Swiss Finance Academy

Before attending the program I had been keeping an open mind about possible careers in both public and private sectors.

2010-06-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

However, a job in investment banking and international finance remained as a primary career choice, largely due to my interest in its significance upon macroeconomics. I wanted to explore the dynamics of the interactions between foreign markets and their impact on everyday life. I felt that Swiss Finance could help me figure out which aspects of business- whether investment banking or something more entrepreneurial - suited me best. With the help of this program, I was able to explore my interests in international finance, while improving my career preparation using the Academy’s career assistance. Not only does the Swiss Finance offer a valuable source of instruction, its location in Switzerland allows for an invaluable opportunity to learn international finance. Because the program is located in Europe, and especially with the heritage of the unique Swiss banking system, it was an ideal location. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, I became better equipped to continue to explore finance with greater detail and comprehension than most pre-professional training programs. By taking this program, I had hoped to broaden my career options and strengthen my foundations in finance while taking part in a unique educational experience, I definitely got this. Swiss Finance was a challenge. There were times I couldn’t believe what I was doing or how I was keeping up with all the material. That said, I am so glad I did the program. As difficult as it was, I still loved it. This knowledge really confirmed for me the direction I want to head. Getting a taste of investment banking, trading, and entrepreneurship motivated me to focus my efforts once I returned to school.

Andrew

After graduating with a degree in Economics, I set a goal for myself to enter the competitive world of investment banking.

2010-06-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

Pursuing a career in this field demands keen intellectual instincts, a desire to work hard, and dedication to continually learn more and stay aware of world events. In order to continue learning about this fascinating industry, I attended Swiss Finance.

What did you like about the curriculum?

The curriculum style was different from what I was accustomed to at the undergraduate level. Swiss Finance instructors quickly pushed us to take the leap from theory to application. In fact, I find it difficult to even remember any purely theoretical exercises. I liked that everything was taught through case studies and group projects. This allowed us to learn how the use the material in the way we would apply it in real world scenarios. Grasping the difficulty of applying financial models and theories to real-life problems was a valuable experience. What was the best part of the program? One of the best parts of the program was the learning environment. I really enjoyed being in a focused environment – it allowed us to cover so much more information because everyone wanted to be there and learn. Our location in Switzerland also contributed to this. Being in a new culture and location removed everyone from daily distractions that can get in the way of focused study. Also, the combination of intensive academic study plus foreign travel opportunities is quite unique.

Beverly

I first heard about Swiss Finance from a friend who was an alumnus of the program.

2010-05-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

After hearing of the program’s rigorous curriculum and schedule, I was very intrigued. I evaluated their website to see for myself, and the range of topics covered seemed like the program would provide an appropriate forum to advance my interests.

How did Swiss Finance prepare you for your career?

I am very interested in entrepreneurship, and in college I majored in Mathematics, Economics (Finance emphasis), and Political Science to develop a well-rounded perspective. Swiss Finance contributed an immediately applicable dimension to my undergraduate studies. The financial operations I learned at Swiss Finance was both more advanced than college courses, and at times more directly relevant to a strategic entrepreneur. Rather than stopping with time value of money and cash flow, the curriculum taught me how investment banks would value a company, and the practical challenges of arriving at a fair purchase price during and M&A deal. What was the best part of the program? The people involved were a highlight. The instructors really knew what they were talking about, and I appreciated the candid perspective they brought to the discussion. The students were very diverse and international, and had interesting experiences, as well.
Cheers
Andrey

Swiss Finance has provided me a better understanding of the finance industry.

2010-05-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

It is a really great intensive program. The program brings people from all over the world who want to learn about finance. They come with different perspectives but with a common interest. You can’t beat it for networking. My ‘little black book’ is filled with people who are bright, ambitious and ready to take over the world of finance. These are exactly the people I want to and need to know.

Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance:

My understanding of the finance industry is getting sharper every day. The terms I only knew the dictionary definition of yesterday, today I’m using in conversation and two days ago I hadn’t even heard of. That is how fast I’m learning here.

Ife

The disciplined way of thinking and skills one acquires from business and financial education will serve me well into the future.

2010-05-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

They are virtues that are pertinent not only to practical fields, but also to one’s day-to-day living and thought process as a citizen and a leader. Furthermore, given that one of my career objectives is to be responsible for a firm’s financial position through valuation, forecasting, and risk assessment, I believed that Swiss Finance would give me the tools that I need to succeed. Moreover, to reach my goal of being an integral part of an investment banking division, Swiss Finance’ s emphasis on fusing theory with real world application would further strengthen my comprehension.

