Help deciding between MSc Finance at Bocconi and MSc Finance and Accounting at Imperial!
Hi all,
I have been offered places at both Imperial (MSc Finance and Accounting), and Bocconi (MSc Finance) for 2020/2021. For some context I am completing my undergrad in PPE at a Russell Group uni in the UK (I wouldn't say top tier though), and aim to break into investment banking in London after graduating. Right now I'm weighing my options as both seem like good institutions.
I haven't got any top names on my CV internship wise, although I do have some experience in Finance through more informal means - I think the two year course at Bocconi might be better in that case as there are more opportunities for internships? They also offered me the 50% international student fee waiver, so it would be significantly cheaper than Imperial (though I have heard that it is very difficult to renew this scholarship for the second year).
I'd really appreciate any advice or insight in deciding between the two courses!!
Thanks!
Bocconi. Better for European and London-specific recruiting. Imperial is building a reputation but isn't at the level of Bocconi even in London.
In terms of Bocconi placements in London, do you think you're disadvantaged if you're not Italian? - I read somewhere that oftentimes banks will hire from Bocconi for their Italian coverage teams.
I also have applied to LSE Finance which I haven't heard back from yet - if I was to receive an offer from there do you think that would be better than Bocconi?
Thanks for the reply!
Not sure about the Italian thing. Yes, the LSE MFin is seen better than the Bocconi one in London.
Bocconi - no brainer. Stronger brand, lower tuition, 2 year programme (you can be better prepared). If u will network hard and apply everywhere you will get into London IB.
It's close, but I would take Bocconi, too. Stronger network, lower fees, more opportunities to apply due to the 2-year programme and much more common for students to do the MSc at Bocconi after completing their undergrad at a non-target. Some of the modules are very quant heavy, so don't assume it's walk in the park. Congrats and good luck!
Bocconi MSc Finance international student here. I can not compare with Imperial because I'm not an student there but I can tell you about my experience. The network in London is really strong, the brand is well recognised and you will get interviews at top places. What happens afterwards is up to you, nobody is entitled for an offer, but you will get the shot.
It's not true that they mainly hire from Bocconi for their Italian coverage teams. Probably most people at those groups is from Bocconi, and that makes sense, but there are plenty of Bocconi grads working at 'normal' roles. You can check it in Linkedin.
As an international student, most of my friends are also international and don't speak a word of Italian. However, all of them have had interviews at top places -some got the offers, others didn't-. It is true that the majority of the Bocconi network in London is composed by Italian, but it's logical given that they account for the biggest % of students.
Regarding the scholarship, it is not that difficult. You just have to pass 8 out of the 10 subjects, with no grade requirement. I am not going to lie, Bocconi is very academically demanding and quant heavy, but it's perfectly doable. You just have to be a little bit responsible, but you have time to party, have fun and even get good grades. People struggles the first semester because they are focused in the application processes, and they use to fail 1 or 2 subjects the first semester, but then the second semester is another story, you can focus on studying and you are more used to the strong work ethic.
And I wanted to make one last point. Before coming here, I heard that it was so competitive that people wasn't willing to help and that there was a lot of backstabbing. I heard that it was usual for people to give 'fake' notes to make others fail, because grades are curved and by making others score lower, you are directly benefited. Well, while it's true that people is competitive in the sense that everyone is really focused in getting good grades and thus they study a lot, it is completely fake that there is no collaboration or that there is 'sabotaging'. Whenever I have needed something, I have had it, and whenever I was asked for something, I have helped.
I hope that it helps.
Thank you for your detailed reply! I will take that into account.
Hi! Do you think you could drop me a PM - I'd love to ask a few more questions about the Bocconi program if possible, especially as you are also an international student! Thank you
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