Alumni Spotlight : From EDHEC to Deloitte Paris - How He Landed the Job Step by Step

Sampieru NIVAGGIOLI graduated in 2022 from EDHEC’s Master in Management, Finance track. During his final year (Master 2), he specialised in Corporate Finance in Banking. Today, he works as a Transaction Services Analyst at Deloitte Paris, focusing on the financial sector.

Here are his advice for students wishing to pursue a career in Finance. 

Could you share some informations about your current job? 

I am currently an analyst in transaction services at Deloitte Paris, located in La Défense. I've been here for almost three years, and I’m about to be promoted to Senior 2. My specialisation is in the financial sector, which means I work mainly with companies like banks, life insurers, insurance brokers, asset managers, etc. This specialisation occasionally allows me to work on M&A-related projects as well.

How did you find your current job?

I found this position through a forum organised by EDHEC, where, if your profile was selected, you could have a brief interview with a director from Deloitte's transaction services team. I was selected, and after a successful first interview, it led to several more interviews, and eventually, I was offered an internship for my final-year internship. At the end of my internship, I received a full-time job offer.

Did EDHEC help you in securing and excelling in this role?

Yes, EDHEC helped significantly. Without the forum organised by the school, I probably wouldn't have had the opportunity for this internship. Also, the courses at EDHEC provided me with a solid foundation in financial analysis, which helped me prepare for my interviews and succeed.

What advice do you have for students who are looking for internships or jobs?

My advice is to not underestimate the importance of networking. I personally neglected this because I was too shy, but it’s crucial in the job or internship search. You shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to people on LinkedIn or by email and participate in networking events organised by EDHEC.

Which course or project at EDHEC had the most significant impact on your career development?

The Valuation course with Professor Hamid Boustanifar had the most significant impact on my career. His intelligence, brilliance, and passion for teaching made the subject come alive. What I loved most about EDHEC was the quality of the courses, where you truly learned from passionate professors. For me, Hamid embodied the ideal professor: fascinating because he was passionate.

Could you share a memorable experience from your time at EDHEC?

It’s hard to pick one particular moment, but I would say that my overall EDHEC experience was unforgettable. I made lifelong friends, had amazing encounters, and lived in the beautiful setting of Nice. It was the perfect balance between learning and well-being, thanks to the environment and the activities outside of the academic side. I’m so glad I had the chance to experience that before entering the professional world.

What resources provided by EDHEC were most helpful for your job search?

I would say the events organised by the Career Center were the most helpful during my job search. However, it’s important to note that the Career Center, the alumni network, and internship opportunities are all interconnected. The Deloitte Director who recruited me through the EDHEC forum was also an EDHEC alumnus, and there’s a real sense of solidarity within the alumni community. He shared insights about his career at Deloitte and gave me valuable advice for my own professional future.

In your opinion, what skills or qualities are most important for job seekers to stand out in the workplace?

The most important quality is to not hesitate. Don’t be discouraged by rejections; keep applying. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people, even if many don’t respond. You only need one connection for it to work out.

How do you view the importance of networking in career development? 

I believe networking is crucial for career development. It’s important to connect with professionals in general, but the EDHEC alumni network has a particular impact. Interactions with alumni are often much more powerful and direct, which can significantly enhance career opportunities.