LSE MSc International Political Economy
Hey all,
Just wondering what's everyone's opinion on this degree to break into IB? I'm heavily considering doing this MSC degree to strengthen my chances of breaking into IB.
For further context I currently attend a low semi-target in the UK, and major in Math & Econ. I have had 3 previous internships - MM Corp Finance, Big4 M&A, LMM PE Private Credit, and am currently interning at a multi-strategy HF.
In all honesty, I do recognize and understand most of you guys would only recommend degrees like finance & management for breaking into finance at the master's level. But I feel as if I want to broaden my horizons a bit and genuinely am interested in learning more about politics and the direct relations it has on the broader industry & markets. Being someone who's going to be graduate with a math degree this upcoming school year, I feel like it will be nice to diversify my knowledge and apply it in a multitude of different ways. I'm much farther established than most people my age with my internship exp, so I'm feeling if I execute this the right way, it will pay off immensely. Alongside that, I'm hoping I'd be able to bank heavily off of the LSE name and leverage that for the better?
I am also considering applying to the equivalent degree at Columbia, and Cornell; but it will require me to sit the GMAT/GRE which I really don't want to do if I don't have to. LSE is my first preference.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, pursuing the LSE MSc in International Political Economy (IPE) can be a viable path to breaking into IB, but it comes with some caveats. Here's what you need to consider:
LSE Brand Name: The LSE name carries significant weight in the finance industry, especially in London. Even if the MSc IPE isn't a traditional finance-focused degree, the LSE brand can open doors, particularly if you leverage your strong internship experience effectively.
Your Background: Your profile is already impressive with internships in MM Corp Finance, Big4 M&A, LMM PE Private Credit, and a multi-strategy HF. This experience will likely outweigh the specific degree you pursue, as long as you can demonstrate your interest and capability in finance during interviews.
Degree Relevance: While MSc Finance or Management degrees are more traditional for IB, your interest in politics and its impact on markets could be a unique angle. However, you must be prepared to clearly articulate how the MSc IPE ties into your career goals in IB during applications and interviews.
GMAT/GRE: If LSE is your first preference and the MSc IPE doesn't require the GMAT/GRE, this could save you time and effort. However, keep in mind that programs at Columbia and Cornell might offer a more direct finance focus, which could be advantageous if you're targeting IB roles in the U.S.
Execution is Key: As you mentioned, execution will be critical. Networking, maintaining strong academic performance, and continuing to build your technical skills (e.g., financial modeling, valuation) will be essential to maximize the value of the MSc IPE.
Broader Horizons: If you're genuinely interested in the intersection of politics and markets, the MSc IPE could provide a unique perspective that differentiates you from other candidates. Just ensure that this interest aligns with your long-term career goals in IB.
In summary, the LSE MSc IPE can work for breaking into IB, especially given your strong internship background and the LSE brand. However, you must be strategic in how you position yourself and ensure that your interest in the program aligns with your career aspirations. If you're open to sitting the GMAT/GRE, exploring finance-focused programs at Columbia or Cornell could also be worth considering.
Sources: MSc Finance Profile Evaluation (LSE Finance, LBS Financial Analysis, Oxford Financial Economics), European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), University Of St. Andrews experience? Opinions?, 2018 UK Target Uni - MSc - for FO jobs: put your POV, How I've managed to break into IB from a non-target (work in progress)
I've had a very similar experience to what you've described.
Generally there's no one course or uni that's gonna get you into banking, we don't really choose interns / FT hires based off of that. But no doubt it can get your foot in the door. Also good luck on finding any person reading your CV and knowing what IPE is :D
I think, in short: LSE is a good brand name, the IPE course teaches you a lot about how politics & markets intertwine, you meet a lot of great people but, frankly, 5% of what you get taught will be directly transferrable into the IBD interview process / day-to-day at ANL level. However, given your prior internships (which probs outweighs all else) it can be purely additive; and you can spin it as such. Your interview processes & job will be more than just explaining how a $10 increase in depreciation flows down the statements :D
Ultimately it'll come down to the prep you do and how you perform on the days of the interviews.
Also, I'd argue that broadening your horizon, as you say, will probably benefit you more in the long run than directly studying finance for the sake of IB which u can just learn thru your internships, online, and on the job.
Happy to connect :)
Thank you very much!! Just messaged you - would love to talk more!
You’ve had a PE and HF internship? You should be absolutely fine, they’re literally the end goal of IB/S&T anyway. Plus you’ve literally had an M&A internship, yes at a big 4 firm but still relevant experience regardless of what big4 haters on wso have to say.
Plus lse is lse at the end of the day. You’ve got nothing to worry about
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