Bayes (CASS) MSc Finance vs ESCP MSc International Business

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

1. School Prestige and Degree Relevance:

   • School Prestige: School prestige does matter significantly, especially in the context of breaking into Investment Banking (IB). Graduates from prestigious schools like Stanford or Harvard generally have more opportunities compared to those from less prestigious institutions.
   • Degree Relevance: The relevance of your degree also plays a crucial role. A degree specifically tailored to finance, such as an MSc in Finance, is likely to be more beneficial for a career in IB compared to a more general management or business degree.

2. Bayes (CASS) MSc Finance:

   • Relevance: The MSc Finance from Bayes (CASS) is highly relevant to IB, given its specialized focus on finance.
   • Brand Name: While Bayes (CASS) may not have the same level of prestige as some other institutions, the specialized nature of the degree can make up for this to some extent.

3. ESCP MSc International Business:

   • Relevance: The MSc International Business at ESCP is more geared towards management and consulting, which might not be as directly relevant to IB as a finance-specific degree.
   • Brand Name: ESCP has a strong brand name, which can be advantageous in the job market.

4. Placement for IBD Recruiting in London:

   • Bayes (CASS): Given the specialized nature of the MSc Finance, Bayes (CASS) might place you better for IB roles in London, despite its relatively lower brand prestige.
   • ESCP: While ESCP has a stronger brand name, the less specialized nature of the MSc International Business might not be as advantageous for IB roles.

In summary, while school prestige is important, the relevance of your degree to the field you want to enter is also crucial. For breaking into IB in London, the MSc Finance from Bayes (CASS) might be more beneficial due to its specialized focus, despite the stronger brand name of ESCP.

Sources: Re: Does School Prestige Matter?, Re: Does School Prestige Matter?, Does UG School Title Really Matter???, Does school name matters in mutual fund/money management careers?, They want my deposit money! Georgetown MBA vs. Columbia Business School Msc