Better to have both the Oxford and Cambridge prestige or is one equivalent?
I have a BA from LSE and an MSc from Oxford and have been working in finance for the past few years. I will be forced out of my firm within the next year and will have the opportunity to either enter a new firm or get another degree, ideally an MPhil from Cambridge which will give me Cambridge’s brand on top of Oxford’s.
Should I go to Cambridge or is having only Oxford on the CV good enough? I know that within the UK they are equal, but which brand is stronger outside the UK?
Do you want the degree for any reasons beyond ego and bragging rights? If so do it. But don’t do it thinking it will somehow better your career. You already have 2 great universities and years of experience at a point where experience outshines education. An Mphill at Cambridge will take you out of the market for a year at least, which doesn’t help if major shifts with AI or the general economic landscape happen.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, both Oxford and Cambridge are considered top-tier institutions with unparalleled prestige, especially within the UK. However, their recognition and impact can vary slightly depending on the region.
Within the UK: As you mentioned, Oxford and Cambridge are seen as equals. Having either on your CV is sufficient to open doors in finance and other competitive industries.
Outside the UK: Oxford tends to have slightly stronger global recognition, particularly in regions like the United States and Asia. Cambridge, while equally prestigious, may not carry the same immediate name recognition in some international markets. That said, both are still leagues ahead of most other institutions worldwide.
Adding Cambridge to Your CV: Pursuing an MPhil at Cambridge would give you the unique advantage of having both brands on your resume. This could be particularly beneficial if you're targeting roles in regions where Oxbridge prestige is highly valued or if you want to stand out further in competitive hiring processes.
Practical Considerations: Before committing to another degree, consider whether the MPhil aligns with your career goals and whether the time and financial investment will yield a significant return. If your primary goal is to enhance your CV, the Cambridge brand could be a valuable addition, but it’s worth weighing this against the opportunity cost of not re-entering the workforce immediately.
In summary, while having Oxford alone is already a strong asset, adding Cambridge could provide an extra edge, especially in international markets or highly competitive fields. However, ensure the degree aligns with your long-term career aspirations and isn't pursued solely for the brand.
Sources: 3.9 GPA from an Ivy League school in a useless major. What are my options?, Q&A: 2nd Year Analyst at McKinsey in Europe, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/uk-master-in-finance-advice?customgpt=1
Only American unis would be worth going to beyond this. Or some niche european ones.
Why these unis over Cambridge? I think Cambridge is a bigger brand name to people around the world, even grannies, than any university in US/Europe with the exception of MAYBE Harvard.
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