LSE vs SAIS vs SIPA/SciencePo
Hi everyone,
I am a French student about to graduate from my BSc Economics & Management at King's College London and have three offers on the table:
1) LSE MSc Political Science (Political Economy stream): 1 year
2) JHU SAIS Master in International Economics and Finance (MIEF) with a full scolarship: 1 year
3) Dual MPP/MPA SciencePo/Columbia SIPA (waiting on scolarship decision for the 2nd year at Columbia): 2 years
I have some experience: 2nd year internship in Big4 audit, business internship incoming in crypto, and part time roles as I worked alongside my bachelor in various non relevant sectors (retail, real estate agent, uni roles).
My aim is to get into MBB or strategy consulting of Big4, in the US or the UK. I do have a preference for the US which is why I applied to masters there offering a STEM visa.
My personal study preference would be to the MPP/MPA (if I get a big enough scolarship) but I am concerned about the opportunity cost of 1 additional year in academia, although also giving me more time to accumulate work experience.
Any insights on which path would maximise my chances for consulting?
Many thanks.
condorpase, sorry there are no responses yet. Maybe one of these topics can point you in the right direction:
More suggestions...
Fingers crossed that one of those helps you.
While I don't know very much about these programs, logically the LSE and JHU programs are one of many within those schools, while the Columbia program you got into is a top program within SIPA. I do like the 2 years for time to network and get a summer internship. Given the job market and the recent news from the top consulting firms holding off bringing in MBAs it may be good to have 2 years right now.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts !
I was thinking the same on the economic environmnent being better for recruitment in 2025, but 2 more years to enter as analyst seems like a big opportunity cost, do employers really care about the "flagship" aspect ? Or the subject of study itself for the matter.
Yes - employers do care about the flagship aspect in that when they recruit that is where they start. In terms of subject matter for consulting not as important as they want people who can think and communicate but coming from a recognized school is important.
For the programs you applied here are my thoughts with your goal of MBB or strategy:
LSE - Your coming out of London where with Brexit it isn't the best now. I'd say this is worse option of the 3 for what you want. Given King's you know London so you probably know the consulting market and whether LSE is a good option.
JHU - looking at stats they have some success getting into consulting but companies they list are mainly finance since it is a fin/econ program - https://sais.jhu.edu/student-experience/career-services/employment-outc… - This program is in Washington DC which has a lot of consulting cos. I'd ask them specific info as to which consulting companies higher out of this program in the last 3-5 years. They should be able to provide the list. If the list is promising coming out debt free after 1 year would be great.
At Columbia they have stats for all programs - https://www.sipa.columbia.edu/pathways-careers/employment-statistics and a nice list of companies, but it says alumni so that list could be anyone over many years, so take that with a grain of salt, but you at least know you have a strong network. Again, you can ask them for better stats.
With your goal of MBB or strategy my personal opinion is take the SciencePO/Columbia dual masters and start networking in Paris Y1 with consulting companies that have presence in Paris and NYC so you can roll into something Y2 in Northeast or Mid Atlantic US areas. Of course if you don't get a good scholarship going into debt would not be ideal.
Hope this was helpful.
Thank you for the detailed answer that's very helpful.
LSE is usually the best for consulting in the UK, it has the most McKinsey alumni out of any school in the world, but without a US degree/visa I don't think I'll be able to get an experience there so LSE remains my last choice.
The Johns Hopkins program is very attractive as it seems like it is full of internationals like me wanting to get a visa in a year, with 100% employment rate and good names on there (mostly finance), but I am a bit worried about the ranking aspect as the university isn't known for their economics/finance although SAIS is well regarded from whay I heard? Whereas LSE or even Columbia are highly ranked for political science and public administration.
Funding wise, the full scolarship at JHU is a big factor though I am waiting on Columbia's decision. But in both cases I will need a new loan of about 20k to fund most part of my cost of living in the US as my family can't support me in any way shape or form. My thoughts are that if Columbia gives me a full scolarship I will take the dual degree, and JHU otherwise. LSE is the cheapest option for me as won't need a loan to live because I already work here.
One more item. I looked at he JHU costs and that full scholarship is looking pretty good. If your open for more than consulting that seems like a pretty good path to working in the US to start out. You've must have done well at Kings to get that scholarship.
Id take Sciences Po / SIPA - good luck!
Thanks for the answer, what made you say that?
I'd take the Sciences Po Columbia. Gives you a shot in the US that you don't get by staying in Europe. Gl though, its a tough decision :)
Do you think the MPA from Columbia would give me a better shot at an interviews in the US than an econ/finance master's from SAIS? Maybe in NYC the Columbia name might come in handy? Keeping in mind that SciencePo/Columbia is double the length.
This is too specific for me. But Comlumbia is probably more renown in NY? Sciences Po Paris also opens the door for a job in France and Canada to some extent
would take sciences po / columbia, gives you access to more markets. ofc you will tailor your CV for the market you want :)
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