Marshall vs HEC Paris. Master in Finance

Question

I have a background in engineering and ML development.

I have been selected in both programs and in the medium term I would like to work in VC or PE. I would be also happy to work in strategy in a startup or as a consultant.

I know that HEC Paris is one of the best ranked programs in the world but I feel the USA might have better opportunities in the Tech/VC area. I see HEC to be safe to get a good corporate job, but that in America the upper limit is unbounded.

I am European and I understand that without an american degree it is nearly impossible to get into the USA. The question is if it is worth the risk and cost.

Thank you for any input or experience you might add.

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bb · Answer

Congrats on your admits! How much work experience do you have? 1 year or 3-4 years?

Gal3 · Answer

I have 2 years of experience as IT consultant in a major company

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bb · Answer

Thank you for your reply. That gives a little bit better background.

I would say the first goal should be deciding the location. This is actually the main and kind of almost only choice.

I would consider marshals degree as a sort of age ticket to the United States with hopefully a three-year work permit attached to it and some validation of your education. This is by no means an offense to Marshall. Please do not interpret it this way. It is just that a 10 month degree is not going to be perceived as a big accomplishment. It is very helpful that you have a brand name in your work experience. That will help. At the same time, it will be hard for you to pivot from your IT background into VC or PE. I doubt there are any on campus recruiting opportunities for that line of work and most MBA’s from HBS and Sta Ford would kill for it too. So you have to ask yourself, why would an employer hire you instead of an MBA. My only guess would be competing for the undergrad positions which USC is a very strong undergrad brand with great on campus recruiting. Is that what your expectation is?

I feel the HEC program has a stronger name and carries less risk with it. However if you were looking to move to the US and you want to give yourself a shot and take some risk, USC is the card to play. At the same time, Keep in mind that masters degrees in the US tends to be not very competitive and often a continuation of undergrad (people took a few more classes during the four years and then they realize they can get a masters degree with an extra semester of schooling and so they go for it just for the heck of it). It ends up giving them a bit of an edge when competing with their peers and nice to half but it’s by no means an indicator of anything, often not even requiring any kind of testing or application. If you’re going to go after the USC, I would get in touch with several students in the program so you can set your expectations properly. I’m giving you second hand experience and it is always best to hear from the people on the ground.

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Marshall vs HEC Paris. Master in Finance

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