1. Applied Research Assignment
Harry Silvers

2. Financial Analyst Los Angeles, CA Winston-Salem, NC Median Salary
$95,180
$72,060
Monthly Salary
$7,931
$6,005

3. Budget Los Angeles, CA Winston-Salem, NC Monthly Rent $1,637 $715
Health Insurance
$50
Groceries
$375
$300
Car/Insurance
$310
$250
Utilities
Included
Phone/Internet
$75
Remaining
$5,484
$4,615
There is a significant difference in the cost of living, California being more expensive, however the pay difference is large enough to offset this change in cost of living

4. Graduate School Los Angeles, CA Winston-Salem, NC Program
University of California-Los Angeles
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Cost per semester
$56,159 (out-of-state)
$34,015 (in-state)
Total Cost (2 years)
$112,318
$68,030
Graduate school is always a good choice due to the expansion of career possibilities, refining/mastering of skills and interests, and salary implications
UCLA is clearly more expensive than UNC Chapel Hill, especially since if I were to go to UNC I would be able to pay in-state tuition

5. Post-Graduate Salary Los Angeles, CA Winston-Salem, NC Old Salary
$95,180
$72,060
New Salary
$100,600
$75,600
Change in Salary
$5,420
$3,540
Regardless of the cost of living and the cost of graduate school, it is clear to see that I would be making significantly more money in Los Angeles, CA
Also, it is clear to see that graduate school has a positive impact on median salary, as well as max potential salary
Graduate school not only expands potential for salary growth, but also it opens up the door to many more career opportunities

6. Conclusion
My plan would be to attend an MBA program at UCLA and continue living and working in Los Angeles afterwards as a financial analyst
Even taking into consideration the cost of living and the cost of graduate school, starting my career in Los Angeles over Winston-Salem seems to be the best move
Not only are the opportunities for growth and advancement significantly larger in Los Angeles, but also I would be happier in general due to the difference in lifestyle and culture between the two cities (that of Los Angeles being the more attractive to me)