Hi all,

I just submitted my application to transfer from CUNY Baruch's Zicklin School of Business MBA program in NYC to UC Irvine's Merage School of Business's FEMBA program. I know that it's going to be a huge change culture wise, but I really did want to move out to California for a few years just to get the experience.

What are your thoughts? I know the MBA program at UC Irvine is ranked much higher than Baruch. If accepted, I plan to live in California for a few years and then I'll probably move back to the tri-state area.

Thanks in advance!

A couple of things:

The weather will certainly be better! Leave your winter wardrobe in New York. It may be warm during the summer, but it won't be humid.

Get a car. It's impossible to live and work in the greater Los Angeles area without one.

Business culture is generally more relaxed (although this varies by industry.) It's not unusual to be in an executive meeting where nobody is wearing a tie.

I think it's a good move. When you go back to the East Coast, you'll be surprised at how people respond to your experience in California - especially if you can connect with tech companies (knowing a few Silicon Valley firms to name-drop never hurts!)

Also, research places to live. A lot of UCI students live in nearby Santa Ana and Huntington Beach - and neighborhoods in these areas can vary substantially. Try not to sign a lease without seeing the place.