Oxford vs LSE MSc Finance
Hey guys, I was hoping I could get some feedback on LSE vs Oxford MScF. I am currently working as a credit analyst for a large regional commercial bank in the US. It's been valuable training, but long term I do not want to pursue a career in commercial lending, so I am looking to take the next step. I think a finance degree from a target school combined with the credit background would give me an excellent knowledge base and make me competitive at PE firms.
A little background: Liberal arts degree from a state school Professional MBA from another state school while working for the bank (they paid for it before you ask why I didn't go somwhere else) Studying for the CFA currently Two years into my career
My plan was to move to a PE fund after working in MM lending for a few years. While I still think this is possible, I recognize that with my non-target background it will be a rather difficult path, which lead me to the thought of a MScF from a top tier school. My GMAT/GPA is solid, and while I did not want to take the 2 years off work to pursue a full time MBA I think 9 months for a target school resume would be worthwhile.
I don't really have any interest in a quant program, so I have ruled out Princeton (I don't think I could get in there anyway) and MIT. While there are a few other American schools on the list it seems to me that Oxford and LSE would have more brand value than somewhere like Vandy. Also, while I would like to stay stateside after school, I would think there is some value to having the UK network available down the road. What are your thoughts? Do you think taking the 9 months is worth the time/money? What school would you recommend (feel free to recommend any that I have not listed here as I'm sure I've overlooked a few)?
get admitted first, which school? probably doesn't matter since LBS, LSE, Oxford and Cambridge don't produce much subpar graduates.
Thanks for the feedback. That's what I thought, but I just wanted to confirm since the FT doesn't rank the LSE program (I've since discovered that's because they don't submit the necessary information to have them rank it).
If you're trying to work in London, the location of LSE makes it infinitely easier to meet up with one of its many alums for a quick coffee chat.
That's a good point. Im not sure that I want to work in the UK, but it would be a nice option to keep open. Do you have any insight into the LSE presence in the US?
I'm still a student, so I would ask someone who is in a better position to answer that particular question. I'm on exchange in a US MBA program, and virtually everyone I have spoken to both knows LSE and holds it in high regard though.
LSE is definitely well-regarded in the US, but it may not be a top target for US firms and you'll prolly have better chances within Europe. Having said that, there aren't too many PE firms looking hiring into grad schemes (not sure that you want to join one of those schemes anyhow considering your experience), so you may get lucky with a few Headhunters but I'd say it's still a long shot. Why not go for a second MBA in Europe (like INSEAD)? I'm sure if you just leave the other MBA off your resume you have a shot ...
Thanks for the feedback. I hadn't really thought about applying for another MBA since I will already have one.
I will look into doing that. It may make sense for me to apply to a mix of programs and see what offers come in. I'd have more American schools to choose from going the MBA route as well.
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