International finance degree programme
For a global career, international finance is a great choice. You will be joining prestigious organisations that offer opportunities all over the world.
In the 21st century, business is more global than ever. The exchange of goods and products between countries is very dynamic, and finance has become global in order to adapt. Companies, consultancy firms or banks need professionals who can understand the complexity of international finance to help them achieve their goals. International banking, global trade or cross-border investment make the jobs in the sector unique. To start your career, you will need a degree in international finance to develop the skills you need. Here is what you need to know.
The importance of international finance
International finance is a real opportunity for businesses who can access new capital and new markets to ensure their long-term growth. For example, a company may decide to source its raw materials from abroad to reduce costs. Or it may decide to outsource some of its activities. Buying other companies or setting up shops in new countries is also common.
- By making the right investment decisions, companies can increase their competitiveness and attract new investors.
It is such a strategic sector that there are consultancy firms that offer their advice. There are also many international banks that operate in several countries and play an important role in global finance. For example, they facilitate international money transfer and they allow businesses and individuals to buy and sell in different currencies.
- But investing abroad brings many new challenges.
Risk management, for example, is more complex because all countries may present risks that the company isn't used to. For example, the region in which the company wants to invest may be prone to natural disasters that don't exist at home. International finance specialists know how to assess risks and give the board the best advice to make the best investment decisions.
This is why companies need specialised professionals who know how to manage their finances on an international level. To access this sector, it is important to have acquired a specialised degree.
The future of international finance
As the world changes, so does finance, especially at the international level.
In the future, climate change will affect all aspects of business, including international finance. In particular, risk management will be more important than ever. The coming increase in extreme weather events around the world means more unpredictability. The role of risk managers will become even more important in deciding where to invest. Over time, new legislation to mitigate climate change will impact companies' operations and they may face new legal risks if they fail to adapt.
The economic rise of countries such as China or India will have an impact on the global market, with some currencies gaining in international use and importance, or new investment opportunities as the need for new infrastructure in emerging countries increases. It is also worth noting that these countries will experience demographic changes (such as a decline in the working-age population ratio) as their economies continue to grow. The policies they adopt to address these issues will also affect the global economy and international finance.
Of course, new technologies will also have an impact, with AI and automation allowing professionals to focus on advice and analysis. Decentralised Finance (DeFi) can also have a profound impact on international finance, providing a globally accessible and open financial system.
To be ready for these challenges, you need a degree in international finance that will equip you with an adaptable, open and innovative mind.
Career prospects after obtaining a degree in international finance
With increasing globalisation, there is a growing demand for professionals who understand and can meet the challenges of multinational business. A degree in international finance offers ambitious students many career prospects.
If you choose to work in this sector, you may decide to work for a private company. In that case, there are many specialisations you can choose from, such as investment management, risk analysis, international trade, etc. There are also many opportunities in non-profit organisations or government agencies.
You can also work for a consultancy firm. In this case, you will have a portfolio of clients whom you will help to achieve their international goals by providing risk management advice, financial analysis and reports on the profitability of their investments. You can also work for a bank, where you will have the same advisory role, but will also sell products such as loans, structured products, etc.
After graduation, there is a wide range of exciting job opportunities such as:
- Assistant Portfolio Manager
- International Risk Analyst
- International Financial Analyst
- M&A Analyst
- Strategy Consultant
Key recruiters in International Finance
What skills will you gain from studying international finance?
By studying to get your international finance degree, you will develop key skills sought after by many companies.
You will for example learn about corporate finance and financial accounting. You will also study advanced subjects such as empirical methods in finance, fixed income and derivatives, advanced valuation, etc. A good programme will also allow you to choose electives (such as Python for finance or mergers and acquisition) to personalise your curriculum.
Last but not least, you will also gain transverse skills such as management and leadership, to prepare you to lead a team. Studying in international finance also means that you will get specific soft skills. Recruiters don’t just look at your hard skills, they also pay attention to your personality and what human qualities you have. This is why you will also develop your communication skills, cultural awareness, problem-solving abilities or critical thinking.
Why should you pursue a degree in accounting & finance at EDHEC Business School?
International finance is an increasingly important field, and a specialised diploma is the best way to start your career in this sector.
Joining an international business school that is recognised around the world will give you the best chance of success.
EDHEC Business School is an excellent choice. Our programme is ranked the TOP 10 best Master in Finance in the world by the Financial Times. Such a high ranking is proof that when you choose our MSc in International Finance, you get a degree that will shine on your resume.
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