IE or Bocconi MSc Finance for IBD in London?

Been accepted by both IE business school's MIF and Bocconi's MSc Finance. Ultimately want to work in IBD in London (yes I've applied to schools there), so these are my choices. Both programs are very similar in terms of rankings/placements/program structure aside from Bocconi being a 2 year program whereas IE's is 1 year.

Leaning towards Bocconi because my work experience isn't great (why I'm doing a master's in the first place) so that I can intern as a SA in between sessions. However, I hear that while Bocconi places well in London many of those alumni are native Italian speakers - for banks to fill their language requirements, and/or because speaking Italian provides a networking edge (some of the careers events are in Italian).

IE is more international so a lack of Spanish doesn't appear to be as much of an issue, but I don't know how they place in London. IE also seems to be more active with networking events etc. throughout the summer which is a plus. End of the day, however, I'd be aiming to secure a full time job before or at the beginning of the program.

So... is it true that mostly Italian-speaking Bocconi grads get the looks from BB's? If so, should I take my chances with a 1 year program?

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I'm from the US but have EU citizenship through my parents. Finishing my undergrad in the UK. No Italian, took 4 years of Spanish in high school. My work experience is essentially a no-name M&A shop last summer and (hopefully) a decent boutique this summer in London but also not well known.

For BB's it seems like taking the traditional route of internship then return offer is easier than trying to do FT right off the bat. That's why I'm preferring Bocconi. However, I don't know how non-Italians place there.

 

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