Rotterdam School of Management vs Erasmus School of Economics vs ...CBS?
Is it worth studying for GMAT (and so sacrificing an intern in BIG4/Corporate Treasury in a big Italian firm) to apply to the RSM's Finance and Investments program or should I just go for Financial Economics at ESE? Is RSM giving you a considerable competitive advantage in terms of brand and career opportunities?
Also, what do you think about Erasmus School of Economics vs Copenhagen Business School (maybe Finance and Investments or more probably MSc in Accounting, Strategy and Control)?
I heard that the Netherlands is facing several problems and Denmark seems a better option in terms of future perspectives, salaries and society, even if Copenhagen has fewer opportunities than Amsterdam for finance.
Note: I still don't know if my mid/long-term goal is to work as an FP&A analyst and later become a CFO, or to work in Asset Management. I care about Business Schools' programs placement, but I do not want to break into IB in London or stuff like that, because WLB is one of my priorities (no more than 50-55 hours).
Based on the most helpful WSO content, making a decision between RSM's Finance and Investments program and Financial Economics at ESE, or considering Copenhagen Business School (CBS), involves weighing several factors including career goals, program reputation, and personal priorities such as work-life balance (WLB).
RSM's Finance and Investments vs. Financial Economics at ESE: RSM is highly regarded for its strong ties with the finance industry, which can be a significant advantage for career opportunities in finance. The brand and network of RSM could provide a competitive edge, especially if you're aiming for roles in asset management or corporate finance. Sacrificing an internship for GMAT preparation could be worthwhile if RSM aligns better with your career aspirations. However, if your interest leans more towards the economic theories underpinning financial markets, ESE's Financial Economics program might offer a curriculum more suited to your interests.
Erasmus School of Economics vs. Copenhagen Business School: Both schools have strong reputations, but they offer different experiences and opportunities. The Netherlands, and particularly Rotterdam, has a vibrant finance sector, but as you mentioned, Denmark might offer better future perspectives in terms of salaries and society. CBS is known for its strong focus on strategy and control, which could be beneficial if you're leaning towards a career in FP&A or aiming for a CFO role in the future. While Amsterdam might offer more finance opportunities than Copenhagen, CBS's strong academic reputation and the quality of life in Denmark should not be underestimated.
Considering Work-Life Balance (WLB): If WLB is a priority and you're not aiming to break into investment banking in London, focusing on programs and schools that are known for fostering a balanced approach to career development might be key. Both RSM and CBS have connections with industries that respect WLB, but it's essential to research the specific programs and speak to alumni to understand the typical career paths and work hours in your field of interest.
In conclusion, your decision should align with your career goals, whether that's in FP&A, asset management, or another finance-related field. Consider the reputation of the program, the network it offers, and how it aligns with your work-life balance priorities. Sacrificing an internship for GMAT preparation could be a strategic move if it significantly boosts your chances of getting into a program that aligns more closely with your long-term goals.
Sources: RSM or SSE (Master's in Finance in Continental Europe on budget), MSRE vs. MBA decision - looking for opinions based on my situation/interests, HBS 2+2 / Wharton Deferred - applying from Europe, Having serious thoughts about B-school for the first time - can anyone offer any advice?, Msc Finance ranking Europe
Would go to RSM better reputation than all three. ESE is also solid but more if you want to stay in the Netherlands. Denmark also faces the same problems as the Netherlands with housing and less enthusiasm to accept foreign people. Hope it helps
It all comes down to where you wanna work. If you prefer Scandinavia, go for CBS. If you prefer the Netherlands, it actually doesn't matter that much if you choose RSM or ESE, but these two will give you a competetive edge compared with CBS. In the Netherlands, good grades and assessment centres matter to a large extent and overall Erasmus Uni (EUR) is considered as a target so I'd strongly suggest to choose the faculty you prefer. The programmes at ESE are more quantitative and economics focused so that's something to keep in mind. I am a living example that it is possible to achieve over 600 within a month of studing for GMAT (while also working) but definitely don't recommend undertaking the same challenge lol Anyway, you need to score at least 605 now on GMAT Focus to get admitted into RSM. The deadline to submit the results is 31 Jan each year, so in your case it'll be 31 Jan 2025. It's totally doable to achieve over 605 while not sacrificing your internship but start studying for it now. I've made some mistakes while preparing for it but definitely go for Target Test Prep when it comes to quant and data insights parts and for verbal you need to read a lot and practice with GMAT Club (for free) for example. I'm not sponsored to be clear but I've discovered TTP too late and covered a small part of their coursework, yet it saved my quant part and I got a very high score on that.
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