COMPARE Columbia MSFE vs. Imperial MathFin

[Bipeumania]

Hello everyone!

I'm grateful to have been accepted into both Columbia Financial Engineering and Imperial Mathematics and Finance programs, and I'm finding it challenging to choose between them. I'd really value your perspectives on these two options.

Background: I'm a French student in a top-tier "Grande Ecole" (equivalent to a master's degree), majoring in applied maths. I don't have any full-time work experience, but did two internships (one in strategy consulting and one in asset allocation). My objective is to work in quantitative research in a buy-side firm. I would enjoy an experience in the US but plan on working in Europe in ≈ 3 years.

My current opinion: I'm leaning towards Columbia at the moment because I already have a recognized degree in Europe, and I'd like to try the US. However, I'm questioning whether this reasoning is sound and what the job prospects in London are for someone with a degree from Columbia vs. Imperial.

 

[matthieu_fisher]

My 2 cents is that you’re better off at Imperial if you want to pursue a career in the UK in QR because of the program’s connections. If you want to stay in US a bit, Columbia might be a better choice…
Also, given the fact that you pursued X-Ens, Columbia or Imperial won’t make a huge difference in the French job market. Your experience is what will most valuable on top of French education.