Graduate Msc Finance - Which semi-target?

Hey everyone, currently looking to break into IB in London.

I'm currently in a Bachelor of Business Administration (non-target, EU), on path to obtain a 2:1. I have no relevant Finance internship or degree. I have been working for awhile on myself to get into IB, next step would be the Master degree.

I have read that schools are not the same for undergrad/postgrad degrees in terms of opportunities. I have no chances to get into Oxbridge/LSE (GMAT right below 600).

I am aiming at these 5;

-Warwick (Business & Finance)
-Durham (Intl Banking & Finance)
-Nottingham (Banking & Finance)
-Bristol (Finance & Investement)
-York (Considering Edinburgh instead, need advise)

I don't think my situation is busted, I honestly just want to learn something relevant for my future career while having some spotlight when applying later for analyst positions. 
I have also been considering BSc, as they may get me into IB more easily.


I could use some advise/criticism regarding my plans, feel free to let me know.

 
Most Helpful

Warwick will get you where you want to be, the others are a bit more mixed. Durham is pretty weak at the graduate level (mostly in'tl students), would drop that and add in Edinburgh. You may get answers to your questions on the below two threads. 

https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/20-most-frequently-asked-questio…

https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/european-masters-rankings

Cheers! 

 

Don't declare the GMAT. Agree with Telemachus, that Warwick is your best bet by far. Edinburgh should be on the list, like they said. Durham isn't especially well represented in IB but it is still viewed as a prestigious university and the alumni network is pretty tight - I'd say Nottingham is probably a more natural choice for finance (albeit a much less prestigious university), but I wouldn't completely rule it out. 

Previous internship experience will make your life far, far easier - even at Warwick, it's going to be an uphill struggle without one but not impossible at all. 

 

Thanks for your advice! If I may ask, what would you say about York?

 

I am now considering it, but without/with a low GMAT score I am afraid that my chances are reduced.
I would like to apply as late as March, it gives me 3 months to ace the GMAT I guess.

I am I think trying to be realistic, but I'll try Imperial anyways I believe.
One question though, if I cannot be considered for any meaningful degree this year, how are gap year regarded at Targets?

Thank you very much.

 

It all comes to down to how are you gonna spend your gap year. 

Are you gonna travel around the world? Do you plan to do 3 months M&A in B4, 3 months ER in a MM shop and sitting CFA L.1? If the latter, the gap year is definitely worth since i) It will increase your chances of being admitted into a top program ii) It will improve your chances of securing top internships once you were already attending the program

I did gap year after completing my BSc and I'm currently attending a MSc Finance. Nothing uncommon on my class, TBH.

 

Thanks for your advice.

It might be difficult to get better (realistically speaking), should going for a Finance BSc in a Target be a better option ?
I am in no hurry, getting in is the objective (Not a Finance Major, no experience in finance).

 

Molestias qui laboriosam possimus eligendi odio suscipit. Natus ut rerum dolore molestiae ullam dolore provident.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
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...”