Meet a student: the will to make an impact in the finance industry with the MSc in Financial Engineering

What is your background prior to joining EDHEC?

I completed my Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering. After my bachelor, I made a shift by joining Standard Chartered Bank in the Financial Markets Technology department. I worked on the FX e-trading platform as a quality assurance analyst for 2 years. It was during this experience that I realised my passion for finance and desire to deepen my knowledge in the field. EDHEC was a perfect choice because I spotted the financial engineering programme. It had the courses I’d always wanted to learn more about. My mind was set on it from the very beginning and I am grateful for the opportunity to have pursued this programme!

You joined the MSc in Financial Engineering for your Master 2. What can you tell us about the programme?

The learning curve for the MSc in Financial Engineering is undeniably steeper than in other programmes, especially for those without a finance background but with a technical background like myself. However, this technical background can be advantageous for this track. It’s a course that required high grades in your M1 and now even an interview after the gap year to get into. Once you make it into the programme, there is no looking back. It is a highly competitive class and one with an intense schedule where you’ll be working continuously. I enjoyed working on the group projects (some very challenging) which give us a glimpse of what life in the financial markets could actually look like.

You were selected for the London trek in November 2022, can you share your experience in The City? 

The London Trek provided me with excellent exposure to the industry. Having previously worked in a depositary bank, I was particularly interested in credit rating agencies and had the opportunity to visit both S&P Global and Moody's offices. The event was well-organised, and it gave us a unique chance to explore potential workplaces. We were able to network effectively with working professionals who shared similar interests and gain insight into their day-to-day activities. The fact that these organisations took the effort to make time for a small set of students from just one university made me very proud of the school about the reputation our school has in the industry. 

What aspects of the MSc programme do you enjoy the most so far?  Your favourite class? Professor? And why?

Tough question! We have great classes. I really enjoy being in a classroom and attending on-campus classes again post covid. I absolutely enjoy Dominic O’Kane’s courses. He has taught us the core modules Machine Learning, and Advanced Derivatives. I have also picked up his elective - Deep Learning, and the project for which he guides - The trading strategies with natural language processing applied masters project. He is definitely one of my favourite professors! I also enjoyed Gianpaolo Parise’s class on Market Microstructure. The course is designed to help students succeed by building confidence and a deep understanding of the markets.

How different are the courses at EDHEC, compared to your University in India?

In India, universities often have a lot of textbook learning, but fortunately, the university I attended was different. At EDHEC, while we still have on-campus exams that require us to have a strong theoretical foundation, I appreciate the fact that professors have designed excellent group projects. These projects allow us to work together and learn a lot from our peers, which has been very beneficial.

How did you adjust to your life in France?  

I didn't expect it to be this easy as I don't know much French yet - I'm still learning! However, with the French I do know, I'm able to manage almost everything very easily. Life in Nice is very convenient, and people are helpful, whether it's the staff at the grocery store or the tram and bus drivers. At school, our professors, faculty, and the International Student Office have always been there for us. Last year, my phone was stolen in Paris, and my friend called the International Student Office (ISO) who advised me on exactly what to do. They were extremely helpful, and the ISO team is always available, which I highly appreciate. At EDHEC, I have received guidance every step of the way, either from the school or just the people around me. It has been a beautiful experience for me, and I am very grateful for it.

How has the professional immersion year impacted your career aspirations? 

It has definitely impacted my career aspirations because this is when I made a complete shift to a non-technical role. I worked for Brown Brothers Harriman in Luxembourg, a depository bank. I had always thought that I would probably get into fintech or something that combined technical and non-technical tasks so that I could have a greater impact. However, when I joined BBH, they did not use high-end technology. I was able to learn about the other side of the industry and was able to contribute a little by automating a few processes. I realised that being someone with a technical background in a firm comes with a lot of advantages and one can really make a difference with a unique skill set.

I will be joining BBH again as a full-time employee this June 2023 to work on various special projects that will require my unique skillset.

What has been the greatest opportunity you have had at EDHEC so far?

In addition to the London Trek, I would say the Bloomberg sessions. I attended each and every session in the trading room and got the certification, Bloomberg Market Concepts. I was also a part of the Bloomberg launch programme. 

Can you tell us about the career services you benefited from? 

The career coaches have always been very helpful. I always enjoy talking to Kirsten Fisher before an interview. She helps me put things in perspective and prepares me very efficiently.

Joining EDHEC makes you an Alumna from the start. How have you benefited from the EDHEC’s alumni network?

When I have a question about a role or a company, I contact an Alumnus on LinkedIn. They are always very responsive. For example, I spoke to an alumnus when I had to move to Luxembourg for my first internship and she was very helpful. I have also spoken to people at Bloomberg who have been very helpful. In addition, Mr Emmanuel Jurczenko arranges on-campus and online meetings with our Alumni. It shows that they are proud of our school, are doing well, and want to help the current students. It is a great network to be a part of! 

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying for the programme?

Coming from an engineering background, although I had worked two years in financial technology, I feared it would be very challenging for me. During my first year at EDHEC I received good guidance and was reassured by Pr. Laurent Calvet, who told me that students with an engineering background sometimes got the highest grades in his class and that I had nothing to worry about. He advised me on where to start, and what to read, and gave me a list of things to do. And I actually ended up getting a very high grade in his course. At EDHEC, we always receive support if we dare to ask. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask a lot of questions!
If you take the decision to do an MSC in Financial Engineering, be ready for it! The Master’s is challenging and intensive. One will really have to sharpen time management skills. 

EDHEC’s motto is: Make an impact. How do you intend to make yours? 

With the skills, I have acquired, and my technical background, I hope to help the company I join, automate and innovate. In this MSc in Financial Engineering, we learn subjects like machine learning and artificial intelligence, so it is mostly about how technology can help the financial industry and that is where I think I plan to make an impact. 

If you had three words, to sum up, your EDHEC experience, what would they be?

Collaborative, intense, and fun.