The LBS MFA vs LSE MSc Finance Dilemma
Hey, before you think that here is another similar discussion on those two postgraduate degrees, well, it probably is.
I am facing the most painful dilemma of my life (so far). Yes, I am aware of the main differences between the two programmes, but I am reaching out to you - current students, alumni, recruiters, people in the industry - to make an informed and tailored decision. Obviously, I hope that this discussion will be useful to other prospective students that find themselves in a similar position. I also have an offer from HEC Paris MIF but the two in the title give me the real headache.
Context: I have an undergraduate in Business Administration - the cheesy, low-intensity choice of study. I have internships in tech, management consulting, and investment banking. I aspire to secure a position in IB at a BB/EB in London but lately I'm also interested in Quantitative Trading. Long-term goals might include PE but I would really try to leverage my network built before 30 to grow my own business at some point.
Problem: The choice would've been much simpler if I didn't study Business. I would go to LBS anytime for the hands-on curriculum, career centre, and social life, but I feel that having the academic stamp of LSE is what is missing in my profile. Moreover, if you're good enough, you'll find time for social stuff and also secure top positions without a stellar career centre, right?
I am knowledgeable of the pros of each of the two, but I want to learn more about the cons. Sure, I can't go wrong, but I actually may go wrong if I find myself not enjoying the programme.
Let's go. Where?
Lmao if you already have all those internships, I can assure you, no one gives a shit about an "academic stamp", whatever the fuck that means. Something else is the problem.
I don't really know anything but I'd probably take LBS.
Can’t you convert one of those internships, work for 3-4 years then do an MBA/MIF at LBS?
LBS MFA has the best IB placement for a pre-exp masters of anywhere in the world
this is simply false
The data is readily available. Hop on LinkedIn chief. Issue with LSE is they have way too many MSc programs so there’s a bit of straining on application processes. Also UG LSE grads don’t consider MSc students real alumni and don’t help out as much during recruitment, whereas LBS is only masters and above & they have a tight knit community
I would take LSE, but it is very much splitting hair at this point
Go for LBS, better placement across the board and you will have a much much better time than at LSE
Given your goal of being an IB analyst, LBS is a no brainer...
Thank you, everyone. Went through calls with students from both sides, listened to recruiters and people in the industry, considered your opinions, and finally decided on LBS.
welcome to lbs :)
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