Fuqua vs. Darden for ETA?

April 01, 2023

by a searcher from Brigham Young University in Richmond, VA, USA

Hello! I recently was admitted to both Darden and Fuqua to complete my MBA program. I am thrilled about both options, and frankly I don't think I can go wrong. However, I was curious if there were any thoughts about which program had better connections and networks surrounding ETA. From my conversations with students at both schools it sounds like there are growing ETA programs and clubs at both, but I wanted to see if there were any other thoughts or if someone has had very positive (or negative) experiences working with individuals from either school.

Thanks!

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Reply by a searcher
from Duke University in Boston, MA, USA

As for ETA at Duke, I'm not the right person to speak to it. Somebody spoke at the program and left behind a table full of Walker Deibel's book "Buy Then Build". I read that and it got the gears turning for me. I attended the EMBA, not the full time program so take this with a grain of salt.

For ETA in general, very little of what I learned in my program was/is actually useful in acquisition... for me. I've bought one business and have management in place. Most helpful things so far have been people that have run a business well, doesn't have to be owners though there's a different value in talking to folks that had skin in the game, and books about systems, culture, and teams. I plan to buy another business this year - fingers crossed - and build similar systems if not just using the same if I can stay in the same vertical. Doubt it'll require any knowledge I got from the program that I couldn't learn in an afternoon on youtube.

That said, I'd not take back the time. I met a ton of great folks and watching them go on and do great things makes my hopes and dreams seem all the more attainable. When I have questions I can text or call somebody or find somebody that's connected to somebody and ask for an introduction. The network has been very helpful. I also used the GI Bill so I had no actual cost. EMBA came with no opportunity cost either. Your mileage may vary.

Good luck!

Reply by a searcher
from University of Virginia in Richmond, VA, USA

I don’t know about the Fuqua experience but I think the Darden experience is the best practice for ETA and the culture is very supportive toward such an end. When I went to Darden I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur but didn’t know how I’d make that happen. The case method exposed me to thinking like an executive because you have to listen intently and dig for the core issues in every case, 3 times a day in class and 3 more at night with your learning team. The professors never come right out and tell you the answers. This is very much like real life. These skills were very useful in the search process because you learn to quickly drill down to what matters for a deal or a negotiation and just move on if it doesn’t fit the framework you have made for your own operations.

Regarding the culture, Darden has brilliant and accomplished people but most of them don’t take themselves too seriously. It was a place where you’re encouraged to stand out in whatever way makes you unique. And that means if you say something that’s even as wild as wanting to buy a business, the students, staff, and Darden Career Services will do all in their power to support your big and lofty goal. It’s really a rare place to dream and chase the dream.

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