HEC VS LBS VS ST GALLEN

Currently a second year a semi target in the uk. Seeing how summers are going, I will likely do a masters.

Which of these places the best in London? I’m not against learning French/German, but it will never be as good as my English. I know all of these are super competitive, but I like having a “goal” school to work towards.

I also read that LBS is known for their MBA/MIM, and their MFA is more of a cash grab that leverages the broader LBS name. HEC seems to be the top school, but my concern would be my visa.

My goal is to secure an offer at an EB. I just prefer the way they work. PE may be an option down the line, but I see myself as a career banker. I’d appreciate any advice. Have a good day.

29 Comments
 

Currently at LBS, I would not say that about the MFA being a cash grab, quite the opposite: this year the size of the MIM class is 400 (+100 compared to last year) with many people being redirected to the MIM after being rejected from the MFA. For finance, the MFA places better but the consistent size increase of successive cohorts across programs will affect the placement quality of the school in my opinion. That said, if you are not diversity and come to the MFA without any prior relevant work experience it is going to be hard (although the market might improve, folks in 2021 all placed super well because it was exceptional). 

 

Always thought MFA at LBS places strongly into IB, but HEC is strong as well. But I think needing a visa might disadvantage you in terms of recruiting for summers so I would pick LBS as a target to work towards. But happy to discuss other opinions 

 

How long is the HEC MIF program?

I see some websites saying 10 months and the HEC website isn't super clear either

I assume it is 2 years?

 

HEC is the undisputed best Master’s in Finance in Europe.

Look at the placement, average salary, employment etc.

LBS places well but not as well as Said MFE and HEC on a per capita basis at all. given the extremely high cost of all of these unis, LBS has the most risk of not placing well into high finance.

Pure value for money will be HSG. Very good placement and extremely cheap.

 

Good point but its skewed because Swiss salaries are higher than rest of EU and the vast majority of people getting these roles are Swiss nationals. If your Swiss, HSG > HEC. Otherwise, HEC >

 

As a Swiss national, I do understand the value of HSG in continental Europe. 

But my issue is if I want to get into IB in the UK, the best schools for that would be HEC and LBS/LSE/OxBridge, not HSG right? 

I've heard the majority of HSG graduates continue work in Switzerland due to the high salaries, and only a few transition to IB in the UK. 

 

Hi, would you mind if I private message you with some questions?

There isn't too much in depth reputable information about mfins and I would be very grateful to gain some insights from some who knows what they are talking about

 

German native here. I went to WHU and started working in London afterwards (have returned home by now).

Most Germans in London were from HSG/WHU/FS. Haven't seen a non-native German from these schools in London. On the other hand, have seen plenty of e.g. Indians from HEC. 

 
Most Helpful

Current HEC Student here. I feel HEC lives up to its reputation and has a right mix of academics and focus on recruiting, while at LBS I feel like its very heavy on the recruiting side, conversely HSG (especially the MBF) is academically driven.

HEC tends to place kids quite well, last year was really stellar. This year is a bit tougher, but it’s my sentiment across all master unis. Furthermore you develop quite tight bonds with your cohort because of the campus uni and everyone is very helpful towards each other, alumni included.

 

Thank you. Do you have any advice for getting in?

What factors apart from gpa, gmat and work ex do they consider? How competitive is it?

 

Would it be possible for us to text on private messages? I have a few questions about the application process and would appreciate any advice. I would be very grateful

 

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