Imperial College MSc Economics & Strategy for Business (ESB)

I talked to someone who is currently enrolled in this course and told me that only around half of them found a job. Also most of the people who got a job are in the energy industry. So I'm a little bit concerned because this course might be too general in the eyes of employers.

What do you guys think?

Have everyone already decided whether you are going to accept the offer or not?

Only half? It is a newer course but during my interview they definitely made it sound like 90% or high eighties are successful. Perhaps the person you talked to meant people weren't finding their ideal job or something.

That is slightly worrying though.

I have trouble believing that based on the employment statistics for other Imperial programs.

It's unconscionable to me that MSc Management would be placing considerably more than a high tech pre-consulting program. http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/business-school/programmes/careers/destination

On the same note, however, it's possible that only 50% may be employed by the end of the program (still considerably lower than the MSc Management). I do recall that during private conversations with a hedgefund manager that major companies have cut back hiring. We were talking about Goldman in particular.

Another thing is that the higher employment statistic is over a longer duration, upto six months after the program ended. Around 50-60% is more consistent with the other timeframes. Our class will also have a year of letting the world economy recover further.

anyone knows if former students of this MSc were hired by Mck, BCG or Bain?
Cheers

I'll find out when they compile the numbers from last year. As someone currently attending the course I can tell you all three came for recruiting presentations (McKinsey apparently went light on the food compared to the others).

Also to give a general update the course is excellent so far. The material is really interesting, the courses are well laid out with a well structured schedul and most of it available digitally on your Imperial supplied iPads.

Biggest difference I noticed from BU were that the students are some of the most impressive people I've ever met. Many tended to have worked in finance or consulting before.

The only warning I will give you is that the course seems so new and innovative (the first of its kind that I am aware of) that employers seem a little unsure how to handle it and the 12 month schedule makes some banking internships complicated.

I have a feeling by next year (if not by the end of this year) the course will be a specific target of most consulting firms as they realize everyone is extensively screened to speak English and basically paying 20k+ to go through an extended version of basic consulting training.

Speaking to friends at other masters it seems like an excellent choice in hindsight.

Excellent question.

I am myself a little surprised by the answer. In one regards we have been very successful in that many have gotten interviews (Ir's impossible to know for sure as people don't openly discuss rejection, but it seems most who applied did). In another way not as much as most were offered interviews by one or two of the major consultancies, not all three.

Sure thing. Just be aware that the program doesn't determine success rate for offers, that is up to the individual. It just determines part of your chances of getting an interview.

I personally got invited to my first choice of firm for their test (MBB tier) along with a few others. I was invited to some of the second tier ones for exams, but didn't hear back from some others yet (Booz & Co, L.E.K) .

Speaking with people from other schools it seems that is typical. I've heard of, but do not know, one person at Oxford who got all three of the MBB.

A Bain chairman told me this is typical. Overall this program will not be what hinders you from getting an interview.

If you want to PM me and tell me what programs you are considering I'd be happy to comment on them off the record.

Yup no problem. I'll know a little more about my personal success by then as well.

No problem. Was successful with none of the small firms. 1 MBB interview and invite to test from Monitor (the etray excessive didn't work for anyone). Interviews with all of the big 4 I applied to and Accenture.

Once you have your interview it's up to you. Selection is essentially random from Oxbridge, LBS, UCL and Imperial for the MBB.

The program is also drastically improving. The new Dean is bringing in a lot of best practices from the US

Hi!

I just got an email saying I have an interview - could you tell me what questions they asked you?

And what is your background? (where & what you are studying?)

Thanks!!