St. Gallen vs CBS vs WU Vienna for Master in Finance
Hi all, I am in a dilemma for my choice for a second master's degree. A little background about myself:
- Bachelor in International Business Administration at Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) - GPA 9.1/10 (summa cum laude distinction)
- Exchange semester to NOVA SBE in Lisbon
- Currently doing a MSc in Accounting & Financial Management at RSM - GPA 9.2/10 (on track for summa cum laude distinction), will complete this academic year.
- I have no prior internship/work experience in IB/PE/consulting. I have had several student jobs (none super relevant to finance), I did a summer internship in Vienna in client services at a tech research firm and a thesis internship in audit at a big4 firm in Rotterdam.
- My ultimate goal is IB/PE (or maybe consulting), preferably in London, or alternatively in the Netherlands, where I'm from, or the DACH region.
I plan to do a second master's degree in finance. I have several options, and I am not sure what to choose. My options are:
MA Banking & Finance - St. Gallen
Pros:
- Double Degree with my current master's degree at RSM. Already accepted for the double degree at St. Gallen.
- I can write one thesis for both my degree at RSM and St. Gallen (already halfway through writing the thesis).
- I believe the most prestigious program with the best career prospects in London and DACH out of my options.
- I already have some friends living in Zurich, easy to visit them from St. Gallen.
Cons:
- I am worried that St. Gallen as a place to live might get boring (least exciting option in terms of destination).
- Only one year, other options two years. I wouldn't mind studying for another two years instead of just one.
MSc Finance & Investments - Copenhagen Business School
Pros:
- More exciting place to live than St. Gallen - I really like Copenhagen.
- Two years instead of one, including option to do an exchange semester in the second year.
Cons:
- Worse career prospects than MBF program at St. Gallen (although still good I would say).
- I don't know anyone in Copenhagen.
MSc Quantitative Finance - WU Vienna
Pros:
- I really like Vienna as a city. I already lived there for three months and would love to go back. Already know people there.
- The program appeals to me: two years instead of one, and quantitative finance instead of ‘regular’ finance (I like the mathematical aspect). Although I wonder if quantitative finance is good for IB/PE.
Cons:
- Not sure how the career prospects are (especially for London), also considering that it's quantitative finance instead of regular finance.
- No option to do an exchange.
I have already been admitted to the MBF program at St. Gallen. For CBS and WU Vienna I will hear the results mid-June. In terms of costs, all options are similar with no or very low tuition fees. Another consideration is that I already speak German at B1/B2 level and in St. Gallen or Vienna I would be able to get it up to C1 with some effort. I believe this would be great for career opportunities, especially in the DACH region.
What is your opinion on these options? Curious to hear your thoughts, especially on how good CBS and WU Vienna are compared to St. Gallen for IB/PE in London/DACH.
I would rank them in the order that you posted.
Best chance would be from St Gallen primarly because of prestige. Unaware of exits but has the best opportunities (location wise)
Same would vote for HSG without a doubt
HSG clearly better for London & DACH
Thank you all for your thoughts! Would you say the gap in career prospects between HSG and CBS/WU Vienna is large?
yes
I think you should do a relevant internship before doing another master. Those grades are impressive, and considering that you speak Dutch, you should find something good for sure.
Rerum totam commodi et sint ab debitis et. Ex harum nihil maxime aliquam aut et. Voluptas cupiditate ut pariatur eum nostrum. Aspernatur sint sit iure voluptate. Omnis ab qui eaque occaecati porro blanditiis. Aliquam quaerat omnis ut dolor exercitationem aut eaque.
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...