Unsure About Next Steps: Master’s Programs for Breaking Into PE/VC?

Hey everyone!

I’m in need of some advice as I’m at a bit of a crossroads in my career journey. I graduated from Nova SBE in economics this past June, and like many fresh grads, I wasn’t entirely sure what path to take. I ended up landing a job as a financial auditor, which I’ve been doing since then. But over the past few months, I’ve come to realize that this isn’t what I want to do long-term.

After attending conferences, networking, and doing some soul-searching, I discovered my true passion lies in the world of PE/VC. To pursue this new path, I’ve been researching the next steps, and a master’s in finance seems like the best option to help me break into the industry. (If anyone thinks otherwise or has alternative suggestions, I’m all ears!)

Now, here’s where I need your input. I’ve been looking into some of the top European schools like LSE, Oxford, HEC, St. Gallen, ESSEC, Bocconi, and Nova SBE. I’m preparing for the GMAT (exam scheduled for November 25th), but I’m also missing an academic recommendation letter (only requirements left for the master's programs), which is proving tricky since I lost touch with my professors after graduation. Any advice on how to re-approach a professor after some time would be a lifesaver! 

So, here are my questions:

Which of these schools would you recommend for someone trying to break into PE/VC, and why?

Are there any reasons why one school might not be as strong a choice compared to the others?

What positives (or negatives) stand out about any of these options from your perspective?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and any experiences you’ve had with these schools or a similar career shift! Thanks in advance!