Advice for Msc choice

Hey  guys,
im approaching the end of my Economics/finance Bsc in italy, and i am having lots of problems choosing a master degree. I am  generally a very curious person interested in the most diverse topics from statistics to economics including a fair bit of math, but i dont really hate more finance oriented exams.

During my bsc i studied a lil bit of everything on the more quantitaive side:financial math, time series analysis, statistical learning ecc, on the economic side just the usual micro and macro, and finally corporate finance and others in regards to the tipical  "finance" exams.

TBH i dont want to loose any sort of opportunities, i want to be the more open as possible in regars to the job market since im not sure about what i really "love" and what i just "like", (only think i know, i hate accounting, LOL).
So im looking for something that can get me into IBD(or adjacent "finance jobs), but at the same time S&T, and even more qunt focused roles. (just to explain in a simplistc way)
I know thats a pretty broad spectrum. That is the problem that i am facing.

Any suggestions? (i thought something alongside Econometrics could be a great idea)

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some tailored suggestions for your MSc choice given your broad interests and career aspirations:

1. Top MSc Programs in Europe for Broad Opportunities

  • Bocconi University (Italy): MSc Finance - Quantitative Finance path. This program is highly regarded and offers a balance between finance and quantitative skills, making it a strong choice for IBD, S&T, and quant roles.
  • ETH Zurich (Switzerland): MSc Quantitative Finance. Known for its rigorous quantitative focus, this program is excellent for S&T and quant roles while still keeping doors open for finance jobs.
  • LSE (UK): MSc Risk and Finance or MSc Financial Statistics. These programs provide a mix of finance and quantitative/statistical skills, aligning well with your interests.
  • CentraleSupelec (France): Mastère Spécialisé Mathématiques appliquées à la finance. A strong quantitative program with applications in finance.
  • Amsterdam (Netherlands): MSc Quantitative Finance. A solid program for those looking to balance finance and quantitative skills.

2. Programs with Flexibility Across Finance and Quant Roles

  • Warwick (UK): MSc Financial Mathematics. Offers a strong quantitative foundation while keeping finance applications in focus.
  • Cass Business School (UK): MSc Mathematical Finance/Mathematical Trading/Quantitative Finance. These programs are versatile and cater to both finance and quant-focused roles.
  • Politecnico di Milano (Italy): MSc Mathematical Engineering - Quantitative Finance path. A great option for someone with a strong quantitative background looking to explore finance applications.

3. For Econometrics and Broader Quantitative Focus

  • RSM (Netherlands): MSc Econometrics and Finance. This program aligns well with your interest in econometrics and provides a pathway to both finance and quant roles.
  • Paris Dauphine (France): Master in Financial Engineering. A strong program for those interested in econometrics and quantitative finance.

4. Key Considerations

  • Avoid Accounting-Heavy Programs: Since you dislike accounting, steer clear of programs with a heavy focus on financial accounting.
  • Quantitative vs. Finance Balance: Programs like MSc Quantitative Finance or MSc Financial Mathematics strike a balance between quantitative rigor and finance applications, making them ideal for your broad career goals.
  • Geographic Preferences: Consider where you want to work post-graduation, as some programs have stronger regional placements (e.g., Bocconi for Milan, ETH Zurich for Switzerland).

5. Final Thoughts

  • If you're unsure about your exact career path, prioritize programs that offer flexibility and a broad skill set. MSc Quantitative Finance or MSc Financial Mathematics programs are excellent for keeping options open across IBD, S&T, and quant roles.
  • Econometrics-focused programs like RSM's MSc Econometrics and Finance are also a great idea, as they provide a strong quantitative foundation applicable to diverse roles.

Good luck with your decision! Let me know if you'd like more specific insights on any of these programs.

Sources: Complete European master guide for S&T/Quant position, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/complete-european-master-guide-for-stquant-position?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/dilemma-quantitative-finance-vs-finance?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

I would prioritise the prestige of the university, as a top-tier institution offers significantly more flexibility. For instance, graduates from non-finance courses at LSE frequently land highly competitive finance roles. Depending on your specific interests, a Master's in Economics or Management (along with flexibility in optional modules) should provide exactly what you are looking for

 

Some people in your same industry told me that an economics (on the quantitative side)/ econometrics, is not very good, because i would get into some non prestigious “quant positions” like risk. And that’s the usuale outcome of those programs. This Guy is also a VP in a BB bank 

 

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