RSM or University of Amstedam for Masters in finance
RSM's master's in finance & investments application is closed. They only finance related masters they have left is Msc in Accounting & Financial Management.
University of Amsterdam has masters in finance with a corporte finance track (the one I want to speacliz in).
Which one should I choose? I know that RSM is a better named brand business school but the master is more accounting focused which I don't really like. But UVA masters in finance is corporate finance oritened that I really want to study.
I also want to work in the Netherlands after I graduate. Any advice, opinion, comment is appreciated
Based on the most helpful WSO content, both RSM and University of Amsterdam are reputable institutions. However, your choice should align with your interests and career goals.
If you're more interested in corporate finance and that's the area you want to specialize in, then the University of Amsterdam seems to be a better fit for you. It's important to study what you're passionate about, as this will likely lead to better academic performance and more enjoyment throughout your course.
On the other hand, RSM is indeed a well-known business school, but if the course is more accounting-focused and that's not your area of interest, you might not find it as beneficial.
Since you mentioned wanting to work in the Netherlands post-graduation, both schools would provide good networks and opportunities, as they're both well-regarded in the country.
Remember, the best choice is the one that aligns most with your interests and career aspirations. Good luck with your decision!
Sources: RSM or SSE (Master's in Finance in Continental Europe on budget), https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/msc-finance-at-tilburg-university-or-msc-business-economics-financial-economics-major?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/uk-master-in-finance-advice?customgpt=1, European Masters Rankings, Washington Uni in StLouis vs Vanderbilt vs Uni Of Texas at Austin postgraduate MS Finance
I don't think the Uni/Major (as long as it is relevant to corporate finance) matters much in the Netherlands
The problem is that the position is really limited and even if you are lucky, the corporate finance roles don't pay much in the Netherlands
That’s a lie, Rotterdam is definitely dominant in the Corp Fin. Sector even in the Netherlands, albeit definitely less than London. In London it’s pretty much 80% Erasmus.
That is true, and they are mostly got into top banks via the london banking tour
However, if you look closely at their profile, 90% of them are native Dutch speakers, as they will focus on Benelux-related deals.
If you are non-Dutch, RSM/UvA doesn't make a huge difference as your only shot is to land a job within the domestic banks.
Think you overestimate the number of people sitting in Benelux teams, there are definitely a significant amount in Benelux teams, but most banks have their Benelux team in Amsterdam (Barclays, Citi, DB, JPM, BOFA, Lazard, Houlihan from the top my head). So majority that are in London are most likely in product/sector teams, but you are right most of them are Dutch as it’s the main pipeline for Dutch talent.
Focusing on Benelux won't make them only be working on Benelux-related deals.
Teams prefer diversity in EU language and geography, even if they have a local office in certain countries
As a non-dutch speaking RSM graduate, you require extreme luck to land an IB/Corp Fin job in the UK/NL (only a handful of graduates have been able to do so)
Furthermore, as OP indicated he/she would like to stay in the Netherlands and from what I have experienced enrolling in RSM/UvA/Majors wouldn't make a significant difference
As a non-Dutch speaking RSM graduate, since most front office positions require fluent Dutch. What type of job should I look for which are open to international students, for example auditing or accounting maybe? I know IB is impossible but what are the alternative job opportunities that's related to finance for internationals in the Netherlands?
Direct IB is possible but requires extreme luck, alternatively, you could join the graduate program and do 1/2 of your rotations within the IBD
Meanwhile, Asset Management is also an excellent alternative career to consider with
However, keep in mind that only a handful of local firms (AEGON/Alpinvest/APG/PGGM/ING/ABN/RABO/Kempen) would provide investment/IB-related graduate positions for non-Dutch speakers... that's maybe 10-20 spots in good years, and you still have to compete with other EU students that able to speak German/French/Spanish
Consulting would be challenging as well, given their focus on the local market
Auditing should be fine, I have seen a lot of non-EU students able to land a job in KPMG
I would recommend UvA more than RSM, given it's in Amsterdam, where you might be able to land some off-cycle internships to increase your employability
Overall, I don't think Dutch firms care about your school at all. I have seen people from Tilburg/RUG
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