Deciding Between UW and UofT - Seeking Advice

Investment banking IB career ladder and networking
1

Hello everyone! I’m in a bit of a dilemma and would appreciate your insights.

Currently, I’m awaiting offers from both the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo as an international student. Let me share a little about myself:

About Me:

  • I’ve completed the British A-Levels and maintained an excellent GPA for nearly ten years.
  • I am passionate about sports, particularly rugby and golf.
  • I enjoy spending time socially, whether that’s through productive endeavors like side projects or just relaxing with friends.
  • My career aspirations include investment banking or management consulting, which many in my family have pursued.
  • Although I’m studying engineering, that’s primarily to facilitate my residency in Canada as an international student, and it has its advantages for future citizenship.
  • While my tuition is covered, obtaining scholarships would certainly be beneficial.

Programs I Applied For:

  • UW: Management Engineering
  • UofT: Engineering Science (potentially specializing in Electrical & Computer Science)

Questions I Have:

  1. Student Experience - I’ve heard that UofT has a tough workload which affects mental health, while Waterloo might be less engaging. Which university offers a more fulfilling student life?

  2. Career Opportunities in IB/Consulting - Between the two schools, which has better networking opportunities and alumni connections for breaking into finance, especially for engineering graduates?

  3. Employment and Immigration Prospects - As an international student, where would I have a better chance of landing a job and eventually obtaining permanent residency or citizenship?

  4. Balancing Workload - I understand both programs are rigorous, but how manageable are they in terms of maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

Additional Question: If you attended either of these schools, would you still make the same choice or consider switching? Why?

Thanks a lot for your help!

2

Go with UW. I did management engineering there - it’s tough but way more balanced than UofT’s eng sci nightmare. The co-op program is huge - got me into RBC and Deloitte, which opened doors I never would’ve had otherwise. Waterloo’s got this entrepreneurial energy that’s great for side projects. Toronto has Bay Street nearby, but UW’s finance alumni network is stronger than most people realize. The mental health stuff at UofT is legit - had a friend transfer out sophomore year because he couldn’t handle the pressure.

3

both schools will get you there, but UofT’s locashun is huge for finance networking. the workload’s brutal, but if you’re serious about IB, being in toronto matters. eng sci grads do get recruited by top firms, whatever people say.

4

Another “engineering for immigration” post, lol. Look, if you’re set on IB/consulting, why not just do commerce or econ? Why torture yourself with engineering?

UofT’s eng sci is brutal and will kill your social life - ask anyone who survived it. Waterloo’s management engineering is slightly more humane but still tough.

For finance connections, Toronto wins since you’re in the financial center. But coming from engineering into finance means you’ll grind twice as hard to prove yourself no matter which school you pick.

5

Great choices ahead! UofT shines with city connections, and Waterloo offers incredible co-op experiences. Trust your instincts; either option can lead to amazing opportunities!