Hey everyone! I’m currently in my final year of high school and really considering the International Bachelor Economics and Business Economics program at Erasmus University Rotterdam. My dream is to eventually work in Investment Banking or Private Equity, preferably in the US market but I’m open to starting in Europe first and then making the move later.
I’m wondering if anyone here has experience with this specific program at Erasmus and can share what the reality is like for getting into top finance roles. I’ve heard mixed things about European universities and IB placement so I want to get some real perspectives.
A few things I’m particularly interested in knowing:
How does the internship search process work for finance roles when you’re an IBEB student?
What’s the competition level like for securing spots at major investment banks or PE firms?
Do grades and extracurricular activities matter as much as people say for recruitment?
What’s the networking scene like at Erasmus, especially for targeting London financial district or other major centers?
How do students usually strengthen their profiles during their time in the program?
Does Erasmus offer any special programs, finance clubs, or alumni networks that actually help with breaking into IB/PE?
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s gone through this journey, whether you ended up in finance or chose a different path. Thanks!
You’re definitely on the right track with Erasmus IBEB. I did a similar program at a different school and landed at a mid-tier PE shop in London. Here’s what I wish I’d known - coursework doesn’t make or break your chances. What you do outside class matters way more. Erasmus has a decent finance society with case competitions, but you need to hustle for connections. Don’t obsess over grades beyond keeping them respectable (3.5+ GPA). Cold-emailing LinkedIn alumni and showing up to every finance event helped me most - even the boring ones. Learn Excel and financial modeling yourself since universities barely cover it. The US dream’s possible but expect 5-7 years minimum going through London first.
erasmus ibeb is decent but don’t expect miracles. my friend graduated last year and landed at a boutique in amsterdam after getting rejected from all the big names. networking helps, but most events are just students talking to each other. if you’re serious about pe, start mock interviews early - the technicals are brutal.
I made the jump from European academia to high finance, and Erasmus IBEB gives you a solid foundation - but you need to plan strategically. The quantitative work and international exposure definitely catch recruiters’ attention, especially at European offices of major banks. For US roles, here’s the reality: getting placed directly from European universities into American IB is tough. Visa issues and regional recruiting preferences work against you. Most people I know who made it took a two-stage approach - got their foot in the door in London or Frankfurt first, then transferred internally after 2-3 years. What separates you isn’t just grades - it’s early specialization through relevant internships and finance extracurriculars. Here’s what most people miss: building relationships with Erasmus alumni who are already in the industry. That network beats traditional campus recruitment events every time. My advice? Start prepping for CFA Level I alongside your studies and hunt for summer analyst positions in your second year. Competition’s brutal, but Erasmus grads do break into top-tier firms if they prepare properly and keep realistic timelines.
Erasmus IBEB definitely opens doors! Get those summer internships at regional banks early - they’re perfect stepping stones to bigger stuff. The program’s reputation is really taking off in European finance!
Erasmus IBEB offers solid finance placement rates, particularly for students targeting specific firms. Approximately 15-20% of dedicated students secure positions at major investment banks or PE firms within 18 months of graduating. The program’s quantitative focus and real-world case studies are advantageous for finance recruitment. Additionally, Rotterdam’s proximity to Amsterdam’s financial district enhances networking opportunities with Dutch banks such as ABN AMRO and ING. However, gaining entry into bulge bracket US firms is challenging; you will likely need to be in the top 10% academically and obtain relevant internships at boutique firms beforehand. The finance society organizes effective networking events, and the alumni network in London is impressively robust. It’s wise to engage early in trading competitions and pursue finance electives. Most successful alumni I know excelled academically while also gaining practical experience through internships at smaller advisory firms before aiming for larger corporations.
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