Enhancing Career Opportunities: A Wealth of Opportunities with the MSc in Financial Engineering

The MSc in Financial Engineering programme has launched, for the second year in a row, an innovative initiative: the Alumni Insights Series . This series is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry application, enhancing the overall educational experience for current students and allowing them to have direct interactions with Alumni of the programme. 

Could you start by telling us about the main objectives of the Alumni Insights series?

The main goal was to enhance the resources provided by the Career Centre, allowing alumni to share their professional experiences and industry expertise with current students. This initiative was designed to complement the theoretical knowledge taught in the classroom with practical insights and real-world applications relevant to the financial industry. A second objective was to strengthen the team’s spirit and the sense of belonging within the MSc in Financial Engineering programme.

What are the key benefits for students attending these networking sessions?

These sessions provide students with the opportunity to engage directly with alumni, exploring day-to-day tasks, recruitment processes, and potential job opportunities. It's a chance to gain firsthand insights into the skills and qualifications valued by employers and to network for potential direct job placements.

What has been the alumni's response to these sessions?

The response from alumni has been overwhelmingly positive. Many are eager to give back to the programme by sharing their experiences and expertise. Some alumni have even travelled significant distances to participate, demonstrating their commitment and support for the programme.

How is the MSc in Financial Engineering structured to support these objectives?

The programme offers three main concentrations: Systematic Investing, Quantitative Investment Solutions, and Alternative Assets. Each path is tailored to different career aspirations in the financial sector, including trading, asset management, and alternative investments.

How frequently are these alumni-student sessions held, and what can students expect from meeting the Alumni?

These sessions occur monthly and are aligned with the programme’s concentrations. Alumni from various backgrounds and seniority levels share their experiences, offering students a broad exposure to different job positions and sectors within the financial industry.

How do Alumni contribute to these sessions, and what impact does their involvement have?

Alumni are crucial to the success of these sessions. They participate actively by sharing their professional journeys and the lessons they’ve learned, which not only enhances the networking strength of the programme but also fosters a cycle of giving back. This ongoing engagement helps build a robust community that supports the professional growth of both current students and future graduates.

Could you share an example of how these sessions have impacted students’ understanding of the industry?

A notable impact is the enhanced understanding of the diversity and specialisation within the financial sector. For instance, alumni discussing the nuances of credit trading have clarified misconceptions and demonstrated the interplay of quantitative skills and industry knowledge necessary for various roles.

Lastly, what new insights have emerged from these sessions?

These sessions have highlighted the evolving demands of the industry, such as the increased importance of AI and programming skills, especially in areas like hedge fund management. They’ve also exposed myths around career progression, showing that there are multiple pathways to achieving professional goals.

Discover some of the Alumni Insight Series: 

• Master in Finance graduates conquered the Trading world at JP Morgan
• Tips on succeeding in finance from the Head of EMEA Credit Strategy at JP Morgan 
• Gilles Schepens’ journey in Credit Trading at Société Générale and Tips for success
• Alumna Jeanne Romulus shares her path to becoming a structured product sales analyst at Wells Fargo