Hi guys,
After writing one of the top posts of last month it's kind of embarrasing to follow it up with: "Help me choose!"
But I need your help, and I'd appreciate it.
So, I applied for a few Master in Finance programs, fortunately I've been accepted so far. I've long decided that MIT Sloan is my top program, they give their decisions on March 6th. I need to be quick to choose a replacement if they say no. So far I've been accepted to London School of Economics, HEC and Vanderbilt Master in Finance. I know dozens of these posts have been made, but I always like seeing if there's someone who can help.
My story: From Iceland. Want to work in finance, preferrably buyside but happy to start in IBD if necessary. I would prefer USA but I'd settle for London, especially with the hopes of a transfer. Still the pound is so terrible that Iceland actually pays more than London at entry level now, so that's also a (short term) reason to avoid London.
So I wanted to hear which program you would choose out of the three? So far, these are my thoughts.
LSE
Pros: Awesome brand name, in London, good classes probably
Cons: I feel that the electives are pretty restricted, I've read scary thing about career services and placement
Worry: Won't get a good job after graduation.
HEC
Pros: Classes look awesome, such a variety of classes to choose from, seems like a good brand, great placement in London
Cons: Location kinda terrible, feel like the brand doesnt have the same prestige to it, gotta do a thesis and get work experience to do the degree
Worry: Not sure if I can do as much networking as in London
Vanderbilt
Pros: Highly ranked finance program in the USA, good variety of classes and great faculty, looks like a good school overall, work hard to place you, IN THE STATES.
Cons: It's in Nashville, doesn't place everyone in NYC (a lot in Texas and stuff)
Worrys: Won't get a job at least at a BB in NYC, don't wanna end up in Huntsville Alabama
So what do you think? i'd love to hear everything you have to share about the schools you know, Thanks a lot!!
If you can't get to NYC from vandy, it's because you didn't do your best.
If that's true, then Vandy certainly sounds like a good choice. I just based it on what they said about placement. Thanks.
It's between Vanderbilt and LSE.
I feel as if LSE is the easier of the two for you to attend (not necessarily the easier academically). The UK is close to home, LSE will have brand recognition in Iceland, London is much more cosmopolitan than Nashville and you should be able to get a good job from LSE assuming you do well in the program.
Vanderbilt is fucking awesome and Nashville is a ton of fun. I'd suggest you visit it and make up your mind then. It is going to be a very different experience than if you went to LSE and London though. The career services are amazing and you can absolutely find a job in NYC. Placements for Vanderbilt tend to be more southern because alumni are there, plenty of great banks are outside of NYC and people who choose Vanderbilt tend to be more open to working down south or Texas than someone who chooses NYU (for example).
Thanks a lot. You're right about the UK being closer to home but that's not the main issue for me, for sure. Can you tell me why HEC is off the table in your opinion?
Without your USA job preferences, there is no comparison. HEC is good but LSE is a global brand like Oxbridge. Vanderbilt can't dominate everywhere although it's a solid school - much like a HEC in USA
Hi, thanks! i got into MIT so this problem fortunately solved itself!!
that's cool! - you'll enjoy Cambridge and cross-reg some HBS classes if you can!
I also have to spit on whoever throwing monkey shit all day long on fair advice. unfortunately I think I caused someone to lose money on his scam business.
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