HEC MiF vs LBS MFA for placement in London
Hi everyone,
I know this is the hundredth post on this topic but just wanted to bounce my ideas off this forum. I got accepted to the HEC MiF and the LBS MFA. I know that both are great schools but I am really struggling to decide. I want to pursue a career in L/S Equities, and plan to enter either by landing a role directly at a smaller HF in London or via a two-year analyst program in Investment Banking or Equity Research at a BB. I have quite a bit of internship experience across the buy side, both in private- and public markets. Here are my consideration:
Reputation
Both are tier-1, but I feel like HEC still has a tiny edge, simply because it seems to be more selective and have a more rigorous program, whereas LBS seems to be slightly easier to get into and a bit more relaxed on the academics (which is actually a positive IMO). Considering this is probably the last academic step for me, I really want to make sure I get the strongest brand on my CV that I can get.
However, within London, I assume that the gap narrows even more, as LBS clearly is a strong brand in the UK. I just struggle to really wrap my head around who has an edge in London recruitment.
Social life
HEC is a campus uni, whereas LBS is in the city. I think I will enjoy both a lot, but I am leaning slightly towards HEC, as I think it will be more of a 'university experience' than being in the city center in London. I was at a campus uni for my undergrad and quite enjoyed it. I have a bigger network of friends in London, but I just feel like HEC will make it easier to meet people.
Perhaps the most important point and the real reason I am writing this post, is that I wonder how much benefit the graduate visa has for job applications in London. I know that large institutions will sponsor visas, but I am not so sure this will be the case if I am applying for smaller HFs in London. Am I correct to assume that not having a work visa for the UK will put me at a disadvantage, since smaller shops are less likely to sponsor visas?
Any input is appreciated and let me know if I am missing anything important!
bump
this topic is beat to death in many other posts.
buyside recruiting is kinda rng doesnt matter where you go.
to hec, do you have european citizenship to fall back on and/or do you speak french. if neither go to london.
I don't speak french but I do have a European citizenship
Then LBS is the obvious choice. The topic was discussed 1000 Times
If you want to work at a smaller hf then go for lbs to have the graduate visa no debate. i have ex-megafund PE friends that wanted to move to something smaller and couldn't recruit into because they didnt have a grad visa
Equals, HEC appears a bit more selective now, LBS still draws great students and is trying to stop increasing their bloody class size so not much of a debate.
Just have relevant xp and you will be well placed for opps. Visa is not an issue. Even French honestly is not that important at HEC (except for student life obv).
Both are targets and will get through the ATS so it just depends on your ability to succeed in the interviews. Placements are similar, especially in London, if you are confident and have relevant xp I would even put LBS before, but by a tiny bit.
I live 200m from HEC lol and there is nothing around so take it into account in your decision. The mood is nice my friends love it but they are in the Grande Ecole program, dont know how it is for Masters.
Congrats on both offers, two great programs.
Sorry, Visas for Smaller HFs will definitely be an issue... But for bigger institutions as you said it is okay so up to you. You already have all the cards.
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