Need some help with Bocconi decisions!
Hey everyone, I've recently gotten an offer from Bocconi and need some advice on what course to opt for. I'm hoping to break into IBD/S&T in London in the future.
I've gotten into International Economics and Management (BIEM), but I can apply for a switch to their International Economics and Finance (BIEF)program instead. If my application gets accepted, it's binding and I'll be required to do BIEF.
It looks great. I've seen a lot more BIEF grads in the roles I'm looking for and it better aligns with my interests in general, but I've got some concerns too. The program is known to be one of the most competitive (and apparently toxic) programs in the school, which might've been okay if Bocconi didn't use a bell curve grading system. This just makes it infinitely harder to get a good GPA in an already challenging program.
BIEM, on the other hand, is known for being a less intense program and having a (somewhat) more laid-back student body. Apparently ~40% of BIEM grads end up gunning for finance roles too.
My thought process was that it makes more sense to do BIEM. It'll likely be easier to keep a high GPA, compared to BIEF, which is important. My only worry is that doing a less quantiative and finance-oriented course like BIEM would make my application look significantly weaker against BIEF students.
Bit lost here, so do y'all have any advice?
Thanks!
Also, on a sidenote, is Bocconi better than unis like Durham, ESADE and Erasmus? I've gotten offers from them too but have to confirm my decision for Bocconi by the 21st.
Ahoy there! It sounds like you're in quite the pickle, but fear not, Max the Monkey is here to help you swing through this decision jungle!
First off, congratulations on your offer from Bocconi! That's no small feat, and you should be proud. Now, let's dive into your conundrum:
International Economics and Management (BIEM) vs. International Economics and Finance (BIEF)
BIEM Pros: - Less intense program, potentially allowing for a higher GPA. - A somewhat more laid-back student body, which could contribute to a better overall university experience. - Still offers a pathway into finance roles, with ~40% of grads heading in that direction.
BIEF Pros: - More aligned with your interests and the roles you're aiming for in IBD/S&T. - A higher representation of BIEF grads in finance roles, suggesting strong industry recognition. - Offers a more quantitative and finance-oriented curriculum, which could be beneficial for your career goals.
Considerations: - The competitive and potentially toxic environment in BIEF could impact your well-being and academic performance. - The bell curve grading system in BIEF might make it challenging to maintain a high GPA, which is crucial for breaking into competitive fields like IBD/S&T.
Given your aspirations and concerns, it seems like your heart is leaning towards BIEF due to its alignment with your career goals and interests. However, the potential academic pressure and competitive environment are significant considerations. If you believe you can thrive in a challenging environment and are willing to put in the extra effort to stand out, BIEF could be the way to go. On the other hand, if maintaining a high GPA and enjoying a more balanced university experience are priorities for you, BIEM might be the safer bet.
Bocconi vs. Durham, ESADE, and Erasmus
Bocconi is highly regarded, especially in the field of finance and economics, and has a strong reputation for placing graduates in top finance roles across Europe, particularly in London. While Durham, ESADE, and Erasmus are also excellent institutions, Bocconi often stands out for its rigorous finance programs and extensive alumni network in the finance industry. Your decision should also factor in the specific programs you've been offered at these universities, the cities you'd be living in, and where you see yourself fitting best culturally and academically.
In the end, it's about where you believe you'll thrive the most, both academically and personally. Each option has its unique advantages, and it's crucial to weigh them against your career aspirations, learning style, and personal well-being.
Best of luck with your decision, and remember, no matter where you end up, it's the effort and passion you put into your studies and career pursuits that will truly make the difference. Swing high, future finance star!
Sources: European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), Bocconi AFC vs ESCP MiM, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/master-europe-suggestions-hec-vs-bocconi?customgpt=1, Hec MiM or Bocconi MSc Finance?, Physics undergrad admitted to top b-school
If you are dead set on finance then yes BIEF will offer a more quantitative background which can help. Alternatively, if you are more open to other tracks like consulting or project management then I believe Erasmus is a better bet. Durham is not worth it compared to both. Hope it helps :)
Bocconi is better than Durham and ESADE straight up. Erasmus could be better in Benelux sphere, but as a % surely more Bocconi go to London than Erasmus.
can't answer your other questions
Got it, thanks. I'll be going with Bocconi.
Do you know how they place for Zurich?
Again bocconi the clear winner, you're right beside it. be cautioned im not sure how far you might get in Zurich (or dach in general) without speaking german
Out of interest are you british & what grades did Bocconi require from you for an offer?
No, I'm an international student. That was actually one reason I was very iffy about going to Durham. Fees alone add up £80k+.
Had a 1560 SAT and ~3.4 GPA. The SAT really saved my ass because I'd messed up my year 11 and my GPA dropped by a lot.
Current Durham ug here and I have no idea why they are charging that much for their business school when their undergrads have a significantly better placement lol
Oh I was talking about UG too, to be clear
But it's the same case all around for the UK. Fees range from £20k a year to like £40k (fuck you imperial). I wouldn't have minded if it was Oxbridge/LSE, but paying that much for anything else doesn't feel worth it.
Ah if its for ug then it might be worth it. Lets take imperial as an example. Okay so after 3 years you would have paid 120k+50k for food/rent = 170k. Now if youre doing a quantitative course there (maths, physics compsci etc), you would have the best shots at recruiting for top quantitative finance roles and prop shops, with the average tier 1s paying about an average of 160k in total comp straight out of ug for the first 3-4 years. So considering after tax payments and rent you would have already made back your money in the first 3-4 years of working. Looking at the bigger picture, this is a tiny portion of your career so it might be a viable option.
Taking durham as an example, if youre doing a stem degree or one of the more competitive humanities courses like ppe/law/econ then you have a fairly good chance of breaking into bb/eb ib. After 3 years you would have paid 60k+40k for food/rent = 100k.The average comp for bb/eb ib in the first 3-4 years out of ug is about 125k. so considering tax and rent you would have already made your money back in the first 2-3 years.While this may seem like the better roi option compared to imperial, it absolutely is not. You have to remember while durham has good placement, they are still a semi-target meaning your ib offer would not be guaranteed. However, if you stay really committed and get actively involved with things like our finance society then your chances are decent. Imperial would also give you the bb/eb ib option whereas durham wouldn't really give you the quant option.
Overall bocconi is still absolutely the top option as they are a top eu target and would give you the best chance of breaking into ib. Cost of living is also lower in Italy so you get to save on living expenses. Bocconi is a no brainer here in my honest opinion.
Hey I got offers from some of the universities as you did. Could I DM you?
Sure!
BIEM and BIEF have identical modules for the first three semesters, so if you're looking to recruit into IB/S&T through the summer internship path, you'll most likely have the same GPA regardless of which course you do. As for the bell curve grading system, most modules have students graded on the same curve regardless of which course they're in (I can think of Corporate Finance in semester 4 as the only exception), so you won't perform any worse.
Go for BIEF, it's a solid quantitative course that offers a lot more concrete, detailed modules than BIEM which is quite high-level and vague at times.
Oh thanks, I didn't know that - I thought both courses had separate curves.
Could I PM you?
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