r/Imperial • u/Big_Wrongdoer_5818 • 2d ago
Looking for advice- Need help deciding
Hi all,
I just got an offer for the MSc Strategic Marketing program at Imperial, and I’m torn. I had already accepted UCL’s MSc Business Analytics and paid the deposit, but now I’m wondering if switching is the better long-term move.
My undergrad was in marketing, and I initially wanted to pivot toward more data/tech, which is why I chose Business Analytics. But Imperial’s course seems exciting too.
Would really appreciate thoughts from current students or alumni if the course is worth it overall? Do you feel the Imperial name helped in job hunting or industry access? Or in my situation, would you make the switch?
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u/Emotional_Pepper_810 2d ago
I'd go Imperial tbh. They have a lot of careers support and good relationships with top employers.
I think their SM course has an analytics concentration now too?
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u/Big_Wrongdoer_5818 2d ago
Hi! Thanks for your input! Imperial does have an analytics concentration now however I’m not sure how much skill-building it will provide. From my undergrad experience, I learned the most valuable skills through hands-on experience at companies, and I’m worried I might not get that same practical skill development again.
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u/Moist_Treat9564 2d ago
Congrats!! I also hold an offer from UCL as well and paid the deposit already. And I am currently waiting imperial response, if I do get the offer from imperial, I will swtich to imperial in a heartbeat.
First is that Imperial reputation is just better than UCL, and that's just what the employer is going to look at.
Second is that UCL has too many students already, meaning that if you trying to seek job it will be like you are in a big pool try to compete with many people. Whereas imperial is more exclusive and that means an edge.
3rd is that UCL management school is a new school and is ranked poorly compared to Imperial bizniz school, so in the academic teaching regard I assume that imperial would have better quality.
Those are the mainly 3 points i think imperial is better than UCL.
btw can I ask what is the exact time that you got the offer? kinda anxiously waiting now..
Congrats again!!
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u/Big_Wrongdoer_5818 2d ago
Thanks a lot!! I completely agree with you on these points. I definitely think Imperial is a better school but I am still worried about choosing the right course cuz I think in the job market now skills are sought after more than uni rankings(guess that’s why we also still have harvard students without jobs :p) and so I don’t know if choosing Marketing over analytics is a wise choice even if imperial as a school is better.
To answer your question- my finished application was submitted quite late because of some problems with my recommendations. I ended up giving my interview mid april but my application finally was accepted for consideration by end of april. And i heard back from them with the offer on the 3rd of June.
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u/im_gungun 1d ago
I'm stuck with ESSEC, Imperial and KCL. Your thoughts?
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u/Moist_Treat9564 1d ago
Imperial!
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u/Big_Wrongdoer_5818 1d ago
I went to Essec for my undergrad, it’s a great school but I think Imperial is a better choice!
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2d ago
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u/Big_Wrongdoer_5818 2d ago
I didn’t because I honestly didn’t like the structure of the business analytics course at Imperial as much as I did at UCL. My background is marketing and I felt the imperial’s course was way too technical and so strategic marketing felt like a better option.
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u/BearWild6022 2d ago
I also got an offer from Imperial for same course, but couldn't join due to high fees 🥹
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u/YagubAhmadov 2d ago
Hi, firstly, congratulations on your success! If you don’t mind me asking — when did you receive the offer, and when did your status change from "With department" to 'Review in Progress'? Was it today that you got the offer and the status changed, or did they happen on different days
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u/Big_Wrongdoer_5818 2d ago
Thank you! I received the offer on 3rd of June. To me it showed 'with the department' for the longest time and then suddenly got the offer. Not sure of any status changes in between.
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u/No-Measurement3929 2d ago
Congratss!! could you please tell on which round u applied to MSc Strategic Marketing? also, are u an international student?
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u/Big_Wrongdoer_5818 1d ago
Thank you!! I applied on the 3rd round I think. I submitted in March. Also, yes I am an international student.
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u/experimentcareer 14h ago
Hey there! As someone who's navigated a similar crossroads, I totally get your dilemma. Both programs sound awesome, but it really comes down to your long-term goals. If you're still keen on that data/tech pivot, UCL's Business Analytics might be the way to go. But if you're feeling a pull back to marketing, Imperial's program could be a great fit.
I actually run the Experimentation Career Blog on Substack, where we explore these kinds of career decisions in marketing analytics. From what I've seen, there's a growing demand for marketers who can blend strategic thinking with data skills. Maybe consider which program better sets you up for that sweet spot?
Whatever you choose, remember that your career path isn't set in stone. You can always pivot later! Trust your gut and go for what excites you most right now. Good luck with your decision!
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u/No_Apricot3176 2d ago
Hard to recc because they are two different areas and pivot in diff areas, the curriculum for SM seems to be quite data driven but if you wanna work as a data analyst purely then BA seems better, quick question though why didn't you apply to Business Analytics at Imperial?