Undergrad - Sciences Po Paris
Hey Guys,
I'd like to know your opinion on Sciences Po Paris for IB, eventually consulting too. Of course, HEC, ESCP & ESSEC are dedicated b-schools and have been in the industry longer, have much larger networks etc... I know I'd be better off doing HEC, ESCP, ESSEC, but I'm not doing 2 years of prep class for a slim chance to get into those 3 schools. Sciences Po recently ranked 2nd behind Harvard and tied with Princeton for politics & international studies (QS 2020), and are soon to open a new modern campus in the center of Paris. No need to bash me on how Sciences Po is a politics school or whatever, I'll be attending because I like the undergrad program, I'm interested in roles in the govt down the road (after a run in the private sector), and don't want to risk doing 2 or 3 years of prepa and not making the parisiennes.
It seems that Sciences Po's Master Finance & Stratègie is pretty well-known and grads get good jobs. The School of Management and Innovation (which opened just a few years ago & home to the fin&strat master) just got a new dean who worked at the ECB and was an ED for Goldman, she was also on the board of directors of a few big name brans (LVMH being one of them). I think Sciences Po's heading in the right direction and is really building a name for itself. The fact that the school of management opened just over 5 or so years ago and the dept of Econ was created in only 2008 shows that ScPo has become aware of what they need to do to make a better name for themselves outside France and place well in the rankings (just broke into 51-100 in qs2020 for economics). Joseph Stiglitz was also a visiting prof last year lol.
Anyways, I think I'd be better off at ScPo than EMLyon or EDHEC 5-10 years from know, and I believe that ScPo is really making a name for itself but I'd love to have your guys' opinion. Finally, I just want to reiterate, no need to insist much on the fact that top 3 (possibly even top 5, but I think ScPo will have a better brand name than EDHEC and EMLyon) are better for banking and many alumni there want to do banking as where people at ScPo are all over the place.
Final note: Do you think there's chances of making into London right after the BA or Masters considering brexit, or will it be too much of a visa hassle ? (I'm French).
Thanks!!
I think that the uni would be the biggest problem to land the job, not the visa.
You know that frenchies are very selective and for me one of the bick checks when I go through a resume is to see at what Grande ecole you studied. Sometimes a good finance master also works, but overall if you got into a grande ecole you must be good, so thats why we focus on thst.
Dont wirry for the visa, if you are good you will get the job
Thanks for the answer. I'm under the impression you maybe work in London, not sure, but do you think I would be able to apply to London banks right after my BA at ScPo, as people apply after BA's (or BSc) in the UK, or would I need to have the 2 year masters as it is generally needed it France. The Sciences Po BA isn't really that math intensive and the official degree would be a BA with a major in "Économies et Sociétés" (most ppl interested in finance just put Econ major on LinkedIn). I'll be getting in significant debt at ScPo since my parents live outside the EU, so skipping the 30 000 euros for masters and getting directly into Finance would be nice. I'd of course do internships after my first and second BA years, like they do in England. Cheers.
Oui, I work in London.
You can apply for SAs & Springs during your BA. If you are sble to get some experience either at Big4, Boutiques or French Banks during your studies you would be in a really good position.
You need to differentiate from other guys studying at grand ecoles by having some relevsnt experience to show you have the interest and work ethics.
There are many Scienes Po paris people in FO roles at French banks. I think you'll be ok. Best bet is apply to a French bank in that region. French banks are in favor of moving people around the globe.
Nice to hear that. From what I've seen lots go to french banks and Rothschild & Lazard apparently recruit quite a bit. Do you know if transferring to NY from French Banks is feasible or is there way too many people applying for NY transfers? What about London? Thanks Man!
For London its feasible, NY no. Visa may be a problem, recruiting is done before and is usually on campus. Networking is very important too.
Internal transfers are doable, some BBs even have structured processes, not sure about EB (can any give some colour here?)
Bump
Sciences Po is very strong. It could be a good way to differentiate yourself by having a non traditional major if you play your cards right. It's also a main feeder to the best masters programs if you need that. Regardless it's an excellent option and the quality of education and network will heavily work in your favor when recruiting.
Just out of curiosity, which Masters programs are you talking about? MSf in europe / UK or maybe NA too? MBA's? (Even though I'm not sure how important MBA's are in europe). Thanks Che !
I wasn't really referring to a specific program after ug SCPO. SCPO is prestigious and will only help your resume in my opinion when applying to graduate programs - the rest depends on you ofc. I know some kids in undergrad there go end up going to top graduate schools all over the world.
Dude you seem set on SciencesPo. Just go for it. Yes it may not be as good as top Business schools but if you plan ahead and get some good work experience you’ll do fine.
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