Discover the story of Vuk Joksović and his international journey in finance

Could you introduce yourself? Where are you from and what has your journey been like?

I was born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia. I completed all my schooling at the French School of Belgrade (EFB). My parents, both Serbian, wanted to give my sister and me the opportunity to learn several languages and build an international career. At the time, the socio-economic context in Serbia was unstable, which further strengthened their desire to open us up to the world.

My education at EFB gave me a great deal. The French education system differs from the Serbian one, with a strong emphasis on discipline and a demanding framework. At the same time, I played basketball at a high level for nearly ten years in a well-known Serbian club. I also studied piano at the Belgrade conservatoire and took part in several local and regional competitions. This combination of sport, artistic training, and a rigorous academic path taught me discipline, precision, and how to manage pressure.

After finishing secondary school, I moved to France to pursue higher education.

Why did you choose the EDHEC International BBA?

My sister had already been studying at EDHEC for three years. Seeing her experience, I realised it would also be an excellent choice for me: it is a top-tier institution, among the best in Europe, offering strong academic and professional prospects. I therefore joined the Business Management track on the Nice campus in 2018.

What were the highlights of your studies at EDHEC?

One of the programme’s major strengths is the emphasis on compulsory internships. This allowed me to accumulate 12 months of professional experience before even graduating.

I also greatly valued the academic exchange opportunities. In my second year, I had the chance to study at Pace University in New York—a city that left a lasting impression on me. It was an exceptional experience that encouraged me to continue studying abroad.

Several lecturers also had a significant impact on me, such as Valérie Plagnol, a professor of economic outlook with an impressive background: she is President of the Cercle des Épargnants and has worked with the Ministry of Finance.

How would you describe student life?

It is very vibrant. The facilities are excellent, and the Nice campus offers an exceptional living environment with stunning sea views.

There are numerous student-run societies, so there is always something happening. In my first year, as part of the Project Workshop, I co-founded an association with four classmates in partnership with the Novak Djokovic Foundation in Serbia. Throughout the year, we organised events to raise funds for the foundation, which works notably on renovating schools in Serbia. It was a highly rewarding and motivating project, and it inspired me to later get involved in large-scale social impact initiatives.

How did you experience the transition from secondary school to higher education?

I really appreciated the school’s teaching approach, particularly group work. Working with others is highly formative and prepares you for the reality of the professional world, where you rarely work alone.

At school, teaching is very academic and largely individual, with a highly structured framework. In higher education, you gain autonomy and freedom, but this also requires greater responsibility and strong organisational skills. That said, I found that we were very well supported during this transition, with many services and support systems in place. This is a real strength.

How did the school’s services support you during your studies?

For my exchange in New York, I was supported by the Study Abroad Office throughout the process. The team provided excellent guidance and prepared me well for both the academic and practical aspects of the experience.

The Career Centre also helps students build their professional plans. In my case, I mainly used it for CV and cover letter reviews, as well as interview preparation.

Why did you choose to specialise in finance?

I chose finance not only because of my interest in quantitative disciplines, but also because I wanted to understand decision-making mechanisms and capital allocation. Understanding how money flows, is structured, and is invested seemed essential to me, whatever projects I might pursue in the future—especially if I wanted one day to start a business or finance impact-driven initiatives.

During my studies, I completed two internships in banking, at Crédit Agricole in Belgrade and BNP Paribas in Monaco. These experiences confirmed my decision to pursue a career in finance. I therefore specialised in finance in my third year, followed by Corporate Finance in my fourth year.

What came next after EDHEC Business School?

After EDHEC, I aimed to join a Master’s programme in New York or London—the two largest financial hubs in the world. I wanted another international experience and to discover a new academic system.

To enter top British or American universities, you need to take the GMAT, a demanding exam. After several months of preparation, I achieved a strong score and applied to several prestigious institutions in both countries, including Yale, Oxford, and Imperial College. I ultimately chose the MSc Finance at LSE, the most demanding and renowned London institution in the field of finance (London School of Economics).

How was your Master’s experience?

It was a very intense year. I had fewer classes than at EDHEC, but much more independent work. The academic level was very high, particularly in mathematics.

Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the programme and learned a great deal. It was an excellent way to conclude my academic journey.

I was particularly influenced by an outstanding professor, Jean-Pierre Zigrand, who taught Quantitative Security Analysis. The course was demanding but fascinating. I also greatly appreciated the Corporate Finance course taught by Dirk Jenter, a former Ivy League professor.

What is the next step? What career are you heading towards?

Today, I work as an Investment Banking Analyst at UBS. It is a path that enables you to develop strong, transferable skills applicable across many careers.
In the future, I would like to move into Venture Capital—financing start-ups—to get closer to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and better understand how start-ups are created and scaled, with the long-term goal of launching my own ventures.

Ultimately, my ambition is to create a Venture Philanthropy organisation, particularly to support impact-driven projects in Serbia.

What advice would you give to young people considering EDHEC?

First of all, they will not regret their choice. EDHEC is an outstanding institution that opens many doors and offers a transformative experience full of opportunities.

What truly shaped me was learning never to limit myself to what is expected. Each stage—EDHEC, LSE, London—brought new challenges and taught me how to turn every situation into an advantage. My advice to students is simple: take what is offered to you, push it further, and build your own path. That is where you truly discover what you are capable of. Make every step count.