Advice on where to go to for bachelors

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a breakdown of your options and advice tailored to your goals:

1. St. Gallen (Switzerland)

• Pros: St. Gallen is a top-tier university for finance in Europe and a recognized feeder school for Investment Banking (IB) roles in Zurich and other European financial hubs. Its proximity to Zurich makes networking and internships more accessible. The university has strong ties with Swiss banks and global firms.
• Cons: You’ll need to learn German to maximize your opportunities in Zurich. Additionally, the cost of living in Switzerland is high, so factor that into your decision.

2. Bocconi University (Italy)

• Pros: Bocconi is a powerhouse for finance and economics in Europe, with excellent placement in IB roles across Europe, including Zurich, London, and even Hong Kong. It’s well-regarded for its MSc Finance program, which could be a natural progression after your bachelor's.
• Cons: While Bocconi has a strong reputation, it’s slightly less targeted for Zurich compared to St. Gallen. Italian language skills are not mandatory but could be helpful for local networking.

3. NUS/SMU (Singapore)

• Pros: Both NUS and SMU are strong choices for finance in Asia. They are well-regarded in Hong Kong and Shanghai, with solid alumni networks in these regions. Staying in Singapore could also save costs and allow you to build a network in Asia before branching out globally.
• Cons: These universities are less recognized in Europe and the U.S., which might make breaking into Zurich or New York IB roles more challenging without further education or networking.

4. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

• Pros: If you can secure financial aid, UPenn (especially Wharton) is a top-tier choice for IB globally. It’s a “super target” school for New York and has a strong alumni network in Asia and Europe. Wharton’s brand will open doors in all the regions you’re targeting.
• Cons: Without financial aid, the cost could be prohibitive. Additionally, while UPenn is excellent for New York and Asia, it’s less directly connected to Zurich compared to St. Gallen.

Recommendations:

1. If Zurich is your top priority: St. Gallen is the best choice due to its strong local reputation and proximity to the Swiss IB market. Start learning German early to maximize your chances.
2. If you want flexibility across Europe and Asia: Bocconi offers a great balance, with strong placement in Europe and connections to Asia.
3. If you prefer to stay in Asia initially: NUS or SMU are excellent choices, especially if you aim to work in Hong Kong or Shanghai.
4. If you secure financial aid at UPenn: Go for it. UPenn’s global reputation and alumni network will give you the most flexibility across all regions, including New York.

Additional Tips:

• Language Skills: Start learning German and Cantonese as soon as possible. These will be critical for Zurich and Hong Kong, respectively.
• Networking: Regardless of where you go, networking will be key. Attend events, join finance societies, and connect with alumni early.
• Internships: Focus on securing internships during your studies, especially in the regions you’re targeting. This will significantly boost your employability.

Good luck with your decision! Let me know if you need further insights.

Sources: Target schools for IB, UVA or Cornell?, Booth vs. Columbia for MBA, Best one year finance master's, I-Banking in Cali