Data Science and Econometrics non-target degree VS Economics and Finance target degree for career in trading

Hi!


I am coming from the Baltics and just graduated from high school, looking towards a career in trading. I understand that "trading" is a broad term, but my long-term target is a buy-side role that involves taking directional or non-directional risks, with a share in PnL


I am deciding between Bocconi's Bachelor in International Economics and Finance and the University of Amsterdam Bachelor in Data Science and Econometrics.


Assuming that I will get a scholarship in Bocconi, costs will be the same or even a bit lower in Bocconi, because of the insane Amsterdam rent.


At first glance, Bocconi looks like no brainer, yet there are a few nuances like location and alumni placement.


UvA

  • Location Advantage.

From the LinkedIn job posting it looks like almost all EU trading job opportunities are located in the Netherlands.

  • Alumni Placement

Surprisingly, UvA seems to place more graduates in EU trading firms than Bocconi. Is it because trading is a less popular path for Bocconi students since most of them are going to IB, or does UvA have a better reputation in the trading field?


Bocconi

  • Prestige and International Recognition

Bocconi is obviously much more prestigious than UvA and if take a look at limited, but still existing trading seats beyond EU (Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe) you will see Bocconi alumni there and almost nobody from UvA.

  • Less Competitive and Easier Program

Dutch unies are famous for cutting off students in the first year there, essentially accepting everybody in the first year and then cutting headcount by 50% in the second and third. I’ll need to combine my studies with work, so the perspective of a worse grade in Bocconi, if I don’t perform well, is much better than the expelling perspective in UvA.


I'm leaning towards Bocconi, but I would appreciate your thoughts.


Also is it really necessary to do a master's degree for a career in Europe? I’ll turn 20 soon and want to get in the field ASAP, since from my experience and what I heard from the people in the industry uni theory is pretty much inapplicable to real work.
 

Thanks!
P.S. I copied this post: ( https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/bocc…), since this section looks more relatable. Hope it doesn't break any rules. 

 

Porro fuga cupiditate rem alias odit facere. Qui velit harum sit error dolor qui. Beatae asperiores nisi nostrum. Et impedit rerum quia voluptas cupiditate atque id quo. Itaque ut architecto sed facere.

Itaque amet odio sit eligendi perspiciatis. Quo quod natus ipsam. Sit atque rerum culpa nostrum esse cupiditate. Voluptas et sit in beatae.

Quaerat similique at facere dolores sunt. Quisquam in dolorum commodi voluptatum et. Eaque qui nulla eum odio sunt consequatur porro.

Porro voluptatibus velit laborum eaque magni illum. Consequatur qui officiis et enim enim officia eos. Sunt eos adipisci qui eveniet vitae.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners New 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 01 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 24 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 19 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres 06 98.9%
  • JPMorgan Chase 09 98.3%
  • William Blair 03 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 04 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners 18 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (23) $378
  • Associates (94) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • 2nd Year Analyst (69) $168
  • Intern/Summer Associate (34) $167
  • 1st Year Analyst (207) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (152) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”