Bocconi vs SSE vs ESSEC vs HSG
I am Italian and I want to work in IB in either London or some other large financial center in the world. I currently have no internship experience, but my GPA is 29.4/30 according to the Italian grading system and my GMAT score is 760. I accepted an offer from SSE for the MSc in Finance, which is free since I am a European student, and thus even if I accepted the spot I should be able to choose another program if I want to. I was also offered a spot at ESSEC in the MSc in Data Science and Business Analytics with a partial scholarship (but despite this, the tuition is still pretty expensive), that I have to confirm within 2 weeks. Then I am also considering applying to Bocconi's MSc in Finance (in the only round open to Italian applicants) and HSG's MSc in Banking and Finance (in the third/fourth round, which decreases my chances of being accepted). Which program among these (or any other program in Europe) would maximize my chances of breaking into IB, considering also the likeliness of me being accepted in the program/likeliness of receiving a scholarship?
Bocconi or SSE
You think the other ones don't place as well in London?
Less well
Ok, any contribution other than that?
Yeah its Bocconi (if you get it) > SSE.
ESSEC is a random cashcow program.
I wouldn't even apply to HSG. HSG MBF placements have been weird, even then SSE is the choice over HSG. Not even to discuss whether you can land in a DACH centre not speaking the language?
Ok, thank you. Actually I speak a little German (very basic level, A1), but at least if I were to go to any Gerrman-speaking center I wouldn't have to start completely from scratch with the language
Unless you are C I doubt you get past interviews. Happy to take others opinions.
Why do you think that about ESSEC? I think that they place pretty well in London with MFin programme, and have decent reputation.
MFin is fine. Still though, HEC/Bocconi > ESSEC. But if its the offer in hand, nothing to turn your nose up at. Ultimately in the weird enviroment we live in, I would want to speak the language of the local program to fall back on incase London recruiting fails.
Given you’re Italian I’ll 100% go for Bocconi MFin even if it’s more expensive than SSE. The curriculum will be challenging but you’ll have a good shot for London recruiting.
HSG and SSE are good programs, but for students from DACH and the Nordics respectively.
Thanks! And what about ESSEC?
great for france
Their MSc Data Science won’t place you in IB so pointless. You could consider their MFin though
People usually underestimate HSG placement because many students opt to stay in Switzerland/Germany as the conditions are attractive and they can stay in their home country. E.g. Italian students have basically no other choice than going to London which leads to a large number of alumnis in London.
However, strong HSG students place at every good shop in London if wanted.
As an Italian and current student of the MSc in Finance at Bocconi University, I strongly suggest applying for MSc Fin at Bocconi.
Pros:
- You are Italian, therefore you’ll live in your own country. If you want an experience abroad, you can participate in the exchange program or Double Degree.
- You will be in Milan, so you will have access to the Italian job market, in which you have an advantage because you speak the language (Bocconi is a target school, you can keep studying in Milan and have an off-cycle internship)
- Bocconi has an extensive alumni network in London.
Cons:
- The program is as rigorous and hard as they say. The first semester is very theoretical. Quantitative finance and derivatives (module I) and financial econometrics (module I) are not easy subjects. Nevertheless, when you’ll finish this MSc you’ll truly be competitive on the job market (and in my humble opinion, you could even aim for something more quantitative than IB)
Cheers!
Thanks so much for the insight! I have 2 more questions:
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