Got admission to ESCP MiM - now what?
I got an admit to ESCP today. Coming from a third world country and an absolute shitty undergrad uni, I'm grateful for this admit.
I know it's one of the target programs in France. But as someone from South Asia who isn't fluent in French, I'm afraid my chances of employment will be limited even for internships. My aim is to end up in Consulting/Equity Research/Asset Management /Private Banking. I never had exposure to any of these fields and hence I'm planning to do multiple internships before I graduate. Also, I would be taking a loan of almost $55k for tuition fee alone. My number one priority would be to pay off my debt once I'm done with my Masters.
I'm willing to learn French, but I don't think I would be able to reach FLUENT level by the time internship/recruitment starts.
Which of the following pathway would be the best for me?
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Study second year in ESCP's London Campus and get a stay back visa there.
Pro: English speaking internships and jobs | Con: ESCP is not really a target in the UK compared to Oxbridge, LBS, LSE, Imperial, etc. Also, the shit show going in the UK atm is another concern. Maybe it will improve while I finish M1 of my Masters. Maybe not. I couldn't find anyone from my country at ESCP working for an MBB/BB/EB in London. -
Do a double degree at RSM Netherlands (preferably Finance and Investments) and stay in Amsterdam.
Pros: English speaking jobs, better social life since 90% speaks English, lower tuition fee compared to ESCP Year - 2| Cons: I couldn't think of one except for lower pay. As of now I feel like this is the best option. I still don't know how compensation varies compared to London/Paris. -
Target countries like Dubai and Luxembourg during recruitment. There are a few ESCP alumni at BCG Dubai. I was also able to find some folks working at T2 and Big 4s. I feel like working there for sometime till I pay off my loans and eventually settling somewhere in the EU. Preferably London through lateral. I don't know how realistic this is. I really don't want to spend the rest of my life in Dubai.
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Apply early next year to HEC, ESSEC, and INSEAD MiMs hoping to get a scholarship. To be completely honest I don't think I would get a scholarship with 324 GRE and 9.52/10 CGPA from a no name university. But this 55k loan is freaking me out coming from a middle class family.
What should I do at the moment?
I'm trying to avoid getting pigeonholed. But don't know how to go about it. In fact, I have only read articles and reviews about working in Consulting/Finance in general. I never had any practical exposure to any of these industries. So, apologies if my concerns seems dumb. And any kind advice would help me tremendously.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown of your options and some strategic advice for your situation:
Study second year in ESCP's London Campus:
Double degree at RSM Netherlands:
Target countries like Dubai and Luxembourg during recruitment:
Apply to HEC, ESSEC, and INSEAD MiMs:
Immediate Steps: - Language Skills: Start learning French immediately. Even basic proficiency can help in internships and daily life in Paris. - Networking: Begin building connections with alumni from ESCP and potential employers. Use LinkedIn and other professional networks. - Internships: Focus on securing internships as early as possible, regardless of the country, to gain relevant experience and make your CV more attractive.
General Advice: Given your background and concerns, the option of doing a double degree at RSM Netherlands seems to align well with your priorities of managing tuition costs, accessing English-speaking job markets, and building a career in finance or consulting. However, keep an open mind towards opportunities in Dubai or Luxembourg as they could be beneficial financially in the short term.
Sources: Imperial MSc Finance and Accounting vs. ESCP MiM vs. IE MIF, LBS MiM vs INSEAD MiM for Management Consulting in France, Msc Finance ranking Europe, Bocconi AFC vs ESCP MiM
How did you get the loan
I haven't received the loan yet. But I might have to use my house as a collateral for getting it.
Jesus try RSM
Also coming from what you are referring to as a middle class fam, I sympathise with you. Imo shoot for the Netherlands. In my experience, they're relatively more outward-looking people so are more open to employing foreigners. Especially in commodity trading firms, so I recommend you target those if that's your vibe. Target all the firms in that industry, both large and small. Amsterdam is a hub for commodity trading and from what I hear, they're a much more meritocratic culture where your background, including your school, matters less. The key here is to be hungry for it. Commodity trading firms are competitive and no nonsense. If you like and/or can deal with such an environment, then it could be a great option.
Read everything you can on commodity trading. Books like The World For Sale, then Google Peter Brandt and learn some technical analysis, and listen to the Strong Source podcast by Martjn Bron (you can find it on Spotify or on Martjn's page on LinkedIn, I think). Then use LinkedIn and cold emails to aggressively network with any and every firm that will listen to you. Commods trading firms thrive on that kind of energy and spirit.
Looking at the comments, perhaps its best that you apply to RSM before the deadline next year. In the meantime, direct all your energy towards preparing a strong application and if you can't get relevant internships (as I couldn't when I was in a similar situation), then use your time to go through the above resources and become the most knowledgable student on commodities. Then open your own trading account and practice - even if you lose some money, showing good discipline in your risk management and a track record of following the relevant markets will get you brownie points when it comes to networking and interviews.
I know your question was broader than just commodity trading, but if you want lottery ticket to maybe improve your life financially are and willing to give it all you've got, this could be it.
Whoa. Thank you so much for this comprehensive and thoughtful answer. I couldn't be more grateful. I wasn't aware of commodity trading at all. And yes, I'm aware that life will be much better in Netherlands than Paris/Germany in terms of job opportunities.
The thing is I don't want to waste another year. That's why I was planning to do my second year (dual degree) at RSM. Also, I could only apply for the MiM program at RSM which is something of a mediocre program. By doing my first year at ESCP, I could opt for the flagship F&I. If I play my cards right, I could even get a good scholarship at RSM. Still, I'm in conflic whenever I think about the student debt. Also, do you mind if I dm?
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