a mere shadow of what I enjoyed at Thunderbird. Finally, Thunderbird's unsurpassed international reputation will help me conduct business overseas for the rest of my life -- even if I have to explain to most Midwesterners where I come from that "Thunderbird is more than a cheap fortified wine!" (I'm a little tired of the "Mad Dog 20/20" and "Boones Farm" wine jokes, as you can tell! Thunderbird was also the classic American two-door sports coupe, but do they bring that up?) --Operations
Thunderbird is making efforts to improve its program. A new career-services director was recently hired, and she is making changes to help improve job placement. The school is also trying to implement a curriculum overhaul that should be in place by fall 2000. This new curriculum is supposed to address weaknesses in e-business and focused tracks. However, the jury is still out on whether these changes will help improve the deficiencies of the program. --Investment Banking
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