Is my (potential) Masters degree enough to get into a good IB?

Hi all.

I'm an undergrad that just graduated from one of the top universities in my country (in Europe) for finance. My GPA is not fantastic but I may have the chance to go to either the London Business School to do a Masters in Management or IE (Madrid) to do a Masters in Finance.

Which of the two degrees would better allow me to pursue a career in Investment Banking M&A in the future? If neither, would really appreciate any tips.

Thank you for your help!

Good day, Tommy

3 Comments
 

I’d go with LBS. You get the right to work in the UK for 2 years on a visa (ie no need for immediate sponsorship) + it should be easier to network with people in London and attend assessment centers since you’re already there.

In terms of structured preparation, you also get an extremely attentive career center. I’m also an incoming student and the career center’s resources & the reach of the alumni network have helped a bunch so far.

I don’t have much insight on IE, but I’d reckon the outlined benefits of LBS mentioned above (location, career center, alumni network) would outweigh IE—even with scholarship. Hope this helps! :)

 
Most Helpful

While you make some great points, especially regarding visa (even though for the UK is not especially hard to get sponsored if you sign with a well known organization), I would make a few points:

1) the MiM has a clear consulting focus. The people I have seen from there are all working for consulting firms. Great ones, like MBB, but consulting nonetheless.

2) given how LBS has a MiF and a MFA (for people who just graduated like OP), he would be at a big disadvantage against other candidates not just from other schools, but LBS itself. Expect to be asked why you did a MiM instead of a MiF/MFA if you wanted to do finance. 

3) regarding networking, it is not important for Europe. The only times when it would work is for deep connections such as family/friends or sharing a unique nationality. It is unlike the US where networking is the #1 way to get in. 

 

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