Hi there! I’m really struggling to pick the right program and could use some advice from people who know these schools.
I want to work in finance after graduation, maybe in quantitative finance or similar areas. I’m not totally sure about the exact role yet but that’s the direction I’m heading.
My current options are:
- Queen’s Commerce (might do a combined degree)
- Double Degree Program at Waterloo Math/Laurier Business (entering through Laurier) - I got the Laurier Scholar Award which comes with 40k plus a mentor
- Western Ivey with Engineering or BMOS - still waiting for their response
I feel lucky to have choices but it’s stressing me out. Each one has different benefits and I can’t figure out which fits my goals best.
I’d love to hear thoughts on:
- Job prospects after graduation (especially for finance, investment banking, quant roles)
- What the programs are actually like and how tough the grading is
- How employers view graduates from these programs
- Whether scholarships and mentoring programs make a real difference
- Anything else I should consider
Any honest opinions or personal experiences would be amazing. Thanks for helping me figure this out!
I’ve been in finance recruiting for years, so here’s my take on your solid options. Everyone obsesses over program prestige, but honestly? All three can get you into top finance roles. Your performance and networking matter way more. The Waterloo-Laurier combo is actually pretty sweet - you get the math skills AND business knowledge. That makes you flexible for everything from investment banking to algorithmic trading. That scholarship is huge though. I’ve seen too many talented people miss out on competitive internships because they couldn’t afford to relocate, or skip those lower-paying analyst spots at boutiques (which often teach you more anyway). Sure, Queen’s and Ivey have strong alumni networks, but your award’s mentorship piece could open just as many doors. Bottom line: pick whichever place will push you hardest while giving you the financial freedom to chase different opportunities.
Waterloo-Laurier is definitely your best move. I’ve watched so many classmates get crushed by debt after graduation - it kills your options. That 40k scholarship? That’s a massive head start. And the double degree keeps doors open if you decide finance isn’t for you down the road.
Don’t sleep on Western Ivey! Their HBA program excels in finance placements, and you can defer to explore other options. That Laurier Scholar Award is a game-changer—no debt plus mentorship opens doors you can’t imagine. I’d choose Waterloo-Laurier for the financial freedom!
I faced this same choice a few years ago - Waterloo-Laurier’s mentorship was huge for me. Having industry people help with internship apps and networking is worth its weight in gold. Plus that 40k kills so much stress. The Waterloo math really makes you stand out for quant roles too. My friend at Queen’s Commerce said the workload was insane but the connections are incredible. Don’t sleep on being debt-free though - that scholarship lets you take unpaid internships that usually turn into the best jobs.
Congrats on these great options! Here’s how I’d break down the finance angle: Queen’s Commerce has the best alumni network in Canadian finance - their grads are all over Bay Street in senior roles. They consistently get 15-20% of students into investment banking each year. Waterloo’s double degree gives you serious quant skills. Hedge funds and prop trading firms love their math component. Western Ivey’s case method builds strong presentation and client skills that investment banks really value. That Laurier Scholar Award is huge - takes the financial pressure off and gets you industry connections through mentoring. Honestly though, visit each campus and talk to students in the finance clubs. Cultural fit matters way more than rankings for long-term career happiness.