HEC vs ESSEC vs ESCP vs HSG : Where to do the master?
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!
If you aim for DACH or Switzerland then it is without any question or doubt that you MUST pick HSG. Clearly best reputation and strong alumni base :)
I mean, it's not my priority, but it's still something I consider. My priority is to get an IB role in a prestigious institution. Of course, starting in Switzerland would be great because of the salary, but it is not my priority (I might switch later to Switzerland). Therefore, I prioritize which master's program and university that would give me these career opportunities (in terms of IB in a relevant bank) rather than geography.
Still, I would vote for HSG but HEC Paris is the strongest french school so also good.
I think that from a region perspective obviously in the DACH region they might value a bit more HSG while in France they would value more HEC. What about London tho? Which one would boost you more?
Both are not direct targets like LSE or LBS but you should stand a chance with both but the most important will be past internships :)
Indeed, solid internships matter much more. Remember that you are competing against other EU students with perhaps 1 off-cycle UMM/MF internship, 1 BB summer, 1 MBB off-cycle. They might not have studied at Oxbridge/LSE/LBS but they will be as competitive. Obv not everyone is like that but those people def exist
I am so undecided between HEC and HSG. Both programs are not the top tier but both universities have a good reputations. The only difference is that HEC lasts 1 year while HSG lasts 2 years and the cost.
Dpeends on you how long you want to study and if you think your internship exp is enough. Plus, not sure you can extend HSG by 6 ,-months to include an internship?
The length of the studies is not really a problem. Concerning th experience I think I am fine but I still don’t have an IB internship yet so I don’t know if it’s fine or not. Maybe this might be a bit compensated by the university’s brand name on the master but I don’t know tbh.
If you have don't have any then a 2 year master is good. HSG is a great brand plus tailors to where you want to work so... good luck
Thanks for the advice. Still undecided ‘cause the AFM program at HEC seems to have a better reputation compared to the one at HSG because of i)university ii) program structure iii)students’ backgrounds. Therefore I am still not sure as my priority is not really the DACH region but an IB role.
LBS
HEC MIF student here, so I will just comment on HEC part of your consideration. The program you got into is definitely of high quality in terms of teaching and fellow students, plus you get HEC brand on your CV. However, one thing to be very cautious about is that Accounting & Finance program is not meant to feed students to IB, thus it consequently lacks structured recruitment procedures (mentorships, alumni events, IB workshops and trips to banks in London and Paris). So, I would say that you would still have chances for breaking into IB, but you would not receive much support from the school for IB recruitment. I would advise you to check if that is the case with the program at HSG as well if your only goal is to break into IB. If yes, maybe think of applying next year for HSG MBF or HEC MIF that are super target programs for IB.
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