Exploring Exchange Year Universities - Which is the best?
Hello,
I will be going on an exchange semester next year. My university offers a variety of universities, however, I believe that those below are the highlights. I want to work in the Finance Industry in the future, perhaps, in quant asset management, IB et cetera. My goal is to work in London, NY, or Switzerland (Zurich/Zug). Another option, that might be available, is to study for a semester at two of these universities. Which of these do you all suggest?
- Bocconi
- Maastricht
- University of Zurich
- Université de Lausanne
- University College London
- There are also some universities being offered in the US however, I believe that none would be preferred over those above.
Ah, the thrill of an exchange semester! It's like picking the perfect banana from the bunch – you want the one that'll ripen your career just right. Now, let's peel back the layers on your options:
Bocconi: This Italian powerhouse is a primo choice for finance aficionados. It's got a sterling rep in Europe and could give your CV that gourmet edge, especially in investment banking and asset management.
Maastricht: A bit of an underdog compared to Bocconi, but don't underestimate it. It's known for a strong finance program and a unique teaching method. Plus, it's in the heart of Europe, which is handy for networking.
University of Zurich: Solid choice, especially if you're eyeing the Swiss financial market. It's like the Swiss Army knife of education – versatile and high quality.
Université de Lausanne: Another Swiss gem, and it's got a partnership with the Swiss Finance Institute. It's like having a backstage pass to the finance industry in Switzerland.
University College London (UCL): It's in London, the financial jungle itself. UCL has a great global standing and could be your ticket to the high-stakes world of London finance.
If you're gunning for a career in London, NY, or Switzerland, Bocconi, UCL, and the Swiss universities have the brand recognition and alumni networks to help you swing from the academic vines straight into the concrete jungle of finance.
And about splitting your semester between two unis? That's like having your banana and eating it too – double the networks, double the fun. Just make sure you can handle the logistics and the workload.
Choose wisely, future finance guru!
Sources: Advice/Tips on trying to relocate to a Tier 1 city, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/uk-master-in-finance-advice?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/yale-vs-columbia-vs-nyu-stern-undergraduate?customgpt=1, NYC vs. London vs. Zurich vs. FFM, NYC vs. London vs. Zurich vs. FFM
UCL is nice, would be a nice blend between partying and work whilst also being in the financial capital of Europe. Bocconi is similar, can’t comment on the rest.
Given objectives I would say in order UCL, Zurich, Lausanne, Bocconi, and Maastricht. You ain't getting a job in Switzerland unless you can at least demonstrate some link with the country by being from there or studying there.
So perhaps, UCL/Bocconi for the first semester and then Zurich for the second semester to complete the year. Whilst in Zurich I could try to secure an internship through contacts/events I find there?
Yes that is a decent plan, although see if your visa status/work status in Switzerland will be the same as a regular student (same as non-exchange students), critical point to dilligence as that makes finding a job much easier.
Yes, that shouldn't be an issue. I believe that I would only need a residence permit (which is attained by being hired). So I would have around a year to find a job (6 months during studies and 3+3 months through the EU agreement). Studying in Zurich would probably higher my chances of being hired compared to other internationals (likewise for London). However, I will be competing with regular Swiss people and therefore another international university like Bocconi/UCL would make me stand out. I am mainly curious about which of these universities are the most "prestigious" or most recognized within the Finance/Economics community.
These are very good universities but neither UCL nor Bocconi would provide much if any edge. These aren't global brands like Oxbridge, LSE and the like so wouldn't be well known in Switzerland. So don't weight that too much in your decision. That being said Milan and London are cool places to live while young, and UCL would give you a branding boost for London which is one of your target cities so I say go for it (if not for the Swiss angle, which you have covered with Zurich)
Lmao come at me UCL and Bocconi guys
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