NOUHAILA SHIMI

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND PRIOR TO EDHEC?

Before coming to EDHEC, I earned my bachelor’s degree with a major in Finance and minor in Mathematics at Al Akhawayn University in Morocco. I took part in many associations and student clubs, where I developed my soft skills.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE EDHEC?

My choice was guided by various reasons. First, I wanted to attend one of the top Finance institutions in the world. I always believed that to be highly performing and to stand out on the job market, Education is key. Hence, to stand out on the international market, I was looking for a business school recognised worldwide. EDHEC MSc in Financial Markets is ranked in the top 3 of Masters in Finance, according to the reliable Financial Times ranking. In this matter, EDHEC met if not exceeded my expectations. The least I can say is that the classes are challenging and fascinating.

Secondly, I wanted to develop my career without hurting the planet. EDHEC’s motto perfectly reflects the school’s vision of Finance and Business. Making an impact is definitely what I was looking for. Being in an institution that is socially and environmentally aware was a major condition for me, once again EDHEC didn’t fail my expectations. The campus is organised to save the maximum of water and energy resources and the waste are recycled. In addition, awareness of the environment is always promoted, and we even have a class dedicated to climate finance. Moreover, there are multiple associations and student clubs, you may choose from, working hard in order to impact positively the society.

Furthermore, the Admissions team also played a role in my decision to join EDHEC. As a future graduate, I had a lot of questions. The team was very friendly. I’ve received answers to all my questions. They carefully listened to me. Their helpful guidance encouraged me to trust the school’s promise.

Upon my arrival in Nice, I was amazed by how caring all the staff and faculty are. I was also delighted to see how the Career Centre is strongly present in the life of the students, guiding them through a better understanding of their job aspirations.

From the security lady to the programme director, everyone is working towards the success of the students.

HOW HAS BEEN YOUR JOURNEY AT EDHEC SO FAR?

I am extremely grateful and proud to be part of such an institution. I am happy to have chosen to attend a business school that offers outstanding tools to improve my soft and hard skills. A business school that respects me, my environment, and our planet. EDHEC encourages me by providing me with the keys to the best opportunities in the market.

I am at the end of my Master 1 year. I have learned a lot, EDHEC’s faculty is a mix of interesting, experienced, and engaging professors.

Classes were sometimes challenging, but they were always fun and by the final exams, no matter the grade, I learned new things in Finance. Some classes were more interesting and appealing to me than others. EDHEC programme is made so that it covers all the main areas in Finance before the gap year and Master 2. Whereby you will have classes that match exactly your interests and others that will make you discover other layers of the finance iceberg.

I am currently an ambassador at EDHEC, an opportunity that was offered to me by the Admissions team. I accepted without any hesitation because it seemed natural to me to help new students as former students and the team helped me before coming.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN SKILLS YOU WANT TO ACQUIRE?

I think I already acquired many skills this year. What I am waiting for is my professional immersion year, which is a good opportunity to discover the real world far away from academia. I hope my first internship experience in Paris will be as enriching as my Master 1. I aspire to gain more in-depth knowledge of asset management and be able to acquire the main skills related to the daily mission of a Portfolio Manager Analyst. In addition, I hope I will also grasp the main aspects of working in a French environment, the dos and don’ts, and see more of the French work culture.

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE COMING STEPS?

By the end of my professional immersion year, I hope I will have discovered all the industries I am interested in. I hope I will have a clear idea of Master of Science I want to join.

I expect EDHEC to keep supporting its students and the Career Centre to be available, to organise more training and career fairs, to give us more tips on how to face the job market after graduation.

WHAT ARE YOUR JOB ASPIRATIONS?

I aspire to build a successful career in Asset Management and develop my creativity in terms of investment solutions. My dream job would be to become a Private Equity Portfolio Manager. Next year, I will be discovering the Real Estate industry first because it appeals to me. This experience will help me get a clear picture of the industry I would like to work for in the future, may it be, Energy or Real Estate.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS TO GET THE BEST OUT OF THEIR EDHEC EDUCATION?

My advice for new students is to attend all the classes, training and fairs. EDHEC will give you all the knowledge you need to build a good career. You have the responsibility to grasp the knowledge and use it.

Trust your professors because they made it before you and trust the staff of EDHEC Career Centre because they are professionals and know much more about recruiters than you do. Trust your environment because the goal of EDHEC will always be to make an impact and help its students make one also.

Last but not least, enjoy the cultural mix and the richness of all the students' backgrounds, nationalities, traditions, and cultures. The students I met this year, their kindness and our common interest for Finance made on my journey a funnier and happier one. As Martin Rutte says: “You alone can do it, but you can’t do it all alone.”

HAVE YOU BROUGHT SOMETHING SPECIAL FROM MOROCCO WITH YOU?

I brought pictures of my family and my friends because it is important to always remember the essentials. And I also took my Moroccan traditional pajamas, “gandoura” because they are more comfortable.