Break into IB

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown of your options:

Bocconi MSc in Finance:

• Pros:

  • Bocconi is highly regarded in Europe, especially for finance, and has strong placement in London and other financial hubs.
  • The MSc in Finance is rigorous and well-recognized, which could help offset your lack of prior internships.
  • Being in Milan, you’ll have proximity to a strong network of alumni and recruiters, particularly for roles in IB and Equity Research.
  • The program’s reputation could give you a competitive edge for London-based roles, where Bocconi is a known target school.

• Cons:

  • Without a gap year, you’ll have limited time to build relevant high-finance experience before graduation.
  • The competitive nature of Bocconi’s program means you’ll be up against peers with stronger internship backgrounds, which could make securing top-tier roles more challenging.

EDHEC Master in Finance:

• Pros:

  • EDHEC is well-regarded in France and has a strong reputation for finance, particularly for roles in Paris.
  • The dedicated gap year allows you to gain multiple internships, which is crucial for building a competitive profile in IB or Equity Research.
  • Staying at EDHEC might provide a more tailored path for breaking into the Paris market, where the school’s alumni network is particularly strong.

• Cons:

  • While EDHEC is respected, it doesn’t carry the same pan-European prestige as Bocconi, especially for London placements.
  • If your ultimate goal is London, EDHEC might not open as many doors as Bocconi.

Key Considerations:

1. Internship Experience: Since you lack high-finance internships, the gap year at EDHEC could be invaluable for building a stronger resume. This is especially important for IB and Equity Research, where prior experience is often a prerequisite.
2. Geographic Focus: If your primary goal is Paris, EDHEC’s network and reputation in France might make it the better choice. For London, Bocconi’s stronger brand recognition could give you an edge.
3. Program Structure: Bocconi’s MSc in Finance is more academically rigorous and condensed, while EDHEC’s program offers more flexibility to gain practical experience.

Recommendation:

If your priority is to build a strong foundation of internships and you’re leaning towards Paris, staying at EDHEC and leveraging the gap year is likely the safer bet. However, if you’re confident in your ability to secure internships during Bocconi’s program and are targeting London, the prestige and network of Bocconi could make it the better choice.

Sources: European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), Is target MSc Finance still possible in my situation? (Bocconi, HEC, LSE, HSG....), https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/master-europe-suggestions-hec-vs-bocconi?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/master-in-finance-hec-paris-vs-bocconi-vs-st-gallen?customgpt=1, Hec MiM or Bocconi MSc Finance?