Imperial MSc Finance vs FT Boutique IB

Hi all

Recently received an offer for Imperials MSc Finance and Accounting and the total cost will be circa 70k, will have to take out debt close to the full amount of this cost. At the same time, I have a FT offer to join a boutique IB shop in September, relatively unknown boutique but pay is more or less in line with BB.

I have a good profile and fairly confident I can recruit to a decent firm if I take the MSc, but the cost is really the only thing holding me back. I’m currently unaware if I’m going to be awarded any scholarship. All in all, I am leaning towards my FT offer but wanted to hear some thoughts around whether I am being short-sighted, missing any detail etc.

Any advice would be more than appreciated

4 Comments
 

looking at your region im so confused my guy. Are you from the US or UK? if your offer is in the US, don't do the Msc i don't see how that is going to help at all.

if you are from UK, i would still suggest you not take the Msc. You already brought up that the offer you have is paying you in line with the BB so what is the point of re-recruiting given your financial situation? Paying 70k for the "prestige" or "clout" is not worth it. its better if you lateral after a few years or do a MBA in a few years. IC Finance master also prob ranks behind LSE Mfin/LBS MFA/ Oxford MFE. 

 

Absolutely agree with you here. Apologies re region, not sure why it’s like that - I’m from the UK.

Thanks for the colour, and yes MBA is definitely in the books long-term which makes the debt burden from a MSc even more painful

 
Most Helpful

Was in the exact same shoes 2 years ago. Was from a non-target undergrad and had decent work experience (Big 4 internship, LMM IB internship). Decided to go for Imperial F&A to rebrand and finally landed a Summer at a BB (total of 3 ACs), then UMMPE Off-cycle, then came back at the BB full-time. It's a tough decision but given MBA are not really a thing in Europe and cost £100k+, a £40k MSc is not a bad option, especially as it can help you lateral really easily if you only land a MM after the Masters, plus would ease your transition to the buy-side after 2/3 years.

 

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