HEC vs ESSEC vs ESCP vs HSG : Need Help for advice

Hi all,

I am a student at the University of St. Gallen, graduating this year, and I am currently trying to decide on a master's program. I'll list the programs I have been accepted and explain why I'm uncertain. My goal is to finish the master and potentially work in Investment Banking (preferably in the DACH region, ideally in Switzerland). I have completed two summer internships: one in the debt division at a bank and another as an analyst at an investment fund. I speak four languages, so working in different areas in Europe wouldn't be a problem.

Here are the programs I'm considering:

HEC: Master in Accounting and Finance

    It is not the Master in Finance or Master in Management (which are the top-tier programs).
    I am aware of the strong branding of HEC, but I am uncertain because this is not their top-tier program.

ESSEC: Master in Finance

    Good position in rankings and it's the top tier program.
    I am unsure if having a top tier program at ESSEC is better than not having a top tier program but having the HEC branding.

ESCP: Master in Management

    Very good ranking + student visa in the UK.
    It's a program in management instead of finance.

HSG: Master in Accounting and Finance

    It is not the Master in Banking and Finance (which is top tier), but it is well-regarded in the DACH region.

I really need your help to make the best decision based on my background and career ambitions. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate your advice and rankings among these universities.

Thank you very much!

4 Comments
 

Hey go to HEC. No one will give a fuck about the program but look only at the brand name 5 years down the line and its is way better than ESSEC/HSG/ESCP. Good luck and congrats for getting into HEC!!

 

Thank you for your responses. My biggest concern is not so much where I'll be in 5 years, but rather how to break into Investment Banking right after finishing my master. What makes me most uncertain is which program will give me the best chances of getting more interviews and, ultimately, helping me break into IB. Do you think that the reasoning you outlined applies also directly after the master?

 

Quo nemo et ut atque. Sed sunt debitis iure maxime quos. Eaque fugit molestiae cupiditate et quae eos. Recusandae voluptas harum similique animi sunt ea odio. Et est repellendus animi adipisci voluptatum commodi maiores alias.

Odio veritatis perferendis et hic fugit. Ex cum tempora et possimus error et earum tempora. Soluta temporibus sint quidem nihil id aperiam. Cupiditate illum sed autem laudantium error sint. Excepturi sunt magnam numquam et iste.

Quasi molestiae consequatur velit quis voluptatem. Quaerat omnis deserunt non aut. Ducimus mollitia vero sit voluptates quidem iure.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”