Western Ivey AEO or McGill Desautels
Let me start off by saying that I understand that these two schools have been previously compared, but I am hoping to get clarification on some details.
I am currently deciding between Western with Ivey AEO and McGill Desautels. Ultimately, I aim to break into investment banking, either in Toronto, or the States (but I understand this is a very long shot).
I understand that based on employment reports Ivey does better than McGill in terms of IB recruiting. However, I was wondering if this was do with (1) the school itself (i.e. career management resources, Ivey connections with recruiters) or rather (2) that most people perceive Ivey as the best school for IB in Canada and, therefore, Ivey is able to enroll the most competitive students, most of whom aim to break into IB (and would be able to succeed regardless in other top tier schools).
I know that I will need to be near the top of the class and put myself out there to break into IB, and was wondering if it would be easier to differentiate myself at Desautels compared to Ivey.
Can anyone shed any light on what is the better option based on personal experience? Or give any general advice on which school to choose?
Thank you in advance.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, the decision between Western Ivey AEO and McGill Desautels for breaking into investment banking involves several factors:
Recruitment and Placement: Ivey has a strong reputation for placing graduates into investment banking roles, particularly in Canada. This is attributed to its robust alumni network and dedicated career management resources that have strong connections with the industry. McGill Desautels also places well, but it has a more international student body, many of whom return to their home countries, which might affect the perception of its placement success in North America.
Perception and Student Body: Ivey is often perceived as the top choice for investment banking in Canada. This perception can create a self-fulfilling prophecy where it attracts students who are highly competitive and focused on IB, which in turn helps maintain its reputation for high placement rates in the industry.
Opportunity to Stand Out: At Desautels, given its slightly lesser focus on IB compared to Ivey, you might find it easier to stand out. This could be beneficial if you are proactive and take full advantage of McGill's resources, including its international networks, which could be a unique selling point if you're considering roles in the States or globally.
Educational Experience: McGill offers a broad and diverse experience due to its international student population and the variety of academic offerings. This can provide a well-rounded education, which is beneficial in the long term.
In conclusion, if your primary goal is to break into investment banking in Canada, Ivey might provide more direct pathways due to its established reputation and focused resources. However, if you are looking for a broader educational experience with potential international opportunities, McGill could be a strong choice. It's also worth considering where you might want to differentiate yourself – in a more competitive but resource-rich environment at Ivey, or at McGill where you might have more space to stand out.
Sources: Mcgill to break into invesment banking?, CANADA - McGill Desautels for Consulting / IB, McGill Desautels vs. Queen's Commerce, Canadian Target Schools Ranked By Detailed Global Placement Data
Ivey and it’s not even close. I’ve seen average/below average Ivey kids bag more offers than strong kids at Desautels. The Ivey pipeline is very real.
Go Ivey
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