Profile Evaluation For European Masters In Finance 2025
Hi guys, I’m from Taiwan and I am currently doing a bachelor's in management. I am aiming to apply for a master's in finance/management to then get into investment banking or consulting.
ATM I am targeting LBS MFA/MIM, HEC MIF/MEF(Econ & Finance), LSE MIF, Bocconi MIF, and ESSEC MIF/MIM. Preferably, I would target to start my career in London or Paris. If that doesn’t work out, I would also consider HK given my roots.
Profile:
- Top 3 BS in France, GPA: 3.8 (Dean’s List)
- GMAT: Targeting FE 665 (old 720)+
- 3 months management consulting internship from a mid-tier firm
- Founded a startup in Taiwan with 300K+ USD Revenue
- Activities: Winner of school’s case competition, IESE leadership experience, Volunteering in Australia
Notes: I am trying to get another finance-related internship this summer.
What are my chances of getting into my target programs? I'm worried about the work experience not being directly finance-related but it’s just very hard to get one, given the nature of my program is less finance-focused. Therefore, I am considering going for the CFA level 1 to increase my chances of getting into finance/MIF programs and also to show my passion. Is it a good strategy? Or is it more effective to invest my time in other areas? And if so, what should I do?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
You can only apply to one of MFA/MIM, FYI.
You have good odds at getting some offers but keep in mind you won't find much for work in Paris not speaking french.
I'd say getting the GMAT up would be a better use of your time than taking CFA1, if you have no aspirations to complete the CFA, which I don't think you do.
Thanks a lot for the reply & insights. So is it correct that a higher GMAT will look better on my profile than a CFA 1 in terms of MIF application? The rationale behind getting the CFA is that I've seen many applicants with crazy finance interns and I am concerned about how to compete/differentiate from them.
Most programs aren't so much focused on work experience, other than LBS where it is a big point.
You've got consulting, is it Big 4 or Tier 2? And the startup is crazy. I think you're just as competitive as students with a few IB internships.
CFA is getting you no where. Writing in your apps your goals for IB, or consulting, nobody is going to take a CFA aspiration to be worth much - so for that reason it is a waste of time in my opinion. At best for some places its a GMAT waiver.
I feel like you could revise for a better GMAT, in less time, and it would be more consequential to your application. In the meantime, still try focusing on trying to land something in the summer. Even if you don't, just keep raking on the startup.
Thank you for your advice, I'll definitely do that!
Hey there! Based on the WSO content, let's swing through your profile for a European Masters in Finance:
Regarding your concerns:
In terms of strategy, here's a banana peel of thought:
Your profile is strong, and with a high GMAT score and possibly the CFA Level 1, you'd likely be a competitive candidate for your target programs. Keep hustling, and don't forget to enjoy the ride – it's not just about the destination, but also the journey there. Good luck!
Sources: Target students who don't make it, NON-TARGET TO BANKING FORMULA: 100% SUCCESS RATE (so far), Target students who don't make it, The Case for Choosing a Non-Target, Target vs. Non-Target
I think your profile is good, but please focus on telling the right story in your resume/CL/interviews. Eg. Your startup experience looks the most solid so link that to your career path ahead (even if it's IB, maybe banks/teams that specialise in the same industry etc)
Also, a lot of people forget how important it is to just be a good conversationalist to get into one of these programs (which require an interview). So if you have everything else sorted, just make sure you really read up on the industry/market, network a lot frequently, and hence are able to have engaging conversations. This will help you at every stage.
Great point! Thanks for mentioning something that I may have overlooked.
Stellar profile. Nail your GMAT/GRE and you are good to go. Make sure to have non-shit essays, and keep in mind that for LBS, LSE, and Oxford the essays are particularly important (everyone will have high GPA and GMAT there). Also make sure to have 2-3 good references for use in the programmes. Should be professors you know well. As for what concerns your degree, I would not worry about it too much. As long as there is some kind of quant component to it, you should be good to do. Check if the programmes have any credit requirements, and if they do and youare missing some, take extension courses as needed.
You are in a great spot.
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