Stuck between ESSEC and LSE. (Master's in Finance)
Hi Guys,
I have recently received an offer of admission from ESSEC and LSE in their Master's in Finance programs starting 2022. Since both colleges are similarly ranked, my choice rests on two broad criteria, as follows:
- Career opportunities in Asset Management: I want to pursue a career in AM, which school (academically+reputationally) will provide the best opportunity in this space?
- Working in London: I want to work in London after the program ends, which college is the best for that?
I am a candidate for the CFA L2 exam and DO NOT speak french. Please advise as to how I should make my decision.
Thanks in advance!
If money is not an issue then there you have no reason to not choose LSE.
The programme itself, uni brand, placement, (arguably) quality of professors and peers all clearly point towards LSE Finance as the superior programme.
Money is not an issue but LSE is consistently ranked below ESSEC in this particular program (the main reason for my dilemma).
Rankings, especially the FT one, and ESPECIALLY as far as French business schools are concerned (looking at you SKEMA and EDHEC), are not reflective of actual reputation / track record of the programme. As far as European MSc. Finance programmes are concerned, you should look at Oxford,LSE,LBS for UK and HEC/HSG/Bocconi + maybe SSE for mainland EU.
Everything else is at least one step below in terms of reputation and placement.
ESSEC is a good school, but its not in the same league as the ones mentioned above
i wouldn’t put too much weight on rankings… FT ranked INSEAD MBA over HBS and GSB
industry placement and alumni profile are more important IMO
LSE without a doubt. Especially for a career in finance. London is the hub for finance in Europe and you clearly shot yourself in your foot if you were to pick ESSEC. Good luck
Thanks for the input but why such a strong opinion against ESSEC? Asking so that I can understand your view.
Nothing against ESSEC. Just the school will be known to business people while LSE is known worldwide. Plus, London is the capital of Finance in Europe. Also, if you do not speak French, then I would eliminate ESSEC just for that. To leverage what ESSEC has to offer it is critical to speak France as 90% of its reach is in the french speaking world. LSE is more international without considering that English is already the language of the country. Hope it helps :)
From personal experience, if you don't speak fluent French you stand no shot in France at all.
Even with HEC?
HEC is a massive brand name obviously, but for front office roles you will need French
LSE and it's not even close for the reasons listed above, and if money is an issue I would still bet on myself and take out loans
LSE for sure since u want to work in london and dont speak french which will limit your opportunities in france even if u go to a top business school
Former ESSEC Msc Fin student working now in public equities in France with an A2 french level (albeit is not possible to work in M&A without speaking French, funds like Comgest, BDL, Amirall etc welcome non-french speakers). Also, received AM/ER offers for summer intakes in London so you will get looks from London despite attending ESSEC. So defo possible to break in AM in London coming from ESSEC.
Having said that, if money is not a problem I would suggest you to attend LSE (better brand, better location and visa for 2Y) albeit ending up at ESSEC wouldn´t be the end of the world. People tend to overestimate the importance of the school you attend, but you just need a school on your CV to pass the first filter. Then, is completely up to you.
Thanks a lot for the input. The overwhelming opinion is leaning towards LSE so it makes sense to consider the program.
One of the biggest things you want to consider is location. If you ignore the brand names of both schools - most people will still lean towards LSE. Both schools will help you land the jobs you want, as long as you network with the right individuals. But your life will be easier by attending a school in a location where you want to work - in this case LSE. If you want to break into consulting/IB/AM (whatever it is), it will easier by going down the road for a quick coffee chat or networking with someone from that office.
100% LSE
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