MBF HSG Vs MSc in Finance Bocconi

I received offers from the University of St. Gallen and Bocconi respectively for the MBF and the MSc in Finance programmes and I still have to decide between the 2.


Goal:

IBD in London, or Zürich to a lesser extent


Pros/Cons HSG:

(+) Placement in Zürich is amazing, London not the best but looks like it can still compete with the other top unis from continental Europe

(+) Give me the opportunity to develop my German skills. Currently at B1/B2, I believe I can push to C1 while there.

(+) Like the curriculum

(+) Swiss citizen

(+) Smaller cohort and the programme is a bit exclusive (e.g. many events only open to MBF students, some group works with the SIM students)

(-) No scholarships

(-) Heard people who are not native in German struggle to fit


Pros/Cons Bocconi:

(+) IB feeder in London

(+) The full tuition waiver I received may add weight to my CV when it comes to recruiting

(-) Already did a 10-month exchange there

(-) Curriculum sounds rigid with a lot of mandatory courses and very academic oriented

(-) Do not speak Italian


What do you guys think? I feel like Bocconi would give me better opportunities for London, yet it would be 2 sweaty years given the programme. On the other hand, the MBF seems more enjoyable and would make me a strong candidate in Switzerland at the cost of a smaller alumni network in the City.

 
Most Helpful

I think one reason that people view bocconi as superior to HSG when it comes to London recruiting is selection bias. Many people doing the MBF want to work in Switzerland/DACH and don't (actively) recruit for London.

In Switzerland, HSG Is an absolute powerhouse - they published a statistic where 10+ out of 60 or so kids were sent to MBB Zurich - IB places equally well.

The events for London, especially the HSG Banking days, are the main recruitment event, with many top firms giving out on-campus interviews which often are part of an accelerated process. Finally, value for money is unbeatable in Switzerland, although I think you are right that a full ride scholarship looks pretty neat on the CV

If you are dead set on London, I would advise Bocconi, but if you want to maintain optionally, HSG all the way.

 

I'm in the exact same situation. Got admitted to MBF HSG and MSc Finance at Bocconi with Merit Award and full waiver. Been on an exchange semester at Bocconi before. I picked Bocconi as recruiting for London is better and I do not speak German. Also, St. Gallen is a small town while social life in Milan is excellent. 

 

Milan for social life is much better compared to St. Gallen, I have friends who did a double degree Bocconi/ St.Gallen and they all complained for the social life in St. Gallen which is a small city, of course it depends on your preferences, some may feel it more, some less.

MSc Finance is sweaty the first year, the second not really, you just have to pick the optionals you like and you have only 4 exams that year.

 

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