LBS vs St Gallen masters

Hey guys,

I've recently been admitted to both St Gallen's SIM and LBS's MiM, and I'm a bit undecided on which to choose.

To give some background, I'm Italian and I've just finished undergrad at Bocconi (int. econ and finance). Have lots of international experience but not much professional. I don't have a precise career goal yet, although I'm leaning more towards MBB over IB, and would like to first do some more internships (including one in the next few months) to try out different areas and improve my profile.

These are my views as of now:

LBS pros:

  • great global reputation and brand, possibly stronger student profiles

  • stronger network in general and in Italy too

  • London location

  • like the courses a bit more

LBS cons:

  • biggest one: 1 year program (extendable a few months): not in a mad rush to start work, and would like to go for some more internships 

  • more expensive (45k GBP)

St Gallen pros:

  • longer program so more time for internships

  • small, tight knit group

  • great prospects in DACH

  • lower tuition (13k CHF), but one year more of living expenses

St Gallen cons:

  • biggest one: don't speak German

  • overall seems slightly less strong than LBS?

Right now I'm tilting towards LBS, but what would your opinions be?

Thank you!!!

Comments (15)

4d 
monkey18564, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I studied at the HSG myself, so I'm certainly biased. The SIM is more selective than the MiM at LBS and German language skills are absolutely irrelevant. The programme is very international and if someone stays in Switzerland, it's mainly because of the salary.
At the same time, the SIM has excellent cooperations with all MBBs and investment banks. Because it is a flagship master's programme, you are also very spoiled by the university.

What I see as the biggest advantage of LBS is the proximity to London (also because of the work permit). If that is your goal, I would clearly put LBS before HSG. Otherwise, if you are still open-minded and rather appreciate the international network, I recommend SIM.

(Again, I am biased. Keep that in mind!)

4d 
@patagonia_monkey, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Are you saying HSG alumni go to NY?

4d 
monkey18564, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Where did he say that he want's to go to NY? And popularity overseas is certainly not a good proxy for popularity in continental Europe, quality of teaching or European network. Keep the context in mind

4d 
ale.111, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Thank you! Sounds encouraging, especially about language for internships and jobs.

Just as an extra question, do you speak German?

4d 
monkey18564, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I am not from Switzerland but I do speak German. (Most of my friends that I met during my master don't.)

Yes, there are some non-curriculum related events being held in German but the great majority is in English. Especially when organised by the students themselves.

2d 
CNRunAway, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Wonder your thoughts on finance masters of both, am having a hard time deciding between the two, considering also the CS crisis adds more uncertainty on 24summer hiring

4d 
goliath2235, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Uk is going downhill. I would rather study in the US if offered the option

  • 1
4d 
boib_1, what's your opinion? Comment below:

If you don't speak German go to LBS. Although, SIM is a great program you can't leverage the benefits of HSG without german...

  • 1
4d 
ale.111, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Thanks!

2d 
ale.111, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I'd love to learn German, but not sure if I'll actually be able to get to a decent enough level for work in the short time frame, given how hard it is.

Not totally set on a UK job, ofc wouldn't mind some time there. I'm leaning more towards LBS because it seems like it's more well known outside of its home country too.

Thanks!

2d 
thelg, what's your opinion? Comment below:

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