Is Msc Business and Economics at Rotterdam a good choice? Or are there better out there?

Hey,

I'm currently studying an Economics related course at a target university in the UK (LSE, Oxford, Cambridge), but I haven’t managed to secure a grad job yet. I’m thinking about doing a master’s, and Erasmus University Rotterdam looks like a good option because of the affordable fees (I have an EU passport) and the city seems really nice.

That said, I do have some concerns:

  • I feel like not many people have heard of it, and I’m worried it might feel like a step down from where I am now.
  • Does the MSc in Economics and Business have a good reputation, particularly when it comes to getting a job afterward?
  • What specializations would be the most useful to be competitive in the job market?
  • Should I be looking at other universities instead? The reason I’m not considering more UK options is because of cost, timing (too late for applications), and the strong competition.

Would really appreciate any advice ::)

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, Erasmus University Rotterdam, particularly its MSc programs, is well-regarded in Europe, especially for its affordability and quality of education. However, there are some nuances to consider:

  1. Reputation and Perception: While Erasmus University Rotterdam is respected, it may not carry the same brand weight as LSE, Oxford, or Cambridge, especially in the UK or for top-tier finance roles in London. If you're targeting a London career, universities like Warwick, Imperial, or LSE might be better options for their stronger brand recognition in the UK job market.

  2. Job Market Competitiveness: The MSc in Economics and Business at Erasmus is solid, but its reputation is stronger within Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and surrounding countries. If you're planning to work in the EU, it could be a good choice. However, for London or other global financial hubs, you might face tougher competition compared to graduates from more globally recognized programs.

  3. Specializations: To maximize your competitiveness in the job market, focus on specializations that align with in-demand skills. For finance-related roles, consider tracks like Financial Economics or Strategy Economics. These are more likely to provide the technical and analytical skills sought after by employers.

  4. Alternatives: If you're open to other European options, consider programs at Bocconi (Italy), HEC Paris (France), or even KU Leuven (Belgium) for their strong reputations and relatively affordable fees. Bocconi, in particular, is highly regarded for finance and economics and has a strong alumni network in London.

  5. Cost and Timing: Your concerns about cost and timing are valid. Erasmus offers excellent value for money, especially with an EU passport. However, if you can manage the costs, programs at Warwick or Imperial in the UK might still be worth exploring, as they are less competitive than LSE or Oxbridge but still carry strong brand recognition.

In summary, Erasmus University Rotterdam is a good choice, especially for its affordability and quality. However, if your primary goal is to secure a competitive job in London, you might want to weigh the trade-offs in brand recognition and consider other options like Bocconi or Warwick.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/msc-finance-at-tilburg-university-or-msc-business-economics-financial-economics-major?customgpt=1, University Of St. Andrews experience? Opinions?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/uk-master-in-finance-advice?customgpt=1, Which masters to choose?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/rate-my-ukeu-msc-degree-options?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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