Meet a student: ready to pursue a career in trading
Lodovico Basilico has joined EDHEC’s Master in Management-Finance in 2020. In Master 2, he chose the MSc in Financial Engineering to match his career goals. He tells us all about his experience.
What is your background prior to joining EDHEC?
I earned my degree in Economics with a focus on Quantitative Finance from Univerisità della Svizzera Italiana (USI). My curriculum was focused on mathematical, statistical, and econometrical approaches, granting me a fundamental comprehension of economic and financial concepts. Prior to joining EDHEC, I had no related professional experience.
You joined EDHEC at the Master 1 level of the MiM-Finance. Can you sum up your experience of the track?
Despite enrolling in the Grande École programme amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I found my experience to be exceptional. The Master 1 programme was crucial in gaining a foundational understanding of the university and developing the EDHEC mindset, which will prove beneficial in both academic and professional settings. This year also allowed me to reinforce key competencies in subjects such as Derivatives and Fixed Income.
You chose to specialise in Financial Engineering for your Master 2. Why this choice?
I selected Financial Engineering as my area of specialisation with the goal of pursuing a career in trading. The Master's in Financial Engineering (FENG) provides an extensive understanding of financial products across all asset classes, acquired through lectures and specialized events hosted by Bloomberg exclusively for FENG students. The programme places strong emphasis on analytical and quantitative tools necessary for evaluating financial instruments, with a particular focus on Python through the Python Bootcamp and Machine Learning courses.
What aspects of MSc programme do you enjoy the most so far? Your favorite class? Professor? And why?
I appreciated the highly technical nature of the lectures, which were aligned with the practical knowledge required in the workplace. I also enjoyed the mid-term projects in each course, where I could apply the concepts learned in class, either individually or as part of a team.
My favorite course was Machine Learning, taught by Dr. O'Kane, which covered a wide range of topics from beginner to advanced levels. The reason is that I have been passionate about AI for a long time. Currently, we are delving into the application of Neural Networks.
Having taken Dr. O'Kane's Advanced Derivatives class as well, I believe he is the best professor in the programme. He possesses remarkable expertise, is approachable, and is attentive to the needs of students.
How different are the courses at EDHEC, compared to your University in Switzerland?
Although I am Italian, I pursued my studies in Switzerland. In comparison, I would say that EDHEC provides an education that equips you with the skills to start working in the industry right away.
How has the professional immersion year impacted your career aspirations?
The professional immersion has reinforced my conviction of working on a trading floor. Indeed, I enjoyed working under pressure, finding my way in a risky environment, and operating without codified actions while trading Single Stocks Options and Delta One products as an Equity Derivative Sales Trader.
Can you tell us about the career services you benefited from?
The Career Services team at EDHEC is highly organised and dedicated to continual improvement. Their databank offers a vast array of job opportunities, company and role descriptions, as well as tools to practice aptitude tests and interview techniques.
The support I received from Career Services differed between Master 1 and 2. In my first year, they aided in my understanding of the industry, helped me create a strong CV and cover letter, and provided valuable interview tips. During my Master 2, I utilised the Career Centre's network of professionals more extensively.
Joining EDHEC makes you an Alumnus from the start. How have you benefited from the EDHEC’s alumni network?
I sought career advice from EDHEC alumni and found that they were readily available to respond to messages on LinkedIn. As a Financial Engineering student, I also benefited from the "Alumni in Class" initiative, where former students visited campus to discuss their jobs and the financial industry's evolution.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying for the programme?
Take advantage of the opportunities available at EDHEC. There are many more chances than those I have described or are listed on the website! EDHEC is a top-ranked business school and will remain so in the following years, providing you with a significant advantage in the job market that is greater than you might imagine.
If you had three words to sum up your EDHEC experience, what would they be?
Knowledge, enthusiasm, network.
