Bocconi BIEF vs. University of Amsterdam Data Science and Econometrics for Trading Career

Hi!


I am coming from the Baltics and just graduated from high school, looking towards a career in trading. I understand that "trading" is a broad term, but my long-term target is a buy-side role that involves taking directional or non-directional risks, with a share in PnL


I am deciding between Bocconi's Bachelor in International Economics and Finance and the University of Amsterdam Bachelor in Data Science and Econometrics.


Assuming that I will get a scholarship in Bocconi, costs will be the same or even a bit lower in Bocconi, because of the insane Amsterdam rent.


At first glance, Bocconi looks like no brainer, yet there are a few nuances like location and alumni placement.


UvA

  • Location Advantage.

From the LinkedIn job posting it looks like almost all EU trading job opportunities are located in the Netherlands.

  • Alumni Placement

Surprisingly, UvA seems to place more graduates in EU trading firms than Bocconi. Is it because trading is a less popular path for Bocconi students since most of them are going to IB, or does UvA have a better reputation in the trading field?


Bocconi

  • Prestige and International Recognition

Bocconi is obviously much more prestigious than UvA and if take a look on limited, but still existing trading seats beyond EU (Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe) you will see Bocconi alumni there and almost nobody from UvA.

  • Less Competitive and Easier Program

Dutch unies are famous for cutting off students in the first year there, essentially accepting everybody in the first year and then cutting headcount by 50% in the second and third. I’ll need to combine my studies with work, so the perspective of a worse grade in Bocconi, if I don’t perform well, is much better than the expelling perspective in UvA.


I'm leaning towards Bocconi, but I would appreciate your thoughts.


Also is it really necessary to do a master's degree for a career in Europe? I’ll turn 20 soon and want to get in the field ASAP, since from my experience and what I heard from the people in the industry uni theory is pretty much inapplicable to real work.


Thanks!

 

Tough choice to be honest. Both are good. Bocconi has better ranking but also depends on where you want to live afterwards and if you come from the baltic states take costs into consideration. Where are you with the scholarship?

 

I don't have any country preferences, but it looks like if you are not native German/Scandinavian, the best market will be either UK or Netherlands. 

The Bocconi scholarship is need-based, so I am pretty sure I'll get it. I will receive the answer in June. In terms of costs if I am getting any scholarship from Bocconi it will be either equal to or cheaper than UvA because of the higher living costs, mainly rent, in Amsterdam. 

 

Yes these are the two best. Problem you need sponsorship for the UK... The Netherlands is then the solutions for a lot of people in eastern europe :) 

 

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