How did Swiss Finance equip you with skills for your career?

Despite my experience in the investment field, the program pushed and challenged me. This is especially true in terms of my valuation and financial modeling skills. The level of competency the program asked you to achieve was on the highest level. Improving my skills so dramatically can only be a benefit for my career. Understanding complex valuations and the larger financial picture allows you to push your performance. For example, having a greater understanding of how hedge funds and other forms of PE operate allows me to make more informed portfolio recommendation to clients. It feels good to have greater skill, and it also allows me to deliver better service and product to clients. Benefits of multi-subject curriculum: Bringing different aspects of business and finance together allows you to better see their interrelatedness, and the “big picture” of the financial system. I learned this lesson early in my career while working at an insurance company. Because I have that experience, I have a better understanding of how variable life insurance is tied to equity funds. In the program, I made several connections along these lines because we looked at real-life headlines along with mathematical formulas. By taking advantage of the program’s cross functional curriculum and the network, I could maximize every opportunity that the program provided.

Divam

I have many interests, and college in I was able to explore and develop a range of skills.

2010-05-26T17:28:00.000-07:00

Though I majored in Economics, I was able to study philosophy, psychology, and fine arts. While this undergraduate experience helped to shape me into a well-rounded person, my aspiration was to secure a job in the financial services arena, and for this, I felt that a specialized training program like Swiss Finance was a smart choice. I decided to attend Swiss Finance because it covered so many aspects of financial services, and judging by the amount of hours of instruction, it seemed to cover everything thoroughly.

How did Swiss Finance enhance your career skills?

I feel that the Swiss Finance experience polished the skills I already had, taught me new skills, and showed me the best way to present myself as a desirable job candidate. By the time I had completed the program, I had so many tangible skills and abilities immediately relevant to financial services. As a first time job seeker, I was able to speak confidently about my ability to do the work a practicing analyst does. Do you have any advice for people considering attending Swiss Finance? For people who may be intimidated by the pace of the program, and the amount of materials the modules cover, I would strongly advise them to attend. Just as in college or university, even if you do not master everything you encounter, you still walk away with much more knowledge than you started with. You will learn much more by challenging yourself and reaching to give something your all. Being around executives and other people with similar aspirations will likely make you realize how capable you are and how much you do understand. Surrounding yourself with experts like the Swiss Finance instructors places you in an environment designed entirely for learning.

Chioma

I really enjoyed attending Swiss Finance

2010-05-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

and I just wanted to say thank you for teaching us about investment banking and asset management. The lessons I have learned from you regarding office composure as well as interview skills have been invaluable to me, and I will take them with me to the recruiting sessions this Fall and to my job in the future.

Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance:
Today I learned more details about the capital structure of a company and the effects of leverage on costs of capital and required returns as well as firm value.

Gary

Having been out of college for two years

2010-05-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

and not having had direct practical experience in the arena of finance, I was seeking training at the Swiss Finance Academy to help me develop and fine tune practical finance skills that would complement my undergraduate education. It also has an extremely international student body, which fit well with my desire for diversity.

How has Swiss Finance impacted your career?

The program at Swiss Finance was exactly the intensive program I was looking for in order to further my progress in my career. It has the perfect mixture of teamwork and individual development that I sought in a training program.

Aradhana

I hoped to use my experience at Swiss Finance

2010-05-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

to focus my interests and to suggest a path of study that would facilitate my ambitions. When looking into Swiss Finance, I contacted my boss at the time and after discussing the program with a Swiss Finance alumnus also employed at the firm, I decided to apply and attend.

How did Swiss Finance enhance your career skills?

Swiss Finance taught me the skills that every investment banker must know. Through long hours of using excel and case studies, and listening to faculty perspectives, I gained a level of familiarity with the language of investment banking. Though I had finance and investing classes in college prior to attending the program, I was able to gain exposure to a much more advanced level in the Swiss Finance program. I believe that having this knowledge before beginning my career search offers an advantage in a competitive job market. Through my participation in the program, employers can see my dedication to the industry, and they know that I will be able to get up to speed very quickly. Leadership philosophy: In business school we talk a lot about team building, and in my opinion there is no better team building experience than playing a team sport where each person on the team is dependent on the rest of the team for success. In investment banking, the projects and challenges are too large for any one person; coordinated teamwork is an essential skill.

