LSE Vs Northwestern
So I am a senior in hs. I recently got into LSE and Northwestern and I am currently considering both unis . My goal is to break into IB , and then pivot into VC hopefully or something with similar pay but slightly less hours . My major at NU is going to be econ and I am considering double majoring in stats or a different stem for the opt. For LSE my course is Accounting and Finance. I would prefer to work in the US and obviously Palo Alto and Manhattan are dream destinations but Chicago ain’t that far off and from what I have seen pay their is better than London and cost of living is cheaper . I am an international so I’d need a visa to work in both places and I will be paying full sticker price for both unis but my parents quite luckily got me.
If you want to be in the US, go to Northwestern. If you want to be in the UK, go to LSE.
I am an American citizen working in London and do advise family friends that it is far far far easier for an international to get a UK work visa which is an item to consider when comparing offers. Especially as it seems like a third of certain LDN IB teams are basically people who lost the US lottery game...
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider:
LSE for IB in London and Europe:
LSE is a powerhouse for Investment Banking (IB) recruitment in the UK and Europe. It is second only to Oxbridge in terms of placement in the UK and is on par with top schools like LBS and HEC. LSE's Accounting and Finance program is highly regarded and will almost guarantee you pass the CV screening at many banks in London. However, transitioning from LSE to the US (Palo Alto or Manhattan) might be more challenging unless you leverage internships or networking opportunities with US-based firms.
Northwestern for IB in the US:
Northwestern is a strong choice for IB recruitment in the US, particularly in Chicago and the Midwest. While it may not have the same IB reputation as schools like UChicago or NYU Stern, it is still well-regarded, especially for consulting and finance roles. Your plan to major in Economics and potentially double major in a STEM field (for OPT benefits) is a smart move, as it could help with visa sponsorship and make you more competitive for roles in the US.
Cost of Living and Pay:
You're correct that pay in the US (especially in Manhattan and Palo Alto) is generally higher than in London, and the cost of living in Chicago is lower than both. However, keep in mind that breaking into VC from IB is highly competitive, and location (e.g., Palo Alto for tech-focused VC) will play a significant role in your career trajectory.
Visa Considerations:
As an international student, securing a visa is critical. In the US, the OPT and H-1B visa pathways are common for international students, and a STEM degree can extend your OPT period, giving you more time to secure sponsorship. In the UK, the Graduate Route visa allows you to stay for two years post-graduation to work, but transitioning to the US from the UK might require additional effort.
Recommendation:
Ultimately, your decision should align with your long-term career goals and where you see yourself working immediately after graduation.
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/investment-banking-in-the-uk-an-overview?customgpt=1, LSE V Bristol uni, UK Target Universities Discussion Thread, Northwestern IB Placement & Business Clubs
Similar to the other comment if your goal is any city in the US, Northwestern is the obvious choice. Im a senior and pretty much everyone who recruits lands a gig in a T1 city unless they pursue otherwise. Alumni network is insane and on campus orgs pretty much hold ur hand through the entire process. Wouldn't recommend Econ + STEM double since each respectively is highly demanding, but u know u best. London overrated
Hey, I'm making the same decision.
I'm opting for Northwestern instead of London because London IB recruiting is very random (US is primarily due to OCR and networking) and Oxbridge/LSE/Imperial/Warwick/UCL only get your foot in the door, rather than anything long-term.
Plus this is wishful thinking but the visa situation will probably get better; even if it doesn't, once you break into IB, it is much easier to lateral into other careers internationally rather than breaking into LDN from the US (Roles in EMEA pay equally well, if not better).
PM me if you have any questions!
LSE* not London
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