Afternoon all,
Context: Am 22 y/o (23 in August) and currently working in a Quantitative Research role sat within advisory at a Big 4 firm. Have been working full-time there for 2 years, having started straight after graduation in 2022. Interned at various places over university summers however, wasn't able to place a summer at a bank so these were at economic think tanks and non-traditional financial institutions, struggled given non-target undergraduate degree as Politics (at Warwick) and no initial spring.
Objective since the penultimate year of university has been S&T role at major BB. Have spent the last 2 years networking (successfully) and then trying to enter via lateral route (unsuccessfully). This has yielded tons of really valuable connections incl. heads of various S&T desks at these various banks, however, basically have been made aware that I'm unable to enter unless via internship given I haven't got directly relevant experience for lateral hire. So basically now biting the bullet re business school and trying to figure out how best to secure a role via Masters --> SA --> FT conversion. Given I am currently London based (UK citizen), my initial thought was LBS's MFA however, I am unfortunately over the work experience threshold for this programme. Now essentially trying to figure which Masters is best to help me place into S&T in London, given experience, situation and objectives. Options that am considering and current order of attractiveness:
HEC MIF
Pros - highly prestigious within Europe in terms of institution, seems to place very well into London BB (?)
Cons - unsure exactly how fares in placing into London (goal) vs regional Europe, intermediate French but not super confident conversationally - does this significantly impact network/opportunities, non-London based so potentially lose out on some networking there too, also higher risk vs MIM where only one chance to get SA, keep hearing career services suck?
HEC MIM
Pros - seems to be HEC flagship programme, less risky re SAs as more opportunities to land due to 2 years & nice optionality
Cons - even tho GE super well respected in France not sure it's as recognised/prestigious in London?, 2 years vs 1 so obviously argument re opportunity cost
ECSP/ESSEC MIF
- Kinda similar arguments, but basically think these both rank below HEC MIF/MIM. Just seem to be less prestigious, place not as well etc
EDHEC MIF
- Seems to be a great course but the network doesn't seem all that. Also not even Paris and even further from London - feels a bit less in-touch?
LBS/LSE MIF
- LBS not enough experience for their MIF, LSE requires econ undergrad - did consider both but don't think works criteria wise..
HEC MIF seems the logical choice but I do have slight concerns re stated points. If anyone can provide greater clarity on these or offer any business school alternatives they think make sense, would be greatly appreciated! Apologies for the long post...
bump
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a detailed comparison and insights on the HEC MIF vs MIM and other business schools for securing a Sales & Trading (S&T) role in London:
HEC MIF (Master in Finance)
Pros: - Prestige: Highly prestigious within Europe, particularly strong in finance. - Placement: Generally places well into London BB (Bulge Bracket) banks. - Networking: The program includes networking opportunities, such as meeting with 60 firms in London.
Cons: - Language Barrier: Intermediate French might impact networking and opportunities. - Location: Being non-London based could mean missing out on some local networking opportunities. - Career Services: There are concerns about the effectiveness of career services.
HEC MIM (Master in Management)
Pros: - Flagship Program: Considered HEC's flagship program, highly respected. - Opportunities: More opportunities to land internships due to the 2-year duration. - Flexibility: Offers optionality with specializations like "International Finance."
Cons: - Recognition in London: Might not be as prestigious in London compared to HEC MIF. - Duration: The 2-year program could be seen as an opportunity cost compared to a 1-year program.
ESCP/ESSEC MIF
Pros: - Reputation: Both are well-regarded but generally rank below HEC. - Placement: Decent placement but not as strong as HEC.
Cons: - Prestige: Less prestigious compared to HEC MIF/MIM. - Network: Smaller network and fewer opportunities compared to HEC.
EDHEC MIF
Pros: - Course Quality: Known for a strong finance program.
Cons: - Network: The network is not as strong, and the location is further from London. - Prestige: Less prestigious and less in-touch with the London market.
Additional Considerations
Conclusion
HEC MIF seems to be the logical decision if your primary goal is to secure a role in S&T in London, given its prestige and placement record. However, consider the language barrier and the effectiveness of career services. If these are significant concerns, exploring other London-based programs like LBS or LSE might be beneficial.
If you need more specific advice or have further questions, feel free to ask!
Sources: European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), HEC MIM or ESADE MIF + CEMS MIM, September 2020, LBS MiM / LSE Global MiM / HEC-Yale M2M, Imperial MSc Finance and Accounting vs. ESCP MiM vs. IE MIF, MiM vs MIF?
LBS MIF needs experience, but the MFA does not
Yeah unfortunately overqualified for MFA, underqualified for MIF. Also had heard LBS's '24 MFA hadn't placed particularly well, there's been a few other posts on here covering
LBS MFA this year includes Blackstone, Advent, KKR, Carlyle, Ares, Permira, EQT, Alchemy, GS, MS, JPM, Lazard, Moelis, Evercore, PJT, CVP, HL RX, GSAM, Citi, BofA, DB, Five Arrows, Barclays, to name a few
As others have mentioned, the LBS MFA doesn't require any work experience. I'd go with HEC personally. Imperial is another solid option, especially since you're targeting a more quanty markets-based role.
Appreciate the comment. I'm ineligible for LBS MFA unfortunately as is 2 years maximum from graduation. Re HEC any thoughts on MIM vs MIF? Hadn't considered Imperial as not really target AFAIK, but correct me if wrong there?
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