ICADE vs RSM for Investment Banking in London
Hi everyone,
I’m a 17-year-old student finishing high school in Madrid, Spain, and I’m currently deciding between two undergraduate options:
* ICADE E-3 (BBA + Law) — 5 years, in Madrid
* RSM International Business Administration (IBA) — 3 years, in Rotterdam
My long-term goal is specifically Investment Banking in London, ideally at a large international bank (JPM, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, etc.).
My main question is: which of these two universities would put me in a stronger position for IB recruiting in London?
I’m particularly interested in the perspective of people who have actually recruited for London IB or have gone through the process themselves.
The trade-off I’m trying to understand is:
* RSM is a very international business school, the degree is entirely in English, and the bachelor is only 3 years, meaning I would potentially enter the job market two years earlier or have those two years available for further study.
* ICADE is a well-known Spanish target/semi-target with a strong presence in Spain, and I’m wondering whether being a Spanish student at ICADE could give me a meaningful advantage through its alumni network and connections between Spain and London.
I’m not asking which university is better overall. I’m specifically interested in how the two compare when the end goal is getting into Investment Banking in London.
A few things I’d particularly like to know:
1. How is RSM perceived by London IB recruiters compared with ICADE?
2. Would RSM’s international profile materially improve my chances of getting London interviews?
3. Does ICADE’s Spanish alumni network/brand provide any meaningful advantage for recruiting into London?
4. Would doing a 3-year degree at RSM and potentially using the extra two years for a Master’s be strategically better than spending five years at ICADE?
5. If you were in my position and the only objective was IB in London, which route would you consider more strategically advantageous, and why?
Would especially appreciate answers from people who have recruited for or worked in London IB, rather than general university rankings.
Thanks!