Colin

As a senior in college, I was interested in a position in financial consulting; however I did not have enough experience in the industry.

2010-05-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

Despite interning while being a full-time student, I felt that I was not learning enough about the financial field as I would have liked. I wanted to explore the business and challenge my capabilities with the intense program Swiss Finance offers.

How did Swiss Finance equip you with skills for your career?

Swiss Finance was exactly what I was looking for. I was finally able to learn how to do the real responsibilities investment bankers and traders engage in everyday. Instead of simply being told what investment banking is like, the environment simulated the experience. By reading the headlines everyday, analyzing current events, and being asked to work on case studies from real-life deals, I gained a lot of insight into this industry. The rigor of the program was unlike any class I had experienced before. The intensity of the program, pace, and steep learning curve allowed us to touch an incredible amount of knowledge. The amount I learned in such a comparatively short amount of time was a memorable personal accomplishment. Overall, I feel that I gained the more advanced financial skills I needed to be a highly competitive job candidate. Simultaneously, gaining these skills gave me greater confidence to compete for my first-choice firms and specialized practice areas.

Alex

I seek to learn as much as possible and always challenge myself.

2010-05-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

The Swiss Finance program appeared to be a productive way to dramatically improve my investment banking skills, and objective aligned with my professional aspirations.

How did the program equip you with skills for your career?

It was my wish to get into one of the most prestigious banks on Wall Street after college. There, I would be able to learn the most and the best about finance from the job so that I could thereafter decide where to go to further my education. Ultimately, I would like to return to Asia. Then, I could really bring the cutting-edge western banking concepts and expertise to Asia, and the Greater China region in particular, to help build one of the most prosperous financial markets in the world. The program helped me move toward these goals in several ways. Foremost, it introduced me to applied financial functions and procedures commonly used by analysts and associates. Not only did this give me an early look at what my future might be like, it also gave me a head start which allowed me to begin my job with greater ease. Secondly, the career preparation segments were a helpful introduction to Wall Street. By studying the instructors’ advice I prepared myself to showcase my abilities the best way. Finally, I feel that the training I received was more tailored to investment banking than an MBA program. I feel glad that I took advantage of the learning opportunity early in my career, rather than waiting for a more general perspective in business school.

Chen Zhou

Swiss Finance prepared informed and enlightened me

2010-05-18T17:47:00.000-07:00

so I was able to take my Finance knowledge learned at university and put it to practical use at Swis Finance. The amount of financial knowledge covered in just a few weeks dramatically expanded my skills and I feel gave me an edge when entering the job market. The program was intensive in every aspect, the technical skills taught were advanced and certainly lived up to the training that is received at the Bulge Bracket Investment Banks. The program helped me focus on my career objectives. It also made the remaining finance courses I took in university much easier. During the program I acquired many skills including like multiple valuation methodologies and M&A strategy, as well as practice using them, which undergraduates do not often encounter. Thus, I could relate the coursework I completed upon return to school to the larger picture.

Favorite Hobby:
Golf. I have been a fanatical golfer from the age of thirteen and am currently playing to a handicap of one. To get to this level I had committed myself to put in many hours of practice, and spent many a summer traveling to play in tournaments, all in order to better my game. From this I gained a lot of experience and even represented my home country, Ireland in La Manga, Spain in the GB&I matchplay Championship. I have also achieved an All Ireland Gold Medal in 2002. I believe that the dedication and hard work required to excel at golf can be equally well applied to one’s career.

How would you describe your Swiss Finance classmates?
We all gelled - in fact, even though we are from different geographic locations, we still keep in touch!

Did Swiss Finance meet your expectations?
I was uncertain about the course pre-attended, but afterwards I can easily say that it was the catalyst for my career in Finance.Thank You.

Bernard

I'm impresed with how well they calculated the work load, because it pushes us to get organized and make things happen.

2010-05-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

I like the way the course is organized, step by step and little by little, the parallel between accounting world and I-banking world. Very smooth. I like the material covered, it's just awesome.

Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance:

After lunch we played soccer, one of my favorite sports … and a great break from DCF modeling!

Billy

In the future I hope to become a Venture Capitalist so that I may invest in future enterprises.

2010-05-16T17:38:00.000-07:00

I hope with the foundation of investment learned at the Swiss Finance Academy along with my future aspirations, I will be able to attain that goal. I knew that if I could gain this initial exposure to the fields of investments and business from a great school like the Swiss Finance that it would fuel my drive towards a top M.B.A program and lead me one step closer to my goal.

