Profile evaluation and advice

Hi all,

I've been on this forum for quite some time without posting anything, but now as I prepare for my MSc applications for next year I could really use some help. My target programs are HEC/LBS/LSE/Imperial

Profile

Final year finance student at a balkan university which is a target in my country but unknown outside of it.

Grades: 8.3/10, will probably finish with 8.5+ which is considered merit here

GMAT Focus Edition: 655 or 700-710 in Classic, 91st percenitle

IELTS: TBD

CFA Level 1 passed

President of unis finance club

Ex-pro basketball player with my country's youth national team 

Internships

3 months at a Maritime and Shipping company, non-finance related

5 months at a non-Big 4 advisory firm in their TAS department

Right now I'm trying to get another internship and I have two offers:

1) A small regional IB boutique that does deals in the 50mn-1bn range, it will start in March and end in November.

2) Big 4 (FDD) department that does deal origination and buy-side advisory too, time frame is March-September.

Which one of the two offers should I accept? What can I do to increase my chances of being admitted to one of the unis above? Thank you you all for taking the time to read this.

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your profile and decision-making:

Profile Evaluation

  • Education: Final year finance student at a Balkan university with grades of 8.3/10, expected to finish with 8.5+.
  • GMAT: 655 in Focus Edition or 700-710 in Classic, 91st percentile.
  • IELTS: To be determined.
  • CFA: Level 1 passed.
  • Extracurriculars: President of university's finance club, ex-pro basketball player with the youth national team.
  • Internships:
    • 3 months at a Maritime and Shipping company (non-finance related).
    • 5 months at a non-Big 4 advisory firm in their TAS department.

Internship Decision

You have two internship offers: 1. Small Regional IB Boutique: Deals in the 50mn-1bn range, from March to November. 2. Big 4 (FDD) Department: Deal origination and buy-side advisory, from March to September.

Recommendations

  1. Internship Choice:

    • Small Regional IB Boutique: This could provide more direct experience in investment banking, which is highly relevant if you aim for a career in finance and want to impress top MSc programs like HEC, LBS, LSE, and Imperial.
    • Big 4 (FDD) Department: This offers a reputable brand name and experience in deal origination and buy-side advisory, which is also valuable.

    Advice: If your goal is to break into high finance roles, the IB boutique might offer more specialized experience. However, the Big 4 name could carry more weight in terms of brand recognition and networking opportunities.

  2. Enhancing Your Application:

    • Improve GMAT Score: Aim for the higher end of your GMAT range (700-710) to strengthen your application.
    • IELTS: Ensure a high score to demonstrate strong English proficiency.
    • Additional Internships: Secure another relevant internship to bolster your practical experience.
    • Personal Statement: Craft a compelling narrative that ties your background, experiences, and career goals to the specific programs you are applying to.
    • Networking: Engage with alumni and current students from your target programs to gain insights and potentially secure recommendations.

Conclusion

Both internship options have their merits, but the choice should align with your long-term career goals and the specific strengths of each program. Focus on improving your GMAT score, securing a high IELTS score, and gaining relevant experience to enhance your application for HEC, LBS, LSE, and Imperial.

Good luck with your applications!

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/admitted-to-imperial-college-business-school-msc-finance-and-lse-msc-finance-for-2019?customgpt=1, International Student - Chance of getting an IBD internship in London?, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, Ask Accepted: What are my chances?, Accepted to 2 Deferred Enrollment MBA progams, can I just accept both?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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