Tier 1 M&A advisory as a non-target

I would accept. MSc can be pursued later down the line but just focus on killing it while you're there. While alumni networks might be a minute factor, you have the job, focus on it and give people other reasons to reward you other than where you studied.

Taking the job is the least risky route, you've not got much to gain by going to the business school if your end goal is the same sort of position (at least when leaving school), given that you said 'tier 1' there may be only 1 or 2 better firms than yours. Seems silly to line up another 30k+ in debt for the same goal.

Take the job. The main purpose of an Msc is to give you a better shot at recruiting if you can't get a job with your undergrad. This is a non-issue for you. Do good work and if you really want a name-brand school on your resume, get an MBA after 2-3 years at a top school. Its market value will be significantly higher, and you will be able to aim for even better schools with the Tier 1 firm on your resume. Best of luck and congratulations!

If you have a great firm on your resume, having went to a mediocre school won't hurt you.

Source: have a great firm on resume, went to mediocre school.

I'll tell you a secret. Typically the Ivy League invesment firms recruit mostly from Ivy League colleges and people who are Ivy League related but attended another top tier college (because not everyone can attend an Ivy League by the force of demographics). But an Investment Banker taught me a mind opening fact which was not inutitively clear before this person admonished its truth. Every city and town in America which is incorporated is underwritten and funded with capital by an Investment Bank or Capital Asset Management firm. That being said, every university produces its own investment bankers and there is an attached investment bank to every university. If you are embarrassed about not attending an Ivy League, try pursuing your career through your university or your university alumni association, or general working alumni graduates who can help you with opening doors. Its the same game between all universities, and its the same game outside of the Ivy walls as it is inside the Ivy League system.

So go for it if you want it, and it sounds like the position is something you acquired by virtue of your Bachelor's degree. But if want that Master's of Science (I am presuming it is MSc Finance), you probably want to "get own it" because when you start making money you'll shelve the Master's degree aspirations.

Thanks for all your answers, it's great to receive some recommendations from more experienced monkeys. However, I still feel that the university name might be important when exploring some opportunities further down the line, i.e. after the analyst stint or so. This is what keeps me thinking..,

Please take the job. Sure, there isn't a path for you to follow because your fellow alumni haven't forged it for you but, someone has to be the first. And sure, there will always be snobs that look down on your uni, but do you want to work for them anyway. If you're smart and good at your job, you'll be fine.

job experience/company name > school name.

Take the job. I was in your position just a few weeks back and I rejected a top tier MSF to get a job at a MM firm let alone Tier 1 IB. You can always do charitable work, find interesting jobs etc to firm up your MBA applications. If you get 3-4 years at brand name firms, build out your ECs in a creative manner, devote yourself to a cause you care about outside of work, kill the GMAT, network and kill it at your job, your chances of a top MBA increase greatly. At that point, your UG will be a tiny data point that won't really affect your chances elsewhere.

OP, School is also less revelevant in Europe than in the US. I guarantee a top brand on your CV workwise and a good reference is 1000% more important than your school. Once your two years out no one really cares the same way in europe about where you went to school (speaking as a european!)

If the job is what you would be shooting for post Msc it is an absolute no brainer. You have to remember that Msc's are also not that important in most places in Europe, and thats coming from someone who has one.

Wow, thanks for all the answers. This is some incredible advice and I'm quite surprised (but happy tbh) that everyone recommends taking the job. I was under the impression that people in finance are really obsessed with names and prestige which made me thinking. However, I've talked to analysts in the group, a more senior banker from one of my previous internships, a few other people and now you guys, and nearly everyone said "take the job". I will think this through one last time today and on Sunday and will call them on Monday to take it. Thank you again!