Best European Master's Degree to Get Into IB

My undergrad degree (Business Administration) isn't from a relevant target school but I was debating a friend of mine what Masters degree would be best to break into IB (without real relevant experience). From what I was able to gather online, IBs often target top name schools (Oxford, HEC, Bocconi) specifically in either the MSc in Finance or MSc in Management. I was wondering, seeing the rise of data trends within finance, i.e. making complicated financial models by means of specialised software, would a MSc degree in something like: data science, econometrics, financial economics be just as valuable for breaking into investment banking, or do you specifically need a targeted degree like Finance, from top name schools to get in. Please keep in mind that Im asking this from a European perspective, but it would also be interesting to hear answers about how it works in the States.

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights on the best European Master's degrees to break into Investment Banking (IB):

  1. Top Target Schools:

    • Oxford: Known for its strong reputation and network in finance.
    • HEC Paris: Highly regarded for its finance programs and strong placement in IB.
    • Bocconi University: Renowned for its finance and management programs, with a strong track record of placing graduates in IB roles.
  2. Relevant Degrees:

    • MSc in Finance: This is the most traditional and targeted degree for breaking into IB. It is highly valued by recruiters and provides a strong foundation in financial principles.
    • MSc in Management: Also a good option, especially if it includes finance-related courses and projects. It can be particularly useful if you want a broader business education.
  3. Emerging Trends:

    • Data Science, Econometrics, Financial Economics: These degrees are becoming increasingly valuable due to the rise of data trends within finance. They provide strong quantitative skills and the ability to create complex financial models using specialized software. However, while these degrees are valuable, they may not be as directly targeted as an MSc in Finance for IB roles.
  4. Placement and Perception:

    • Perception of University: The reputation of the university plays a significant role in getting interviews. European masters from top schools are highly regarded in the City (London).
    • Technical Skills: Degrees with substantial mathematical and technical elements (e.g., Economics, Mathematics, Engineering) are also valued for trading and quant positions.
  5. Additional Considerations:

    • Career Placement Reports: Look into the career placement reports of the programs you are considering. For example, MSc Finance students from ICBS have placed in top banks like BAML, Barclays, Goldman Sachs, and more.
    • Program Focus: Some programs, like the MSc in Financial Economics at Said Business School, are known to be extremely technical and econ-heavy, which can be beneficial depending on your career goals.

In summary, while a targeted degree like an MSc in Finance from a top name school is traditionally the best path to break into IB, degrees in data science, econometrics, and financial economics are also valuable, especially with the increasing importance of data trends in finance. However, the reputation of the university and the specific focus of the program will play crucial roles in your success.

Sources: Intro to Investment Banking, MSc in Economics to get into S&T, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/uk-master-in-finance-advice?customgpt=1, What should I major in to get into investment banking from a non-target school?, 2018 UK Target Uni - MSc - for FO jobs: put your POV

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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