Importance of course
My personal research across various financial forums has led me to the conclusion that that the university is more important than the course. However, to what extent does this hold true?
I’ve recently gained a strong interest in the “Social Sciences with Data Science Bsc” course at UCL. However, given that it isn’t one of it’s traditional flagship course, how much of a disadvantage will I be at for recruiting when considering the intense competition for places that already exists within the institution? Or rather, could the unique ( yet not completely irrelevant) nature of the course infact play in my favour by helping me to distinguish myself from the crowd?
Another question that has now long lingered in my mind is the difference between strong course at a strong semi target versus a weaker course at a low target. Such an example could be Economics at Durham versus Accounting and Finance at Warwick. In such a scenario, would the lines between target and semi - target get blurred?
Thanks in advance!
Bro wtf are you saying
May I know what exactly is it that you’re confused about?
You type like a robot impersonating an Indian trying to speak like a British nobleman
A and f at Warwick is well clear of Durham econ, don’t think anyone would say otherwise
Okay, duly noted. Do you believe Warwick A&F would be better that UCL Social sciences with Data Science?
100% - Warwick and UCL are basically at the same level in general
How bad would Econ from Durham look when applying for spring weeks and FO at BBs? IBD ruled out?
Interesting… As I said, I’m no expert myself, but my research has driven me to the conclusion that Durham is a strong semi target and economics is a respectable course. Therefore, if you put in the necessary effort, you should be able to place into IBD.
Please correct me if I’m wrong.
In the illustrious realm of academic pursuit and the complex architecture of financial recruitment, one must tread with both precision and grandeur in their decisions. The institution, while undeniably a beacon of one's initial merit, is but the theater in which the opus of one's course is performed.
To advocate that the university eclipses the course in significance is to argue that the palace is of greater importance than the monarch who resides within. A prestigious university, like UCL, certainly provides an aspirant with a stage worthy of recognition. Yet, isn't it the uniqueness of "Social Sciences with Data Science BSc" that could serve as your scepter, distinguishing you amidst the sea of hopefuls? In an age where interdisciplinarity reigns supreme, this amalgamation of art and empirical science might just be your crown jewel.
As for the juxtaposition between a formidable course at a semi-target and a less renowned one at a low target: it's akin to weighing the influence of a duke against a lesser-known prince. Both carry their distinct prestige and utility. While Durham's Economics may have the gravitas of a long-standing dynasty, Accounting and Finance at Warwick, though perhaps understated, could very well chart a path to the modern financial fiefdom.
Ultimately, the distinction between target and semi-target is fluid, not cast in the stone of tradition but molded by the ever-evolving landscape of opportunity and demand.
Your insights are well-taken, but I implore you to ponder on these musings and consider that, sometimes, the crown one wears is fashioned not by where it's made, but by the gems it's adorned with.
Ah, my esteemed Sir Merriam-Webster,
Your eloquent prose dances upon the parchment like a finely orchestrated symphony, and I find myself both amused and enlightened by your words. As I attempt to navigate the intricate tapestry that is the realm of finance recruiting, I must admit I stand as a humble beginner, gazing wide-eyed at the grandeur of the choices laid before me.
Your sagacious counsel resonates deeply, echoing through the hallowed halls of my contemplation. The analogy of the palace and its monarch, the theatre and its opus, paints a vivid portrait of the delicate balance between university prestige and the unique melody of one's chosen course.
your reflections are cherished like rare volumes in a library of counsel. I beseech you to recognize my status as an aspiring novice, attempting to decipher the cryptic riddles of finance recruiting. Your guidance is a treasure hoarded with gratitude, and I extend my heartfelt thanks for the pearls of wisdom you've generously shared.
With admiration and anticipation,
A fellow aspirant.
Bro used chatgpt
Bro needs to find something productive to do with his time🙊
I think the UK is very unique in the aspect that it recruits people from non-finance backgrounds as well. However, I do believe you need to be at a top-target for it to work. I.e. reading philosophy at Oxford or something like that. You will also have to perfect your story in that case. Going into e.g. philosophy if you know you wanna do IB to begin with makes no sense so you will need a very strong story on why you wanted to go into philosophy to begin with but then completely switched direction and became interested in IB. My best recommendation would be to do everything you can to get into a finance program at a top target. You can also target universities in Europe (Bocconi, HEC etc.)
Okay, thanks for the insight! So do you believe A&F at Warwick could be a safer bet than Social Sciences with Data science at UCL?
The dilemma with the other schools you mentioned is that HEC is only accessible through a “concours” which is only done after 2-3 years of preparatory classes ( by which I’d already be finishing off my degree in the UK) and Bocconi is only truly strong at the Masters level meaning I’d be better off doing my degree in the uk for undergrad.
Probably, yes. You will get so much more support. You will have a lot of classmates who are likeminded, you will learn things useful to IB in school etc. It might also be difficult for you to maintain good grades if you are interested in finance and not the subject you're studying. I would advise against studying something you are not interested in just to get the brand name. I work with a few people who read non-finance subjects. However, all of them were genuinely interested in that area and only later discovered IB. None of them went to Oxford reading philosophy despite being dead-set on a career in finance from the beginning.
Finance or Econ? I’d argue that STEM + Econ are stronger than A&F, Finance and other Buisness courses
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