Best Option for IB/M&A in London – RSM vs. VU vs. Tilburg
I’m a 25-year-old evaluating three master’s programs in the Netherlands and would love some input on which one would best position me for a career in Investment Banking/M&A in London, especially within Bulge Bracket firms. Here are the programs I’m considering:
- MSc in Accounting & Financial Management (Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University)
- MSc in finance (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – FT #56)
- MSc in finance (Tilburg University – FT #47)
Which of these programs has the most recognition among London’s IB recruiters and professionals?
From what I gather, RSM is the only one that’s semi-target for IB in London, with Vrije Universiteit being a rare mention. However, the MSc program at RSM is more focused on auditing than on corporate finance or investments.
While RSM offers an MSc in Finance and Investments, the registration for next year closed very quickly this time around. If I want to enroll in that program, I would have to wait until next year, which means I would graduate at 27. I’m concerned that this may be too late for summer analyst roles. What are your thoughts? I would greatly appreciate any insights on whether reputation matters more than the specific content of my studies, or if a strong overall program is better for this career path.
One response
When considering which master’s program to choose for a career in Investment Banking/M&A in London, it’s crucial to weigh both the reputation of the institution and the relevance of the curriculum to your career goals. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
RSM – MSc BA in Accounting & Financial Management: While RSM has a strong reputation in London and is considered a semi-target for IB roles, the specific program you’ve mentioned is more focused on Accounting and financial management rather than corporate finance or investment banking. This might limit your appeal to recruiters looking for candidates with a more finance-specific background. However, the network you can leverage through RSM could still be beneficial.
VU Amsterdam – MSc Finance: Although VU might not be as well-regarded as RSM for IB in London, it still offers a solid finance program. The FT ranking reflects a respectable global presence, and the program could provide a good foundation in finance.
Tilburg University – MSc Finance: Similar to VU, Tilburg has a decent FT ranking and a focus on finance. While less recognized than RSM, its reputation in the Netherlands could still be valuable.
Given that the MSc Finance at RSM is more competitive and tailored towards investment banking, it might be worth waiting a year to apply if you feel it aligns better with your career goals. Although age can be a factor, many firms value experience and maturity, so being 27 when you graduate shouldn’t be a significant disadvantage.
In summary, while the institution’s reputation plays a role, the relevance of the program to your career path is equally important. If you’re keen on investment banking, waiting to pursue RSM’s MSc Finance might pay off in the long run, even if it means starting your career a bit later. Networking, internships, and gaining relevant experience will also be key factors in breaking into bulge bracket firms, regardless of where you study.