ESSEC vs. Bocconi MSc Finance

Hello,

I would really like to know your opinion on these two MSc courses, given the recent Post-Brexit scenario. Which one do you think is better for a career in Investment Banking? (M&A). There should be no doubt that Paris offers greater opportunities than Milan not only in terms of Jobs but also in terms of salary. Which school can be considered "target"? Assuming EU citizenship and fluency in both Italian and French which school would you choose and why. Thanks!
 

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I would go ESSEC only if you want to work in Paris. If you want to work in London or Milan, or are open to both, Bocconi is definitely way better, not even close. The only French university that is equal/better than Bocconi is HEC Paris. It's the only one with comparable recognition in EU, broad alumni network and strong reputation.

Only downside I see with Bocconi is that the 1st year of MSc is very rigorous and difficult compared with other comparable MScs in Finance

 

Thanks, 

But how do you envision the post-Brexit scenario? Do you think London would be still easy to reach for an Italian student? Also, do you think IB salary in Milan are comparable to the ones you get in Paris?

 

Well, I'm an Italian working at a US BB in London, so might be biased. I think that for junior staff in IB not much will change unless something very drastic happens when they finally reach a deal over financial services, right now banks mostly just have to relocate some MDs and senior staff to regional offices. IB salary in Milan is not equal to the one in Paris, it is lower in general but still decent in most cases I'd say. In any case I would advise that if you can, you should aim for London as the work-life balance is miles better (I say this after having worked a 90-95 hour week but believe me) and the pay, even accounting for higher COL in London, is much higher. Overall a much better junior experience as the London office is just prepared better to have interns.

 

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