MiM vs MiF/MSc Finance at LSE, HEC, ESSEC, etc.
Hi,
Looking for advice based on my profile:
I’m an Indian 22M, currently a data analyst at S&P Global working with data research in M&A deals. I’ve got a little over a year of work experience (~15 months) at my current role.
I’ve got a couple of awards within my team for leadership, performance, as well as for side projects where I built AI tools for my team to increase efficiencies by 80-90%. I plan to use this in my SOP to help the professional case.
I’m aiming for a career in M&A advisory at a European desk with the future goal of transitioning into corp development in the automotive/mobility sector. I’m looking at HEC’s MiF and LSE’s MSc Finance as the target programmes for me with both schools’ MiMs with finance specializations as backups. I’m also considering ESSEC, ESCP, and WHU.
However what I’m concerned with is that my undergrad GPA (BA Economics Honours at a university considered tier 1 by almost every big name business school) was hurt pretty bad with some serious family troubles at home throughout my second year. Though i was able to make a bit of a recovery in my last semester it wasn’t enough. I’ve only got a 6.3/10 with a First Class division during my undergrad.
I’ve tried to make up for that with a GMAT FE score of 695 (Q87, V85, D82). I’ve also got an 8.5 band on the IELTS (equivalent to a C2 English certification).
3 months at a business analyst internship at a Fortune 500 international property management MNC conducting competitive mapping and research exercises.
23 months leading the largest independent student news media organization in the country during my undergraduate.
Also ranked 3rd from 800 teams across the country in a management consultancy case study competition during my undergrad.
If it matters, I had a 95% grade in 12th, with a 99% in math.
Obviously the MiF/MSc Finance would be the ideal programme given my career goals. I am however, concerned about the GPA problem. Would the GMAT, an academic and professional reference (latter being a strong point i think in my application), and a good personal statement be enough to balance out the GPA?
Should I switch my primary focus to the MiM? Is that more attainable for my profile?
Thanks for your advice!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:
Your profile demonstrates strong professional achievements, leadership experience, and a clear focus on M&A advisory and corporate development. However, your undergraduate GPA could be a concern for highly competitive programs like HEC's MiF and LSE's MSc Finance. Here's how to approach your situation:
1. MiF/MSc Finance vs. MiM
2. Strengthening Your Application
3. Program-Specific Insights
4. Recommendations
In summary, while MiF/MSc Finance programs are ideal for your goals, MiM programs might be more attainable given your GPA. A strong application with a compelling narrative can still make you a competitive candidate for both.
Sources: Q&A: 2nd Year Analyst at McKinsey in Europe, Profile Evaluation - MSc Finance, MSF Class of 2018, European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/profile-evaluation-bocconi-msf-lbs-mim-or-mfa-lse-msc-finance?customgpt=1
With a low gpa, LSE is very difficult. They're strict on that, even though they take kids from much worse schools than your undergrad with no relevant experience.
Hec and Escp MiFs care less about gpa, but they care much more about experiences. Your research role is good but it won't cut it. Compare your profile to those who joined these two programs on LinkedIn. They usually have relevant experience in IB. For Escp there's an entrance exam as well if I remember correctly.
Essec MiF is possible. It's much more accessible, and acts in a similar way to the MiM in flexibility for internships. This one is a safer choice.
Otherwise hec, escp and Essec MiMs with finance specialisations are the "voie royale" in France. I wouldn't really call it a "backup" . You can stack up 2-3 off cycles by the time you graduate, which is much more important than the degree you do.
Also learn French C1 if you want to work here.
Is targeting Frankfurt, Germany banking with ESSEC or ESCP MiM possible without german language skills?
Very difficult without German. Front office I only basically know of 2 teams that can hire english only speakers. But even then the preference is still German speakers. Back office maybe, but you don't go to top schools for those roles.
Escp Berlin places better than Essec in Germany especially for non eu students because you can't do internships on your French visa in Germany.
I will be finishing a certification course in financial modelling and valuation by Wharton soon, to help the finance case. I’ll also be doing a French certification from the embassy here if that helps?
The wharton cert doesn't do anything. Also no one asks for a French certificate. You just need to be able to talk in interviews and do the job.
Schools in europe are local. LSE for europe wide but the rest is local recruiting. Aim german schools for germany or top UK unis (Oxford, LSE or LBS)!
What about ESCP MiM to target pan european roles everywhere?
Thanks to your earlier reply.
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