Mid uni in the US (UIUC) or Prestigious uni in the UK (UCL)
Im trying to decide between the US and UK universities, and im kinda confused which one will be better for my career in finance. My ultimate goal is to work in the states (probably NYC) in the early years of my career. There are two roads ahead of me: 1) going to mid uni (such as industrial engineering at UW madison or in UIUC - majors can be easily changed in the US so nvm the major-) in the US and studying 4 years in college; then working at a reputable (if possible) finance firm. 2) going to more prestigious uni in the UK (such as Economics and Statistics at UCL or MORSE at Warwick), studying 3 years and landing a finance job, and then transferring to NYC office within the same or different company after working in London for 3 years. Each has advantages and downsides. First route is risky because landing finance job (probably as a real estate analyst) in a prestigious company in NYC is difficult after graduating from a mid uni in the US because there are so many better unis there. The second is also risky because i don't know if transferring from London to NYC is highly prevalent and feasible to do in case i perform really good in London office. I am able to cover uni expenses in both scenarios. Advices are so much appreicated if you specify the benefits and drawbacks of each plan.
PS: i wanna work as a real estate analyst since i aim to create my own real estate company or real estate fund after working as minimum years as possible as a white-collar worker. Thats why i wanna end up in the US eventually as being entrepreneur is better there. I am an international student from Asia
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are the benefits and drawbacks of each plan:
Plan 1: Mid Uni in the US (e.g., UIUC)
Benefits: - Flexibility in Majors: The US education system allows for easy changes in majors, which can be advantageous if you decide to pivot your focus. - Networking Opportunities: Being in the US from the start can help you build a network that is directly relevant to your career goals in NYC. - Familiarity with US Market: Studying in the US will give you a better understanding of the US job market and culture, which can be beneficial when seeking employment.
Drawbacks: - Competition: Landing a finance job in NYC from a mid-tier university can be challenging due to the high competition from graduates of more prestigious US universities. - Visa Issues: As an international student, securing a work visa in the US can be more difficult compared to the UK.
Plan 2: Prestigious Uni in the UK (e.g., UCL or Warwick)
Benefits: - Prestige: Attending a prestigious university like UCL or Warwick can enhance your resume and make you more attractive to top finance firms. - Shorter Duration: UK undergraduate programs are typically three years, allowing you to enter the workforce sooner. - Easier Visa Process: Upgrading your student visa to a work-sponsored visa in the UK is not difficult or expensive for employers. Additionally, international students enrolling from 2020 onwards get a 2-year visa extension after graduating.
Drawbacks: - Transfer Uncertainty: Transferring from a London office to a NYC office is not guaranteed and can depend on various factors, including company policies and your performance. - Cultural Adjustment: Moving from the UK to the US later in your career might require a period of adjustment to the new work culture and market dynamics.
Additional Considerations:
Conclusion:
Both routes have their own sets of risks and rewards. If your ultimate goal is to work in NYC and eventually start your own real estate company, you might lean towards the US route for the direct exposure and networking opportunities. However, the prestige and shorter duration of a UK education could also provide a strong foundation and potentially easier initial career steps.
Discussing these options with family, friends, and mentors, and making a list of pros and cons can help you make the best decision with the current information you have. Best of luck!
Sources: One day to decide: US or UK?, My Advice for International Students in the US (F-1 Visa, OPT, CPT, H-1B), Advice for London applicants, Six things I have learned after joining a top business school - Part Two, An Open Letter to High School Seniors
bump - similar situation
If money if not an issue, get a 3.8+ and transfer to a high semi/low target. You can easily transfer to a georgetown/nyu with decent grades from a UW like school and probably have a good shot at a cornell or other target. harder to move to the US than people think, can be done but ldn is arguably more competitive than us recruiting rn and more variable cuz networking is harder to yield anything. even if you stay at the non target like UW or UIUC you have a decent shot
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