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:
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great global reputation and brand, possibly stronger student profiles
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stronger network in general and in Italy too
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London location
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like the courses a bit more
LBS cons:
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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
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more expensive (45k GBP)
St Gallen pros:
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longer program so more time for internships
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small, tight knit group
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great prospects in DACH
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lower tuition (13k CHF), but one year more of living expenses
St Gallen cons:
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biggest one: don't speak German
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overall seems slightly less strong than LBS?
Right now I'm tilting towards LBS, but what would your opinions be?
Thank you!!!
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!)
Are you saying HSG alumni go to NY?
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
Thank you! Sounds encouraging, especially about language for internships and jobs.
Just as an extra question, do you speak German?
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.
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
Uk is going downhill. I would rather study in the US if offered the option
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...
Thanks!
If your goal is to land a role/visa in the UK, I'd recommend LBS.
St. Gallen is an amazing school though, are you potentially willing to learn German?
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!
Up as a fellow Bocconi student
Take LBS
Don’t work in Switzerland if you’re not desperate for money (and even then, HCOL might eat into that). It’s a beautiful country especially if you like skiing, hiking, etc but even if you choose to work there for a couple of years the transition is harder going from Zurich -> London than the other way around.
I’d say go for LSB, it’s a global brand and offers that flexibility, HSG can’t compete with that. Also, working in MBB is going quite hard without speaking German / French (which is going to be hard to pick up even in 2y).
Just go for London and don’t look back
Makes sense, especially the not looking back. Thanks!
I don't agree with that at all!
I think you should go for LBS if that's what you want to do, but don't make your decision based on this nonsense.
1) Swiss money is much more attractive than this comment suggests. Yes, HCOL. But huge salaries and low taxes are disproportionately much greater than in LDN. Btw, as someone who has lived in both places (Zurich and LDN), I can guarantee you that the COL in LDN is just as high as in Zurich.
2) The transition LDN -> Zurich is more difficult than Zurich -> LDN. Because of the high income, many people want to move to Zurich. However, the offices in Zurich are of course much smaller than in LDN. Meanwhile, people with a connection to Switzerland (aka. studying in CH) are the main ones chosen because they can better assess the local market. On the other hand, it is easy to switch to LDN because of the large offices and the countless opportunities. This happens all the time.
3) Working at MBB in Zurich without knowing anything about Germany is not a big deal at all. In fact, MBBoffices are officially considered international offices. I had interviews at all three firms and did an internship at one of them: The vast majority of the people I worked with didn't know any German. I don't know why people keep saying that....
It isn't nonsense, I have lived in both places equally. As for your arguments:
1) The tax treatment for foreigners is not as favourable as it is for locals. Not a huge difference but yet another drawback - not to mention the price of anything service related (especially eating out), people are paid well but guess who's paying them? You! You can eat out for £10-15 in London, you won't get a sh*tty pizza for that price in Switzerland. I guess if you don't go out, cook everything, etc you can save more in Zurich but that's kinda sad. You're also omitting that whilst the entry-level pay in London is lower, there is a much higher ceiling and the progression is faster than Switzerland (-> more opportunities to jump around, good luck with that in Zurich if you need a work permit and don't even speak German).
2) Having talked with colleagues firsthand (in addition to what you can find online), not too many people want to make the London -> Zurich jump (at least not long-term). London is a T1 whereas Zurich / Geneva are way behind. If you like doing stuff after work, well too bad because shops close at 7-8pm in Switzerland. Coming from London is like coming from NYC, there is that stamp of approval where if you can make it there you'll be fine everywhere else.
3) German, not "Germany". Enjoy staying in your expat bubble speaking English exclusively, not to mention trying to see a GP, making friends (even speaking German, that would be extremely hard), etc...
I maintain what I'm saying, London is the place to be in Europe in your 20s. Switzerland is a good place to raise kids in your 30s but it isn't vibrant at all.
I had decided a few days ago already, and talked to a lot of people from both unis. Agree with both 1 and 2, but for 3 heard that McKinsey requires German in their Zurich office, although I get that it's pretty international in MBB there overall. Ended up choosing LBS because of the location, name, language and the overall experience seeming a bit better, even though it was a close call. Thanks though, appreciate it!
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