Oxford vs. UChicago (UK vs. US) for IB?
Hey guys, I was accepted to UChicago (potential Econ major) and Oxford for PPE (I've already met the conditions of my offer). I'm an international student with no real preference of where I end up (UK, US, or even HK or SG). I plan to go into IB, but have no real knowledge about the recruiting environment at these places (and in the UK and the US as a whole).
Some factors I was considering (and would appreciate some inputs on): * Cost - not a major concern, but Oxford is approx. $100k cheaper than UChicago. * Brexit? * Work visa sponsorships for internationals in the UK and the US. * MBA opportunities - I aspire to end up at an M7 MBA in the US.
Would love to hear your opinions. Thanks!
Can't speak for the US but I think you raised few fair points:
Cost - Oxford will be much cheaper than UChicago - as you should aslo consider COL etc. Brexit - from what I see brexit mainly impacts the S&T side of things not the IB side of things so you should be fine in this regards. Visas - Most firms sponsor in the UK - from Oxford I have seen kids go to SG (a friend of mine is at GS) and to HK too, they will sponsor visas too. MBA opps - both should give you the same opps - although Oxford may carry a better name if you were to go back to Asia (I guess).
100% Oxford man.
Can sweep up in the UK, recruit strongly in the US plus it's a mad name outside of Finance if you ever want to go into journalism/politics/media for example.
If you’re an international student (non-US), Oxford will not provide you with opportunities to recruit to US firms (excluding select buyside places - bridgewater/Point72).
Oxford 100%
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Go to Oxford. Just the fact that in EMEA you can apply for Spring Weeks makes IB recruiting there sooo much easier compared to the US (if you start preparing your Spring Week Application before entering Oxford)
Isn’t Oxford considered on par with Harvard globally in terms of brand? I think Oxford makes the most sense here...
Oxford
Confused for a hot second. I took this thread to be a discussion of Saïd versus Booth and was dumbfounded by some of these responses. Oxford for me although I do not believe it's as strong a case as other members are suggesting.
The UChicago network runs deep in finance. Globally.
My biggest consideration is that US IBD visa sponsorship for international undergrad students is totally messed up. 10 years ago I would have said UChicago to NYC IBD. Right now, however, you have a far smaller selection of willing US firms than meets the eye, and firms that don't sponsor aren't allowed to tell prospective students. Then you have our lottery system which doesn't care if you are a banker or basket weaver. A total mess.
UK/Euro IBD is a totally different story and Oxford will get you in the door to a London IBD job and on the path to later permanent residency if desired. UK immi system is points-based: https://workpermit.com/immigration/united-kingdom/uk-five-tier-points-b…</a">UK Five Tier Points based system
In Asia (HK / SG / etc) Oxford will be more respected, as they are former British territories and in general Cambridge/Oxford name goes farther. Not trying to take anything away from Chicago as it's an unbelievably amazing finance and economics school, it just doesn't quite have the same layman name brand.
^ This. I'm Asian and a Chicago alum and OP should listen to Synergy_or_Syzygy
I have visited both schools when I was looking into grad schools; I personally found Oxford the better choice by far compared to many other schools. The surrounding area is also nice and not too expensive (IMO if you look into decent neighborhoods and quality apartments in Chicago there won't be a masssive difference).
Oxford has also a great reputation across Europe, not just in the UK. So even if you don't find the dream job you can also interview in other countries (it is easier to get a visa in EU countries than in the US).
The only other aspect I would still have in mind in Chicago would be the physical proximity to the Canadian job market; if you interview in Canada and get a job offer it would AFAIK get you 600 points for Express Entry - on top of your other points. So that is another avenue - Canada is quite an interesting country if you are OK with cold weather for a few months.
I do not think Canadians would ever hire a foreigner for a job especially if you have no relationship/network in Canada.
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