MSc Finance in Europe - Profile Evaluation

Hey folks,

I'm a 23yo white guy currently working as an investment banking analyst at an EU country in the Balkans (dual EU/US citizen), and looking to pivot to London. Hoping to achieve this through getting accepted into a target MSF program. Aiming for LSE/LBS/Oxford/Imperial/HEC Paris/Bocconi. Without further ado, here's my rough profile:

  1. Degree: BSc in Finance at a US-accredited school that's well-regarded in my country, but non-target internationally (GPA: 4.0/4.0 - Valedictorian).
  2. GMAT: Currently studying for it, attending a prep center and everything, aiming for 700+.
  3. Extracurriculars (if they even matter at this point): President of the finance student body, uni-sponsored academic tutor, leadership position at my school's investment club, dabble in some interesting hobbies as well (e.g. martial arts).
  4. Work Experience: 1 year and 6 months as an IB analyst (generalist group) at the largest boutique in my country (no BB/EB offices to speak of around here). We're a relatively small team, so I've had decent deal exposure across everything from M&A to ECM/DCM and restructuring. Also do a lot of fairness opinions, so modeling/valuation skills are solid.

Given my work schedule, I figure it'll take me at least until spring to reach my desired GMAT score, so I'll probably be applying next cycle, in September 2023. What do you guys think my chances of getting into these programs are? I'm a bit worried at my lack of brand-name credentials and "experienced" profile, as opposed to the target demographic of fresh grads for most programs barring LBS (I'll have 2+ years of full-time experience by the time I apply, and 3+ upon matriculation). Even if I do get in someplace, how realistic would shooting for analyst positions be? I'd rather not grind it out and go for an MBA several years down the line.

Would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thanks guys!

 

Curious...is this a reputational issue or based upon something else for Imperial?  I'm genuinely curious given their flagship MSF "seems" to place well - https://readymag.com/u12716864/Finance-masters/10/

I know they are not publishing salary data like LBS and I know they have a 5 masters in the finance grouping with different focus areas: https://readymag.com/u12716864/Finance-masters/  so they have about 200+ students graduating but wondering what is your assessment based upon?

 

Imperial business school is new with far less alumni than any of the school mentioned. Ok, you can have the imperial brand but no sure someone from engineering will connect the same with someone that graduated business (as the business school is much less selective especially for masters)!

 

From what I read it says established in 2004 with 22k alumni. I know the business school spans multiple disciplines so is it the fact the Finance area hasn't gotten traction in the finance industry? Regardless it is hard to compete against the other schools on the list. So in some ways this is a safety if you want London?

 
Most Helpful

Harum hic ut incidunt sequi tempora. Quam totam nihil temporibus hic hic vitae atque. Non porro porro voluptas ratione delectus facilis velit quibusdam. Odit praesentium quia dicta voluptate ab. Quam quos mollitia aliquid earum quam corporis amet. Et nemo quidem inventore enim reiciendis beatae incidunt.

Similique vel eveniet et id. Aliquam neque et cum praesentium tempore. Hic quam beatae corporis dolore nisi ut necessitatibus. Rem velit earum sunt nulla sed quidem aliquid. A facilis aut dolores ipsum sapiente qui. Beatae iure atque alias quaerat omnis sint sunt.

Eos fugiat eum accusantium possimus est quia. Animi deserunt consequuntur itaque totam et natus quo sed. Voluptatum repellat et quo doloribus.

To infinity... and beyond!

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
10
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”