Canadian Profile Evaluation for MSc Finance/ MiM in London (LBS, LSE, Imperial, ESCP Europe)
Hi Everyone,
I'm a fourth year student at a target undergrad business school in Canada (Ivey/Queens) and I am planning on doing a masters in London with hopes of working in Investment Banking (preferably in Leveraged Finance but I guess that's a bit too specific at this point) in London. I'm interested in applying to LBS's MFA or MiM, LSE's A&F or Finance program, Imperial's MFin and MiM, and ESCP Europe's MiM as I know these are the strongest programs for getting into IB in London. I like that ESCP has quite an international experience which is why I included it with the traditional London target schools and a quick Linkedin search shows it has some pretty amazing placements in London.
Here's my basic profile:
- Undergrad: Canadian Target Business School (Ivey/Queens); Cumulative GPA is ~3.5-3.6/4 (~80%)
- Completed a semester abroad in London in third year
- Work Experience: 4 months in corporate banking and 4 months in banking strategy at a major Canadian bank in Toronto. Will likely complete another 4 month internship in leveraged finance or corporate banking at the same bank this summer, prior to the masters
- Extracurriculars: A couple of leadership positions that are business/finance related and tie well into banking as well
- GMAT: As an international student, I have to complete the GMAT for every school (except Imperial) - I just bought the books so I haven't done a mock yet but plan to take the GMAT in January or February which I know is a bit late into the masters recruiting cycle but such is life. I'm thinking I'd need ~700, is this doable in that timeframe while still in school?
I'd be quite happy attending either school with a preference for LBS or ESCP since I can do a summer internship in either of these programs. Also any thoughts on UCL's MiM or MFin?
What do you guys think of my chances? Obviously my candidacy is quite dependent on my GMAT so what do you guys think of my profile overall? What GMAT should I be targeting to at least get into one of the programs and how long do you think it will take to achieve? Should I be targeting lower tier schools? Also how would my work experience viewed in London during recruiting given the lack of European experience?
Thanks guys!
Hi fakesilver, yes, I'm a bot, but I'm also good looking. Hopefully, these threads help you:
Fingers crossed that one of those helps you.
Bump. Any insights guys?
The 80% add-on to the grade is not really applicable,but overall I think it translates to a high 2:1 in the UK,but it should make the cut. You should be fine for all of the above schools, if you get your GMAT right (e.g. 700 or more). You seem to have a strong well-rounded profile,just make sure you emphasize your activities and references,as sometimes people underestimate them,especially if they have strong work exp/grades. The overseas experience is fine,those programmes are looking to recruit students from different backgrounds, so you can actullay turn it into an advantage,especially if the companies are recognised in Europe.
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback! Do you think a 700 is doable within 2-3 months if I give it ~2-3 hours a day?
In general people spend approx 200 hours preparing for thw GMAT. Now, I've seen people saying they've spend 80,and people who've spend 400. In general it depends,on how fast you learn,are you a native speaker,how well you do on stadardized test etc. However,in general 3 months should be sufficient. Have a peek around the forum,there are some really good posts around the GMAT
Hey, thanks for reaching out! Glad to hear there are others out there who've completed a similar track, I've sent you a PM.
Cheers!
Wondering how did it go for OP, is there any follow-ups?
Hey man - so following Nov 2019, I kept studying for the GMAT for a few months until my MD from my corp banking internship gave me a FT offer and ended up taking that cause I figured some FT experience would help even if I wanted to do an MFin after 1-2 years (not to mention making salary instead of paying for more school haha). Recently switched to IBD coverage in a leading group at another Canadian bank though. Happy to share my experience with the process for an Mfin though since its something I researched a lot.
Atque nulla facilis libero aspernatur cum voluptatem. Nihil nemo quaerat cum aut aut quis. Cum maxime libero non mollitia enim beatae quas.
Veniam sit ipsum perspiciatis delectus dignissimos repudiandae officiis. Eum voluptatum porro saepe mollitia. Sit quis mollitia et voluptatem et aut consequatur.
Ea deleniti amet ut blanditiis. Et voluptas voluptas sit temporibus aut qui quae. Sed neque labore eveniet tempore nesciunt. Aut ullam harum excepturi rerum.
Optio aliquid et vitae ea. Ut aut repellat voluptatem vero sit.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...