Bristol or Manchester Uni for breaking into ib ?

Hi I’m currently an yr 13 student who has received all uni offer reply’s and is confused on whether to choose Bristol or Manchester. For Bristol the course would be Econ and Finance which works well as I want to work in finance in the future, however Manchester does have a higher ranking. I was curious if employers will view these unis differently as I’ve seen some people say Bristol is a high semi- target and Manchester doesn’t even make it on the semi-target list. They all gave me the same conditions of AAA.

Thank you very much!

3 Comments
 

Choosing between Bristol and Manchester for a career in investment banking can indeed be a pivotal decision. Based on the insights from the Wall Street Oasis dataset, here's a breakdown that might help you make an informed choice:

  1. Bristol University:

    • Reputation: Bristol is often mentioned as a high semi-target university for investment banking roles in the UK. This means it is recognized by employers in the finance industry and has a strong alumni network in the sector.
    • Course Relevance: The Econ and Finance course at Bristol is directly relevant to a career in finance, providing a solid foundation in both economic theory and financial principles.
  2. Manchester University:

    • Ranking: While Manchester may have a higher overall university ranking, it's important to note that for investment banking specifically, the reputation within the industry and the relevant alumni network can be more influential than general university rankings.
    • Industry Perception: According to discussions on Wall Street Oasis, Manchester is not typically mentioned as a semi-target for investment banking, which could suggest that Bristol has a slight edge in terms of industry perception for breaking into investment banking.

Conclusion: Given your aspiration to work in finance and the specific course offered by Bristol (Econ and Finance), Bristol University might be the more advantageous choice for pursuing a career in investment banking. The course content aligns well with your career goals, and Bristol's recognition as a high semi-target university in the finance industry could provide valuable networking opportunities and a stronger platform to launch your career.

Remember, while the university you attend can play a role in your initial steps into the industry, your personal drive, internships, networking efforts, and performance are equally, if not more, important in securing a position in investment banking.

Sources: What's the best school for investment banking?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/investment-banking-in-the-uk-an-overview?customgpt=1, Investment Banking University Recruiting Report – 7 Key Takeaways, Comprehensive List of Target Schools for Investment Banking, LSE V Bristol uni

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