LBS MFA Vs Bocconi Msc (scholarship)

Situation: I've been accepted to both the MFA program at London Business School (LBS) and the Master in Finance program at Bocconi University, the latter with a 100% scholarship. Now, I'm faced with the challenge of deciding which program to enroll in.

Goals: I aspire to work in Europe's financial markets, particularly on the buyside (primarily asset management and venture capital). I'm aware that career paths can be non-linear, and I'm open to exploring opportunities I may not have considered yet. My ultimate aim with this master's degree is to open as many doors as possible within Europe, possibly with a focus on venture capital.

Background: I'm Brazilian, nearing the completion of my bachelor's degree in Economics in Brazil. I have interned for six months at an Brazilian independent money manager. I'm fluent in Portuguese and English, with intermediate proficiency in Spanish and Chinese (primarily spoken), and basic knowledge of French.

Considerations: LBS, in my view, appears to have higher recognition within the industry compared to Bocconi. Bocconi's program lasts two years, which offers an opportunity to explore my interests and experience life in Milan, though I'm mindful that this extra year might be better spent gaining practical work experience. In terms of job opportunities, London seems to have an edge over Milan. From my research, Bocconi's program appears more academically inclined, while LBS offers a more practical curriculum. The cost of attending LBS is significant but manageable without a loan. Since a good part of the opportunities are in the UK, I wonder if I don’t have a VISA or a permit to work there after the masters might make it harder for me to find work there. I am not set in working in the UK, I only take it in consideration because it seems to be the place where I can have the most opportunities.

Question: Given my background and career goals, which program do you believe would be more suitable? How much weight should I give to the full scholarship at Bocconi? Are there any other factors I should consider in this decision? I appreciate your insights and thank you in advance for your time.

 
Most Helpful

Hey really tough choice. I ultimately would go to LBS simply the brand name is unbeatable compared to Bocconi. I know it is hard to deny a full ride but 10 years down the line you will see the benefits. Hope if helps :)

 

Hey! Really nice to see someone from Brazil applying (not born in BR but living here for work).

Really hard choice, both are good universities, with the consensus being that LBS may be one tier higher, and both offer good opportunities into IB (not sure for buyside directly). All else equal I would go for LBS, but the scholarship is something to consider because not only it reduces the financing costs, it also sends a strong signalling in your profile (kind of making up the supposed difference of prestige between the two universities).

I think it comes down to where you want to live/work and what specifically are your goals post-program.

Either way, you should be fine at both. Good luck!

Disclosure: I am an incoming student at LBS MFA.

 

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