Advise on MFE programs in the Netherlands

[Andy Nguyen]

I have a feeling that many MSc programs in Europe focus on academic, highly theoretical, rigorous. Many students go on to PhD. They don't focus on career services, if any.
The US programs are more practical, having many practitioners teaching in the program. They tailor the curriculum based on industry feedback. They focus on placement, alumni network, contribution.
Different business models.

Easy bet where Will Hunting will fit right.

 

[WillHunting]

In most regards its true, but then again it ultimately depends on the institution one attends. Speaking strictly about Quant Finance/Econometrics/Fin Engineering in a general sense European universities tend to want to build up the theoretical knowledge of the concepts and allow students to figure out the job aspect for themselves, while I know people that attended quant focused programs in École Polytechnique, University of St. Gallen, Erasmus School of Economics, the thing I heard is those programs really want to give you a solid base while exposing oneself to limited applications within the professional field. What the US universities have with most subjects in general "The US programs are more practical, having many practitioners teaching in the program. They tailor the curriculum based on industry feedback. They focus on placement, alumni network, contribution." the EU universities are still lacking with bridging the gap to real life work. Dont get me wrong, if academia is your thing - by all means pursue a PhD, subsequent research, etc., but I feel most individuals go into uni wanting to apply what they learn within a professional environment, whether for professional skill development, money, or just because they enjoy the work. From what I know (specifically related to the finance domain) EU universities do succsfully bridge the gap between theory and practice within Investment Banking related currciculums (HEC, Bocconi, Oxbridge, LSE, ... ), unfortunately on the quant side many European universities are still not there.