HEC and LBS
Hi everyone,
I was accepted by HEC for the MIF. I am still waiting for an answer from LBS for the MFA. My problem is that I have to accept HEC before I get a decision from LBS. What would you do and which Master would you choose? I would like to start in London. Do you know how good HEC places in London? I already have experience in investment banking. I do not speak French.
Thank you very much!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, both HEC and LBS are prestigious institutions with strong placement records in London, particularly in the finance sector. Here are some key points to consider:
Placement in London: HEC has a strong placement record in London despite being a French institution. It is well-regarded among major banks and financial institutions. However, if you do not speak French, you might find networking and mingling slightly more challenging in the HEC environment compared to LBS.
Program Focus and Recognition: LBS's Masters in Financial Analysis is a relatively new program but is gaining recognition. LBS has a longstanding reputation and a robust network in London, which can be highly beneficial for career prospects in the city.
Cultural and Language Considerations: Given that you do not speak French and are aiming to start your career in London, LBS might offer a more seamless transition culturally and professionally. The environment at LBS will likely be more aligned with your existing experience and career goals in London.
Decision Timing: If you must accept the offer from HEC before hearing back from LBS, consider reaching out to LBS admissions to explain your situation. They may be able to expedite your application process or provide some insights into your likelihood of acceptance.
In conclusion, while HEC is a fantastic school and places well in London, given your lack of French language skills and your desire to work in London, LBS might be a more fitting choice, assuming you get an offer. If possible, try to communicate with LBS to potentially accelerate your decision timeline.
Sources: European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), European Masters Rankings, LBS Masters in Financial Analysis vs HEC MSc in Finance, Msc Finance ranking Europe, HEC Paris to IB at London?
Have you asked HEC? How far are the two dates apart? I find it unreasonable they wouldn't accomodate given this probably happens for a few students.
How big is the deposit?
Are you an EU citizen?
Hi,
Thank you for your answer.
I have not received an answer yet from HEC regarding pushing back the deadline. The dates are 9 days apart. The deposit is 4k and I am a EU citizen.
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I think the right approach here is to ask for a faster response from LBS (which is common) instead of delaying the deadline at HEC (which I don't think any school usually does).
Answering your question of which program to go to, I am finishing the MFA and would recommend it over HEC (of course I am biased). If you only want to work in London I think LBS is best suited for that and the career center at LBS is pretty great, with very good placement for those with prior relevant experience. As a side comment, I haven't seen/heard of any HEC students at ACs or networking events this year, although I am sure there several.
Anyhow, both programs are pretty good and will get you interviews if you have relevant experience, so don't worry about it.
How did your LBS MFA class place this year? Were many able to land a seat in IB, whether it be an SA/FT?
Curious about the MFA placement too, what do you exactly qualify as relevant experience ? Did the students who got offers at top BBS/EBS all have 2 IB OC prior to the MFA?
Appreciate your answer very much, thank you! This makes a sence to me. Does the visa you receive after graduation from LBS make a great difference, because I am not an UK citizen.
It depends on what you are applying to I would say. For SAs BBs and EBs I think they sponsor (although they still ask if you have the right to work in the UK so not sure if it affects your application) while MMs and boutiques will mostly only take people with the right to work. For off-cycles almost all companies ask for it, as it is mostly boutiques and PEs that do these programs (I know you are probably thinking "who cares about OCs, I will just do my IB internship and then start full-time" but you will see once you have an SA that there are 6-12 months between the internship and FT so you will probably want to work/do something in that time, making this more important). For FT I don't know as I haven't recruited for that - but I imagine it's the same rule of boutiques/MM/PE with some BB/EB requiring the right to work in the UK.
My view is that London is already super competitive so you don't want to put yourself at an extra disadvantage by requiring sponsoring from an employer if you can avoid it.
That's it, hope it's helpful for you and others in a similar situation. Good luck!
Go for HEC 100%. It doesnt matter if you start in London. HEC outplaces LBS by far. It just seems that LBS placed good because of the big cohort
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