Hey,
I got MSc in Finance offers from SSE and RSM. As a student from the Eastern Europe I am on a tight budget and I am indecisive between the two. My major concern is the reputation/network/possibility of landing a SA stint at an investment bank in London.
RSM seems to be a cheaper option, but I think it lags behind SSE in terms of reputation (am I correct?). Also SSE gives an opportunity to do a double degree with Bocconi or a CEMS MiM. Which one of the two would you recommend?
My profile
Nationality: Eastern European
Education: BSc in Economics major in finance from a Dutch university (GPA: 8.4/10)
International experience: Semester abroad in Singapore
Professional experience: * Tax advisory internship at Big4
* Currently M&A Adviosry internship at another Big4
Extracurricular activities:
* Research assistanceship for a professor
* Followed a Finance research-focused excellence program during the BSc program (workload of extra semester)
* Participated in international case competitions in Europe and the US
* Did 2 part-time jobs in parallel to my BSc degree in order to finance my studies
GMAT: 700
Also applied to LSE, HEC (awaiting responses) and got rejected at Bocconi. LSE is completely out of my reach (financially) and HEC would be possible if offered a scholarship.
Thanks for your help!
Both are seen as good but 2nd tier EU unis in London (seen like this because people put HEC and Bocconi on top as you mentioned). Between the two, the difference in prestige will be small. What it'll come down to is the skills learnt; which course offers a more interesting array of modules? Pick mainly based on that. Your profile looks good though and I could see you get in (I also know people from LSE/Oxbridge that got in with weaker profiles so you never know for LSE).
Have you also looked into other UK unis (Imperial/UCL/Warwick) or other EU unis (ESADE/IE/ESCP)? Those all place well in London IB and some may offer financial aid or scholarships.
Thanks for your input. I did check the offers of other schools that you mentioned, but they did not offer any scholarships that would seal the deal for me.
Btw. I applied to Oxford's MSc in Financial Economics and was rejected.
Also don't forget that in the UK you can get a low-interest government loan to study (you can get it for the MFin since you didn't go UG here) which you repay when you work and make over £20K. Look into this, it could be worth it to get into the schools that are viable academically but not financially such as LSE or LBS
I think RSM is the better option to get you into a London based company while SSE will help you to stay in the nordic area. But in the end both a good options, indeed.
A quick LinkedIn search should show that SSE places extremely well at top BBs in London every year. In terms of landing a SA gig at an IB in London, without a doubt SSE is your best bet.
Can confirm that student life in Stockholm is more expensive than in Rotterdam. However, it's definitely possible to get by on a budget of EUR 900 per month. Quite a few students at SSE do part-time internships within PE, IB, ER, MBB, etc, so you'll have the option of earning income on the side should you decide to work alongside your studies.
Disclaimer: Currently a MSc Finance student at SSE
Thanks for posting in this topic.
Indeed I researched the student and alumni profiles and SSE is more appealing to me. Also SSE MSc in Finance requires GMAT from all of its students (which is usually around 710 from what I was told), whereas RSM requires GMAT only from some applicants, and in the beginning of admission it even accepts students on the first come, first serve basis.
My main consideration is the fact that SSE MSc lasts for 2 years and my living costs would be around EUR 24 k for the entire program compared with EUR 12 k at RSM.
Are the part-time jobs that you mentioned available also to non-Swedish speakers?
As you are the current student of the MSc in Finance would you mind sharing you contact details in PM?
PM'd
Funny to see someone with a similar profile on here! Also at big 4 M&A and an economics bachelor from a Dutch uni here. I’m starting the financial economics MSc in Rotterdam this September. Looked at that as well?
Hey,
I checked out the MSc in Financial Economics. However, it is organised by the Erasmus University of Rotterdam not by the Rotterdam School of Management. It seemed to me that the program is going to be more academic-oriented and I am looking for a more business/career- oriented school, hence by decision to apply for RSM.
But I heard good opinions about MSc in Financial Economics for its students! :)
No problem! Btw RSM is a faculty of EUR. Fin Econ is given under the ESE faculty.
Where you from, I just finished that master, can give you a lot of practical tips (for high GPA, if interested, pm me)
Hey, I'm interested, can I pm too?
Btw I’m pretty sure RSM offers a double degree with Bocconi as well, although your rejection might thwart that..
Yes, it does but it is a double-degree in management and not Finance, hence I did not really take that into consideration. Thanks for the heads-up tho! :)
Have you looked at the MMM from Mannheim University? It's fairly cheap and you can still specialize in finance. Strong placement in FFM and LDN include.
Thanks for a hint!
I just checked it out and the language of instruction of the program is English. Also, the tuition fee is very very low (ca. 200 €).
There is an on campus recruiting event at RSM with all major banks participating though it’s mainly targeted at Dutch nationals.
https://www.bankingcycle.com/
Yes, I heard about it. If I am not mistaken there is also a London Trip for students of one of the societies at RSM. However, both of these seem to be focused on Dutch students, either for positions in Amsterdam or for the Benelux desks in London.
Short update: Today I got an invitation for an interview at HEC Paris for their MSc in Finance!
Good luck!
Thanks. The interview went quite well and I think stand a chance of getting an offer from HEC.
To be honest, I would struggle between SSE or HEC. Which one would you choose?
Today, HEC officially gave me an offer. So my dilemma is now HEC, SSE or RSM? Which one would you recommend?
What did you end up choosing buddy?
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