UK or US masters to be a trader in London

Hello, Do think it is better to do a uk (Oxbridge,LSE) or a us (Princeton,Stanford...) master in financial mathematics to be a trader in London? (given I am French) On the one hand the us ones are maybe more prestigious but on the other hand the uk ones are maybe better for England because many traders in London are from Oxbrige. What do you think? Thanks

11 Comments
 

it's a pretty obvious one. You're not doing an MBA, so the move between continents is a lot harder (US school to London vs. UK school to NYC). But also consider this, your tuition in the US will be around 100k vs. 25k (GBP) in London, so almost three times the amount. Unless you have the necessary change, this really should be a no-brainer. Will you get a better education with an MSF in the US than in the UK, absolutely (I studied in both places, and this is totally true), will it increase your chances in getting an offer in London, actually no. In fact, it will most likely hurt you. If you want to become a trader in London, then you will be dealing with European products, which you won't really be too exposed to in the US. Plus, recruitments on campus are really focused on the UK and most banks will be hesitant to fly you out for interviews (first and final round).

Really, the only reason to be doing a MSF in the US is to work in NYC afterwards. Or perhaps just to be a baller, both legitimate.

 

So the networking (UK master for London) is more important than the content of the master itself? But think about it : Princeton wouldn't be better than Oxford even in London because of its greater prestige (despite networking)?

 

It is down to location. I can say with confidence the US programmes are better and will be less theoretical. I am not sure about the MFM at Oxford, but the MFE is totally theoretical but does have top placements.

 

Where did you go to school in France?

'Oh, yeah, that's right. That's what's it's all about, all right. But talkin' about it and bein' it, that's two different things.'
 
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