Canadian Undergrad - Schulich vs Ivey
Hey WSO community!
I've been a lurker for a while now, and I'm having trouble deciding which school to go to (as a lot of people here it seems:p).
My dilemma stems from not knowing what field I want to go in to. I don't want a typical (but safe/secure) 9-5 job. I don't mind the big hours as long as the work is interesting. That's what attracted me towards finance, but I'm doubting my ability at actually landing a job. I know I should be more confident, and I definitely am a hard worker, but the job security and decent pay of accounting makes me think that it'll be good place to start.
Anyhow, the real dilemma is choosing between Schulich and Ivey. I know Ivey has a much better rep in terms of finance, but Schulich has the same rep for accounting. I will also be saving a TON of money by going to Schulich, and I'm not sure if this "edge" Ivey has in finance is worth it. I could also transfer to Ivey in my 3rd year of Schulich if I decide finance is for me.
I was wondering if anyone could comment about opportunities I'd have if i decide to pursue finance at Schulich, and also about the accounting rep at Ivey (doesn't seem worth it for accounting, especially since you don't get all the credits for your CA).
And without being too cliche, what should I expect/prepare to do in University (regardless of the school) if I want to get a good job in finance. I'm definitely hard working and feel I could get at the minimum an A average. Are your softskills all that matter besides good grades and decent ECs?
I can't believe how many Canadians there are on this site/ how many people have posted the same topic in a one month span.
1) You're not choosing b/w Schulich and Ivey, you're choosing b/w Schulich and Western AEO, there is a BIG difference because you haven't proven you can pull an 80% average. If you're hardworking you'll get into Ivey when it begins in 3rd year whether you go to York or Western.
2) Your sentiments echo most of the accounting community. Accountants, IMHO tend to be more risk averse. Do some soul searching and decide whether you want to take a risk on a very competitive field and put in the work to get to the top academically and professionally.
3) Yes Ivey is exponentially better but it is a 3-4th year program.
4) Ivey graduates lots of accountants/big 4 employees and you can fulfill CA requirements, but if you're paying 20K+/year tuition IN CANADA, it's less likely you're going to pursue a less high paying career stream
5) In terms of university prep, be prepped to get good marks. In any first year program, excluding maybe engineering/CS, most courses are easy as all get out but the challenge is maintaining a superior work ethic in the presence of mediocrity.
6) Networking is crucial, as are ECs, the advantage of Ivey is that its entrance reqs guage you well for your ability to simultaneously pursue academic/EC/networking goals.
7) Decide whether you want to do business no matter what, if you're at Schulich you will get a BBA, if you join AEO and miss the cut-off you'll be in BMOS and you're pretty much f*cked from there on
The other 1500 threads about this subject this week was not enough? Seriously come on Canadian kids how hard is to choose somewhere to goto school.
Ivey places tons of kids in big4 audit yearly, you go back 4months after graduation and get your final credits. Check their career services report.
Schulich is weak for finance/consulting recruiting, that is why your saving a TON of $$$.
Good on you for having so much patience for these Ivey/QC/McGill/Schulich/UofT/etc. threads Independent - there's only so many times I can tell these kids from experience my thoughts on Cdn schools... and then politely referring them to use the search... and then just straight out skip over these threads.
Don't only equate Ivey=finance. Ivey will train you well across business and you'll have opportunities for other things (consulting, accounting, brand management, whatever you find you like) at Ivey.
schulich is like the piper jeffray of canadian schools - no insult intended but take it for what its worth
Sorry :( I saw mainly American schools while I was skimming over and figured most people would've have chosen Ivey over Schulich in a heartbeat anyway.
@ Independent Gestion: Thanks for the great info!
Quick question about Ivey and accounting. Will going back an extra semester (or whatever it is) to get those final credits hinder me in any way?
I think I'll most likely start at Schulich and transfer after second year. That way I won't be screwed if I don't maintain an 80%, I'll have the option of paying low tuition if I decide to settle with accounting, and I'll have something to motivate me to keep good grades/ECs during my first two years.
Why would it hinder you? Your off partying for 4 more months as you do accounting add-ons. It's same at WLU and Queen's may even be the same (not totally sure).
Most people have full-time offers from a big4 by then and just go back to do their add-ons. Also Ivey/WLU etc all produce lots of UFE honour roll folks.
I meant would it affect me in terms of employment (ie. do the accounting firms care?).
I really don't want to be elitist in any way but I don't think if you're a good student you'll have much trouble getting big 4 accounting from any of UBC/UWO/UofT/Queens/WLU. There's nothing wrong with accounting but their hiring volumes are MUCH bigger so the level of competition is correspondingly lower IMO.
I know, but I meant that since you'll still be in school come recruiting time, will it hinder you in any way?
Last question: Is my "plan" good? Are there are drawbacks of going to Schulich for the first two years (besides the risk of not making it)?
Well I know people who went to Ivey after 2 years, and others who did AEO. Most AEO like'd their decision, you get to study and do whatever you want for 2 years. While being at Queen's/SSB/etc will be much more work and tougher. Likewise UWO residence/student life >>>>> SSB.
Dude recruiting for the big4, is in 1st term of 4th year. You do your add-ons after you graduate or in the summer of your final term. That said most big4 CAs I know from my school or UWO etc, did internships in 2nd/3rd year, so they finished their "recruiting" well before senoir year.
I hear a lot of "I'll go Ivey 3rd year" but I'm pretty sure most won't - You get used to the school and joining a new university with new people is a pretty intimidating thing especially if you've become comfortable at your school and carved your own niche.
True...which brings me to one last question: Why exactly is Schulich not as good for finance? I know a lot more Ivey grads are working in finance, but the a large amount of Schulichers are set on accounting/marketing.
If I'm mainly looking at Canadian banks (which do recruit from Schulich), would I be at much of a disadvantage if I don't even up transferring? Your school can only bring you so far, but I don't want to end up with a disadvantage because of a dumb decision I made in grade 12.
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