Which masters to choose?

Background: BSc in Economics and mathematics (with computer science, statistics and business courses).

I have the following offers: *UPDATED
1. MSc Economics and Finance from (1yr) Warwick Business School (and Warwick Economics)
2. MSc Econ from (2yr) Sciences Po Paris
3. MSc Adv. Econ and Finance (2yr) Copenhagen Business School
4. Other lower ranked unis

From what I've read, Warwick has a good brand-name in the UK, while SP is very strong in France. I'd most likely learn French while living in Paris, which is a plus (not sure how important that is for jobs in the UK?).
The SP masters is two years and provides more advanced training (PhD courses in economics).
CBS is highly regarded in my home country. This degree in particular is well ranked

Goals:
* Preferably a job in finance (any area, though I prefer research-type jobs) in London
* Keeping open the option of doing a PhD in econ or finance later on.

 

Warwick is one of the UK’s six targets, and the economics department is highly recorded so it’s a good choice for IB. I’m not sure about France, but sciences po is a grande ecole which is very prestigious there.

 

If you think you can manage to be 100% fluent in french in 2 years at SP and want to recruit for Paris IB, its a tie. Otherwise SP is not a big name for UK recruiting, except for french banks ( trust me you don't want to work for them). Warwick is a safe option for me. You should have applied for summers this year in London to get a return offer after your master.

If you can get LSE go to LSE, otherwise Warwick and last SP.

Fell free to PM for more info on Warwick and SP.

 

You can try FT recruiting on your master, but usually its Summer -> FT offer. I guess your internship must be a 6 month ones, hopefully you can get FT offers. Your best bet would be to just apply for summers in your master (except for MS they do not accept summers post graduation, and maybe other banks, ask around) do your summer and get a return offer for the next year or even earlier. You could work for a various PE/VC/HF as an intern, usually paid 1.5K/month in the mean time, would be great on your CV if you want to go to the Buy-Side and would help you figure what you are interested in.

 

If the goal is London, then I would say Warwick. Also, unless you're a linguistic prodigy, two years aren't enough to become fluent in a French (assume you start from 0) even if you live in that country so going to SP would get you a level of French below the requirement for IB in Paris and a school name which is quite good in London but well below UK targets.

 

If you don't speak French, I would advise you to apply to HEC Paris. They have good placements in IB, a good brand name, high ranking in the FT and a strong alumni network wether in Paris or London. Advantage compared to Science Po: The Master is in 1 year.

I am not sure that all courses at Science Po are taught in English. If you speak French I would recommend ESCP (however I'm biased on this one...)

 

Well yeah basically I am finishing my undergrad in Economics and even if you believe it is so interesting its transferable skills to IB are close to 0 - if somehow the signalling of more mathematical reasoning than finance? I am going through the "mistake" of doing economics rather than Finance because I have not gotten almost any interview due to my lack of expertise in Corporate Finance.

My recommendation is that you go to pursue a MSc in Finance. If you want to learn some more academic econ - should you? - just buy a couple books. I'll be happy to send you a PM with a few recommendations. Take care and choose wisely.

Btw I also come from an unknown uni for IBs so I know what we are talking about in here.

 

Problem is not really the schools. MSc Economics is kind of worthless. As far as Economics goes, you either go for a PhD or not at all.

Furthermore, at a lot of PhD programs, you start at the same place even if you have a MSc degree or not, so the MSc literally gets you nowhere if progressing further other than being a better application.

 
Most Helpful
  • Like most people said, Warwick has a very good rep but only for its BSc; i always get the feeling that the MSc programmes are not on par (i.e. reputation) with its BSc's programmes
  • Science Po is a very-known school and as many French people are working in IB/PE they will know it so you don't need to worry about the brand name in london
  • BUT Sciences Po's core strength is everything related to politics so if you want to have a political part in your economy degree than you will enjoy it
  • Don't get illusioned by the fact that the course are taught 100% in english (i) professor & co will still speak in french (ii) french people are horrible in english (iii) if you dont have a decent understanding in french you are screwed, not only on the academic side but also on the social life; french people tend to disregard people without any french skills [i am myself French/German so I am able to make this statement]
  • overall, i think LSE gives you the best chances; brand name is the strongest; networking opportunities are the best; and nobody gives a shit what kind of MSc you are studying once you tell them you are from the LSE
 

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