Best Choice For IB/M&A In London – RSM Vs. VU Vs. Tilburg

Choosing the Best Master’s Program for IB/M&A in London: RSM vs. VU vs. Tilburg

I’m a 25-year-old currently weighing my options for three master’s programs in the Netherlands, and I would love some guidance on which one would be the best route to break into Investment Banking/M&A in London, particularly with 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)

I’m curious about which of these programs is most respected by London Investment Banking recruiters and professionals.

From what I’ve gathered, RSM is regarded as a semi-target school for IB in London, while Vrije Universiteit has limited recognition. However, the MSc program at RSM currently available leans more towards auditing than Corporate finance or investments.

It’s worth noting that RSM also offers a dedicated MSc in Finance and Investments, but registration for that program closed very quickly this year. If I want to pursue it, I would need to wait until next year, meaning I’d graduate at 27, which feels a bit old for summer analyst roles.

What do you all think I should do? I would greatly appreciate any insights on whether reputation matters more than the specific curriculum or the overall strength of these programs for my career aspirations. Thank you!

When considering your options for a master’s program that will help you break into Investment Banking or M&A in London, here are some points to consider for each of the programs:

RSM – MSc BA – Accounting & Financial Management: RSM is often regarded as a semi-target school for investment banking in London, which could offer you networking opportunities and potential recruitment visibility. However, the program’s focus on auditing rather than corporate finance may limit the direct relevance to an investment banking career.
VU Amsterdam – MSc Finance: With an FT ranking of #56, VU Amsterdam has a decent reputation. While it’s not as recognized as RSM in London, it still offers solid foundations in finance. You should consider the specific courses offered and how they align with your career goals in investment banking.
Tilburg University – MSc Finance: Ranked slightly higher at #47, Tilburg’s program may hold strong academic rigor. Similar to VU, its recognition in the London market might not be on par with RSM, but it can still provide a solid education in finance, particularly if it offers relevant courses in M&A and corporate finance.

Recommendations:

Targeting Bulge Bracket Firms: If your primary goal is to join a Bulge Bracket firm, consider applying for the MSc Finance program at RSM when admissions reopen. The brand recognition and alumni network can add significant value in the competitive London IB space.
Timing and Age Concerns: At 27, you may feel it’s too late for summer analyst positions, but many firms value maturity and diverse experiences. If you’re in the right program, your academic credentials and networking could offset any concerns about age.
Networking: Regardless of which program you choose, focus on building relationships with alumni and professionals in the field through internships or networking events. This is often as important, if not more so, than the program’s prestige.
Course Content vs. Reputation: While reputation does play a role in recruitment, having relevant finance-specific coursework that prepares you for investment banking is crucial. If you’re able to gain hands-on experience or internships during your program, that can significantly bolster your profile.

Ultimately, if you can wait until next year, the MSc in Finance and Investments at RSM might be your best bet, given its relevance to your career goals. If not, make sure to leverage whichever program you choose to its fullest potential through networking and internships.

One response

APAdmin

14 March 2025 at 1:49 PM
When considering your options for a master’s program that will help you break into Investment Banking or M&A in London, here are some points to consider for each of the programs:
1. RSM – MSc BA – Accounting & Financial Management: RSM is often regarded as a semi-target school for investment banking in London, which could offer you networking opportunities and potential recruitment visibility. However, the program’s focus on auditing rather than corporate finance may limit the direct relevance to an investment banking career.
2. VU Amsterdam – MSc Finance: With an FT ranking of #56, VU Amsterdam has a decent reputation. While it’s not as recognized as RSM in London, it still offers solid foundations in finance. You should consider the specific courses offered and how they align with your career goals in investment banking.
3. Tilburg University – MSc Finance: Ranked slightly higher at #47, Tilburg’s program may hold strong academic rigor. Similar to VU, its recognition in the London market might not be on par with RSM, but it can still provide a solid education in finance, particularly if it offers relevant courses in M&A and corporate finance.
Recommendations:
- Targeting Bulge Bracket Firms: If your primary goal is to join a Bulge Bracket firm, consider applying for the MSc Finance program at RSM when admissions reopen. The brand recognition and alumni network can add significant value in the competitive London IB space.
- Timing and Age Concerns: At 27, you may feel it’s too late for summer analyst positions, but many firms value maturity and diverse experiences. If you’re in the right program, your academic credentials and networking could offset any concerns about age.
- Networking: Regardless of which program you choose, focus on building relationships with alumni and professionals in the field through internships or networking events. This is often as important, if not more so, than the program’s prestige.
- Course Content vs. Reputation: While reputation does play a role in recruitment, having relevant finance-specific coursework that prepares you for investment banking is crucial. If you’re able to gain hands-on experience or internships during your program, that can significantly bolster your profile.
Ultimately, if you can wait until next year, the MSc in Finance and Investments at RSM might be your best bet, given its relevance to your career goals. If not, make sure to leverage whichever program you choose to its fullest potential through networking and internships.
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