What MSc to choose in Europe?

university
Recent activity on Apr 26, 2019
4 Answers
1.8 k Views
Tony asked on Mar 30, 2019

Hi everybody!

This is my first post here and I hope not to be off-topic.

My current situation is this:

- 27 yo italian

- BSc cum laude from Bocconi University 6 years ago

- After the University I went back to my home town to work in family business

- I'd like to pursue a MSc from top European BSchool (ESADE, LSE, LBS, IE...). I could also get a scholarship given that I scored 750 on GMAT.

Do I have any chances to get in one of the top three Consulting Firms after MSc in Italy or Spain?

Which MSc would give me the best chances given reputation, academic quality, network etc?

Thanks for your answers!

(edited)

Overview of answers

Upvotes
  • Upvotes
  • Date ascending
  • Date descending
Best answer
Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 30, 2019
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Tony,

given your seniority it would seem more natural to target an MBA at this stage of your career. Although more expensive, it would give you the opportunity to join MBB in a post MBA position thus with a higher salary and seniority. After a MSc, instead, you would likely have to join at a pre MBA position.

In terms of MBAs in Europe, Insead and LBS would likely be the best, followed by IE and HEC.

Hope this helps,
Francesco

Was this answer helpful?
Tony on Mar 31, 2019

Hi Francesco! Thanks for your answer. I don't think I would fit in a top MBA, since I've been running my family business in a small town up to now. I would be glad to join MBB as a fresh graduate and start from scratch. Do you think that this break in my studies will influence my career goals? What are the best MSc in your opinion? Thanks a lot

Francesco on Apr 04, 2019

Hi Tony, I would recommend then to follow the following strategy: (i) prepare application for top 4-5 MBAs in Europe as for the list above; (ii) if that doesn’t work, try to find a referral and apply now for MBB; (iii) if everything fails, consider a Master. I really don’t see any advantage of applying for a Master now instead of option (i) and (ii). As for top masters, I would consider Bocconi, Esade, IE, HEC, LSE, keeping an eye on the costs, scholarships available and preferred geographies. But again, I would consider this as a third-best after the previous mentioned options. Feel free to PM me if needed. Hope this helps, Francesco

Serhat
Expert
replied on Apr 26, 2019
BCG | Kellogg MBA |82% Success rate| 450+ case interview| 5+ year consulting | 30+ projects in ~10 countries

Hi there,

Considering you already have an engineering degree from a reputable school and you want to work at MBB, and have a great GMAT score, you may want to consider doing an MBA.

This will definitely can give you a chance to have an interview invitation from MBB. Rest depends on you. You definitely have a chance to get an offer if you practice right and enough.

Cheers

Serhat

Was this answer helpful?
2
Guennael
Expert
replied on Mar 30, 2019
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews

This is really hard to tell - as usual, the specifics are key here.

First off, congrats on Bocconi!

Second, I wouldn't expect too much in the way of scholarships just because you got 750 unless Italy is special. At least here in the States, I am not aware of any such scholarship

Third, a number of MSc and MBA programs would open doors to MBB. The ones you listed are a great list, but there are obviously others.

Fourth, let's calibrate a little bit:

- Are your chances greater than zero? Absolutely.

- Are your changes great? Absolutely not

Even in the target schools, few candidates ever get an offer from MBB. That's just a cold and hard fact, but it doesn't say anything about YOUR chances. Who are you as a person? What have you done on a professional level? Have you had leadership opportunities? Do you have an amazing story or passion outside of work? So many questions, which together will help each company whether to even interview you. And then you still have the interview itself!

tl;dr: I can't really answer your question other than confirm your started off really well by going to Bocconi.

Was this answer helpful?
Anonymous replied on Apr 01, 2019

Hi Tony,

I fully agree with Francesco - an MBA at this stage in your career seems like a more logical option. This way you can also target post-MBA positions at consulting firms, and an MBA is just generally much more respected in the business/consulting world than an Msc.

Best!

Was this answer helpful?
0
Francesco gave the best answer

Francesco

Content Creator
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
4,512
Meetings
43,926
Q&A Upvotes
387
Awards
5.0
1616 Reviews
How likely are you to recommend us to a friend or fellow student?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not likely
10 = Very likely