Seeking guidance or critque about my plan forward
Context:
Last year of undergrad at London uni think City/Bayes, QMUL... level) with a first-class honours in relevant Finance/Econ/Acc. study area. Got accepted into MSc Financial Economics at Erasmus Rotterdam (London MSc is too expensive). Half Dutch and half Norwegian, and I am fluent in English and Norwegian, can speak and understand school-level German, but have never properly learned or been taught Dutch, so doing that now. I want to get into ER or IB.
I plan on doing the masters program, as from what I have seen, Erasmus has better placement for London than Nordic schools (also cheap) and is the Target for Benelux.
The general plan is to target Nordics, Benelux and London for internships, given background. First internship, I will try to land in Nordics, as I feel like I need to learn more Dutch before being able to land something there and have no previous IB or ER internships at banks (I have something within Sales/Consulting), so I won't stand out enough for London (but will still apply to the Netherlands and London). Then, try to do a second internship in the Netherlands, building on the strengthened Dutch from a year's living and experience from the Nordic role as planned --> leverage everything to try to land a London role.
Wondering what people think of this? Specifically, landing something in NL given little Dutch knowledge. Also, I am fully aware that I might also settle in NL or Nordics rather than going for a London role, but I aim to be overambitious with a plan that can change rather than no plan.
Your plan is well-thought-out and demonstrates a clear understanding of your strengths, limitations, and the competitive nature of the finance industry. Here's a breakdown of your strategy with some guidance and critique:
Strengths of Your Plan
Erasmus Rotterdam Choice:
Erasmus University is a strong choice for your MSc, especially for targeting Benelux and London. Its reputation as a target school in the region and its affordability make it a smart decision.
Targeting Nordics for First Internship:
Leveraging your Norwegian background and language skills to secure a first internship in the Nordics is a practical move. It allows you to build relevant experience in a region where you have a competitive edge.
Dutch Language Learning:
Actively learning Dutch is a great step. While fluency isn't always required for roles in Amsterdam or the Netherlands, having a working knowledge of Dutch will set you apart and help you integrate better into the local market.
Overambitious Yet Flexible:
Your willingness to aim high (London roles) while being open to settling in the Netherlands or Nordics shows a balanced approach. Ambition paired with adaptability is key in finance.
Areas for Improvement and Suggestions
Dutch Knowledge for NL Internships:
While many roles in Amsterdam (especially in IB or ER) are conducted in English, some firms may still prefer candidates with Dutch proficiency. To strengthen your chances:
London Applications:
Even if you feel you don't stand out enough for London roles yet, still apply. London is a numbers game, and persistence can pay off. Tailor your applications to highlight:
Networking:
Networking is critical for breaking into IB or ER. Start building connections early:
Internship Strategy:
Your plan to do a first internship in the Nordics and a second in the Netherlands is solid. However, consider these additional tips:
Highlighting Your Unique Background:
Your half-Dutch, half-Norwegian background and multilingual skills are unique selling points. Emphasize these in your applications, especially for roles in Benelux and Nordics, where cultural and language adaptability is valued.
Key Challenges
Competition in London:
Breaking into London IB or ER roles is highly competitive, especially without prior IB/ER internships. Your plan to build experience in the Nordics and Netherlands first is a smart way to address this.
Balancing Dutch Learning with MSc:
Balancing language learning with the demands of an MSc program can be challenging. Consider using apps like Duolingo or Babbel for daily practice and joining Dutch-speaking groups or events in Rotterdam.
Actionable Next Steps
Start Networking Now:
Begin reaching out to professionals in your target regions and industries. Informational interviews can provide insights and open doors.
Polish Your CV and Cover Letter:
Tailor your CV to highlight transferable skills from your Sales/Consulting experience, such as client relationship management, analytical skills, and communication.
Leverage Erasmus Resources:
Use Erasmus' career services, alumni network, and recruitment events to connect with employers in Benelux and London.
Apply Strategically:
Final Thoughts
Your plan is ambitious but realistic, and you're taking the right steps to position yourself for success. By leveraging your unique background, building relevant experience, and networking strategically, you can achieve your goals. Keep pushing forward, and remember that persistence and adaptability are key in the finance industry. Good luck!
Sources: Online internship at an U.S boutique, from Europe?, London (Dutch) FT recruiting, Strategy& and EY-Parhtenon Summer Internship, Do you need to speak Dutch to work in Amsterdam?
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