VU Amsterdam or Groningen University (BSc Economics) for Corporate Finance?

Hi all,

I know this is a somewhat niche question, but I wanted to get your opinions.

I wanted to know whether you think a degree from these two universities (or if one would be better) could be useful for corporate finance/IB in the Benelux.

I know these universities arent recognised globally even though they do pretty well in the rankings.

Any information at all would be greatly appreciated! What do you think?

14 Comments
 

I would go to VU Amsterdam. Being located in Amsterdam will help with job search and possibility to do interviews. Plus it is more recognised in my opinion.

 

Hiya, thanks for the considered opinion! Yes, that would be thought too. I think there is a concern with their reputation though. Given they’re in Amsterdam, don’t you think they are known as the “runner-up university” to University of Amsterdam?

I don’t know if this is unfounded as in Economics they rank higher. However, overall they are higher in all rankings that I checked.

 

Groningen if you want to have a nice party time. Ranking is negligible and universities in the netherlands have a pretty uniform approach to generic studies like business.

 

Thank you! Yes Groningen is known for their student life. I think this is equally is disadvantage as it’s a mid size remote city in the North of Netherlands. Shortly said, I think there is generally less opportunity than in Amsterdam.

 

Mhaw, only if you want to get an internship at a boutique, but you need to speak Dutch for it. The bigger national banks are mostly finding their people via financial study associations. So it really depends on which languages you speak and what your ultimate goal is. Amsterdam is also a lot more expensive, so if you are 18 I would choose Groningen.

 

Hi, I appreciate the comment! Yes, I’m the rankings they are high in business orientated degrees. However, overall they rank lower thank Groningen and don’t have the “Amsterdam advantage” that VU Amsterdam has. This was partly my reasoning for not applying.

 

maty_baker

Hi, I appreciate the comment! Yes, I'm the rankings they are high in business orientated degrees. However, overall they rank lower thank Groningen and don't have the "Amsterdam advantage" that VU Amsterdam has. This was partly my reasoning for not applying.

Sure. Though, I studied at one of the aforementioned faculties and can tell you that both are way ahead of Groningen in terms of IB placement.

Also, people who got a BSc at an Amsterdam university often go to Erasmus University for their MSc degrees since they know it'll better their chances.

 
Most Helpful

If you want to work in NL after university it doesn’t really matter. All Dutch universities are well regarded by employers and the quality of education is quite uniform.

But for recruiting, Rotterdam (EUR) and Amsterdam (VU and UvA) are the ‘best’. There are many on-campus recruitment events at both (with high quality companies) and the financial study organisations (FSR and FSA respectfully) have good relations with banks, PEs etc. And it helps being in the ‘Randstad’ if you want to do internships etc. during your studies.

For the options you’ve presented, both are absolutely fine from a career perspective in NL. I’ve worked with many people from both uni’s.

 

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