<p>Hey there,</p>
<p>I am currently attending the Masters of Finance program at the International University in Monaco. I think I may be able to help answer a few of your questions.</p>
<p>The Masters program at IUM is very intensive. However, if you are planning on working for a hedge fund when you graduate, you will definitely be working very long hours anyways. The program here prepares you for this kind of job. I don’t want to scare you because actually I quite enjoy the program, but I feel like it’s necessary to let you know the reality of the situation: The M-FIN students have a nickname at the university- “the ghosts.” Because nobody ever sees us! You will put in a lot of hours and learn a lot here, but chances are you will have some sleepless nights and will sacrifice a number of weekends to this program.</p>
<p>Now on to some of the good stuff. First off, the class size is quite small- we get a lot of one on one time with professors, and if you’re clever and motivated you can get a good chance to shine. We have access to a lot of quality equipment (there’s a Bloomberg terminal for the students to use for homework). Furthermore, because the masters of finance group is so small, there’s a really good placement rate in the financial field for us. Last year 100% of all the students got a job placement. They have many specialists in financial fields come in and talk to us from all walks of life. Also, on the subject of diversity, you get to meet all kinds of people. I am one of two Americans in the class, and we have people from all over Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South America-- it is a great cultural experience! The university also organizes a number of events that allows you to network with financial experts in the area. Monaco is a great place to meet some top minds in finance. Some very wealthy investors and influential people from all over the world make their home here.</p>
<p>On a side note- Monaco is a very cool and unusual place. When you do have some leisure time you can go to some of the awesome clubs here and meet lots of crazy people. I have made good friends and contacts here that I would never in a million years have met back home in the U.S. Monaco is truly one of a kind- beautiful beaches, nice weather, gorgeous mountainous topography. </p>
<p>As far as European and American universities go, I don’t think that European universities are necessarily going to be more difficult than equivalent American universities- I think that any good finance program will be intensive and difficult, but rewarding. If you haven’t had the opportunity to live overseas, though, I can’t recommend enough coming to a European university. Not to sound cliche, but it really does broaden your horizons and make you a more cultured person. Not only do you get the perspective of many students and professors from many different countries, vous pouvez apprendre le francais! In the financial world, it is a big plus if you are bi- or trilingual due to the global nature of the financial markets these days. Learning a foreign language is much easier when you are immersed in a country where it is the native tongue.</p>
<p>I would not say that a degree in economics is necessarily more useful than a degree in finance. Both have their merits. You are far more likely to work for a hedge fund if you have a masters in finance, though. Have you given some thought as to what kind of job you want, or what kind of hedge fund you want to work in? I would be glad to talk with you more about this. Feel free to reply or send me an e-mail. If you are analytical and hard working, you will do well in this field and find a masters in finance very enjoyable! </p>
<p>Best of luck with your decision!</p>