WUSTL MSF vs Vandy MSF
3rd generation Chinese Canadian here, currently deciding between WUSTL MSF (Corporate Finance track), Vandy MSF and Schulich MF . My end goal is to be placed at a BB/EB IB analyst position in preferably NYC, Cali or Chicago. For anyone who has graduated from the programs above in recent two years, how doable is it for students from these programs (WUSTL and Vandy in particular) to land a SA opportunity at one of the BB/EB firms. The tuition cost isn't a big factor for my decision and I am willing to relocate across the country.
Little bit of my personal background,
UBC Bcom grad, GPA 3.4
GMAT 690
1 year full time work experience at RBC (Private Banking)
1 internship experience at Deloitte HK (Corp advisory)
No IB related experience
Just on a side note, is the TN visa considerably easier to apply for compare to the H1-B visa? If yes, in what ways?
Thank you guys in advance for participating in this discussion, cheers.
You should just apply now as Vandy has waived gmat requirement already. As for your other comments, I do not know exactly but am also interested.
I have already been accepted to both programs
Have heard that Vandy is definitely a much stronger program in terms of placements. However, placement might not be ideal geographically (a lot of placements in the south)
Speaking at least for Olin, I don't think that's common at all. The placements are here: https://olincareers.wustl.edu/SiteCollectionDocuments/PDFs/WCC/WCC_SMP_…
I wouldn't value the employers listed, most of the top firms have taken maybe 1-2 ever and likely for a back office role. I would chat with a current student or see where most are ending up on LinkedIn because I don't think it's common at all to end up at a BB/EB SA role
Vandy no question. We used to recruit at Olin MSF for the BO role I worked at. Can confirm Analyst 1s suspicions.
Dang, what about some MM firms? I have heard that WUSTL's program has some significant regional representation in the MidWest (Chicago area?). I am also feeling patriotic towards the Canadian firms out there (RBC, BMO and such), what are my odds of getting a SA offer from them (don't know if they will even recruit in the MidWest lol).
I narrowed my choice down to these two as well, ultimately decided on Vandy. My two cents:
Vandy is the stronger program all around when you look at placements. Vandy is the premier banking program. If you want a track into IB, it'll get you there if you work hard. They place well into NY after the most recent class with some presence in CHI. I don't think you'll have any issues placing in either city. As for WashU, the program is dominated by international students, so that might be an easier process with H1-B for foreign students. It's a reputable program with good placement in mid west.
TLDR: Either program is good and you'll go places. But if IB is your target, I would be hard pressed not to select Vandy given its pipeline over the last ten years.
WUSTL if you are an international. Vandy's international placements into IB are almost none. A friend interviewed there this year, and the current students said banking recruiting was horrible this year. (Pre Covid)
As a Canadian, I am basically f**ked then (if i pick Vandy)? lul
Pretty sure that the school you go to has no bearing on getting sponsored or not..
I heard something similar from a recent Vandy MSF grad (international student). The IB placement for domestic students is stellar, while the placement for international students is pitiful. Most of the international students end up taking consulting jobs.
Et excepturi placeat atque sit. Perspiciatis asperiores labore veritatis nihil error et amet et. Molestiae aut laudantium iure architecto. Inventore magni nisi voluptatibus voluptatem nisi quam dolorum.
Esse voluptatum possimus nisi sit. Itaque quod consectetur aut qui non voluptatem.
Enim repudiandae qui error odit eum eos. Cupiditate quod ut dolor non. Autem expedita facilis dolorum molestiae qui sit. Autem quibusdam dolores amet eos.
Quo cum ipsa similique quia. Magni hic deserunt id molestiae reprehenderit culpa. Odit aut aliquid blanditiis et dolorem rerum praesentium.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...