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Oxbridge vs LSE vs Imperial vs UCL for Investment banking

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Depends on the field.

For consultancy it's easily Oxbridge > everything else.
For IB there is still a difference between Oxbridge + LSE and Imperial, UCL, Warwick.
As a student at Imperial I can tell you that FO internships for its students are surprisingly lower than what people on this forum think.

For Hedge funds, Oxbridge + Imperial completely beats LSE and UCL. Mainly because the majority of HFs detest social science graduates.

In general though the uni name matters very little between the top 6 unis, the difference will come down to the individuals.

hmm - I know where you are coming from with regards to Hedge funds employing mathematical/physics/science based subjects - but I wouldn't fully agree with the comment.

Many hedge funds have strategist roles/research roles where an economics degree wouldn't count against you. After having meetings with some HF managers, they told me that what they like to see in an individual is a real understanding of an asset class, whether it be FX, equity, commodities whatever - that coupled with a strong degree and good personality can give you a good shot.

I would also like to add that Hedge funds are much different to IB's in the sense that the individual really has to go out of their way to get a foot in one. If you are looking for a HF role, networking is paramount. But as people have said on here it maybe better of working for a bit at an investment bank, building decent knowledge of an asset class then making the move if it is possible

Reply 21

fudgesundae

Original post by Marc Fiorano

Does this have anything to do with Imperial being a science college, so the amount of people applying for these positions is a lot lower? More people may be interested in careers in research or industries such as engineering and pharmaceuticals?

Reply 22

twig

Original post by Sir KBS

This worries me as Warwick Engineering isn't ranked that highly but I was told if I get A*AAA+ and a 1st in Warwick-Civil Engineering that I'd be seen through the recritment process. Of course I've applied to other targets but am quite keen on warwick if rejected by Oxford.

What about UCL/ ICL; considered those (strong eng schools which are IB targets)?

Reply 23

Straight up G

LSE
Cambridge
ICL
Oxford
UCL.

That's what I've garnered anyway. They seem to love the scientists at Imperial, but just from personal experience, aren't exactly bumming Oxford so much. UCL is tbh slightly below the rest.

Reply 24

DannyBoy123

Oxbridge, LSE and Imperial are all pretty similar and would give you a great chance. As a percentage, more LSE grads probably end up in IB but that's because many people go there with the express desire to become bankers (see the video above). UCL would probably be slightly below them but not by far.

Source: worked in recruitment for an investment bank.

Reply 25

Teenage Pirate

everyone here is retarded

Reply 26

Sir KBS

Original post by twig

What about UCL/ ICL; considered those (strong eng schools which are IB targets)?

Applying to both

Reply 27

Sir KBS

Original post by Straight up G

Oxford arts grads tend to lead towards law/politics/dad's firm. And where is Warwick?

LSE

Just wondering but, where does Cass Business School and Kings College London fall into?

In one of the stickys or threads it shows KCL being ranked 7 although the post was made in 2007 so I'm assuming it's changed now?

Reply 30

Frenchous

Original post by Straight up G

Looks like you've never put a foot in an IB

Reply 31

Xenopain

Original post by Teenage Pirate

everyone here is retarded

Without realizing you're someone and you're here thus insinuating you're retarded. Not the brightest thing to say now was it, especially considering you're making a point about cognitive ability.

Reply 32

deathtoalevel

Wow.
Given the graduates all have first class degrees.

Erm, for I.B.
Cambridge and Oxford Equal
_______________________

THEN

It's a scruffle between LSE UCL and Imperial

LSE top as it gears their students for the financial world
followed by UCL and Imperial

Reply 33

The Banker

LSE given the reputation and location but you can't go wrong with Oxbridge

And yes: 'applying' to HF's is fairly non existent. The path us usually:

Good uni->analyst @BB->maybe masters or MBA->consulting/PE/HF

Or there about. However if fund managers and MDs LIKE you, things are much easier. Usually HF's that hire grads require a maths degree from a top 5 uni and an internship from a top 5 BB. Otherwise, wait till gaining experience somewhere else and try to roll in the right circles - i.e. after a year or two avoid going out too much with fellow analysts and try to get in the right company of senior executives. Easier said than done and obviously very expensive if you're going to bars with them. There are many strategies to get in.

Reply 34

fail@maths

Original post by Teenage Pirate

everyone here is retarded

+1

They certainly seem rediculously clueless/retarded.

Reply 35

Sir KBS

Original post by fail@maths

+1

They certainly seem rediculously clueless/retarded.

You’re a fail at maths and can’t spell ridiculous

Reply 36

KingHomer

Hi guys,
I love academia but I'm wanting to keep my options open for the future (in the sense of working in banking or consultancy). My full situation is here:

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1794753

Any ideas?

Thank you!

Reply 37

Industrious Orca

Original post by KingHomer

Well the top unis for IB are Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, UCL, and Warwick; so if you get into COWI, then maybe look at LSE and UCL, cause they're both pretty good for maths.