How did Swiss Finance equip you with skills for your career?

At Swiss Finance, my professors and classmates helped me gain an introduction into the world of high finance. Investment banking, trading, and private equity all sounded like exciting career fields, but I before the program I lacked a clear picture of what was required to succeed in each career. As an electrical engineering major and theater minor, I came to Swiss Finance with relevant skills but lacking practical experience. By the time I left, I had an entire new area of knowledge that I felt comfortable in. This feeling would probably have taken years to evolve otherwise. How unconventional majors can be good training for investment banking: My engineering background has given me a foundation for understanding technology and the potential for the future, and my theatre background has provided me with the confidence and people skill to interact with others. I hope the combine the two with a M.B.A from a top school which will give me the knowledge of engineering, the public speaking skills of theatre, and the knowledge on how to execute those skills in business.

Amit

An internship I attended at the portfolio management department of Finansbank

2010-05-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

gave me a good opportunity to verify that a future environment of this general category would give me a sense of personal gratification. The interaction with portfolio managers during actual business was an experience which helped me develop my financial market knowledge. It was an experience I fully enjoyed. I also noted how the few courses I had attended at college already were a significant help in appreciating the internship. Even though it was my first serious internship, I didn’t feel any strangeness, but contrarily I felt like I belonged in that environment. As a consequence of the above, I inferred that would I feel at home in a business environment and would therefore do well to commit myself in a domain of endeavor related to structured economic and financial activities.

How did Swiss Finance prepare you for your career?

As I mentioned above, during my first internship, I found it gratifying to make connections between the theories I had learned in school and the practices that investment bankers employ. Making connections between formulas, theory, and the applied practice was the focus and connecting thread of the Swiss Finance program. For every topic we covered, I could make the connection between what we were learning and how we would need to use the knowledge in a work situation. It was completely practical career training. The other way Swiss Finance prepared me for a career in investment banking was through the class of students. Each person at the program had a deep interest in finance, investment banking, trading, or business in general. This made the entire tone very focused; we all wanted to be there and really learn. The only other time one would be around this many people who are intent on a career in finance is actually working in a major financial institution.

Alper

My career aim is to become an investment banker, and hence I was extremely excited to attend the prestigious Swiss Finance course.

2010-05-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

I was confident that a rigorous course like this, combined with my university study would provide me with all the tools that one requires to be a successful investment banker.

How did Swiss Finance prepare you for your career?

Swiss Finance provided excellent preparation for a career as an investment banker. It instructs students on every aspect of the investment banking field. It covered trading and investing, wealth management, M&A, and forecasting and analytical skills. The program demanded a high level of commitment and dedication, just as one must apply to a career in investment banking. Full immersion in this mindset, led by current professional traders and investment bankers was wonderful training for a career. I have always known that I would enter a career in investment banking. This program accelerated the process, as I was able to learn practical tools before entering the work world. One can only learn so much in internships, and yet the curriculum enabled me to dive in to the interesting and substantive part of investing. Academically, I had been hoping that the program would help me in upcoming college courses in finance, accounting, and business. The Swiss Finance material actually went well beyond what was covered in my courses. After the program, when I encountered basic accounting principles in courses, I already knew how they could be applied in more advanced functions. As I have progressed through university courses, I continue to remember something that was said at the program, or a particular case study. What I learned at the program has become an academic touchstone of sorts. Favorite Hobbies: Competitive swimming, Theatre, Debate What qualities make you a great investment banker? Dedication and a commitment to learning all that I can help me to take every learning opportunity to continuously improve. What was the best part of the program? The whole experience was excellent. Spending the summer in Switzerland with intelligent people from around the world was certainly an enjoyable aspect the program. As a summer experience, I feel that the Swiss Finance program was comprehensive and interesting.

Abhijeet

The summer intensive program by Swiss Finance, School of Business, is one of the very few programs I selected to consider as my summer activity.

2010-05-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

The more I read about the program, the more I became interested in it. The program quickly became my number one choice for the summer. I have a good deal of knowledge about many aspects of business, but I wanted to enhance my finance knowledge. I like problem-oriented learning and case studies, which are important aspects of the Swiss Finance teaching method. I also liked the intensive pace, and that it focuses on topics of finance, and not (only) from the academic point of view. Finally, the program seemed like an ideal setting to meet peers and potential co-workers.

How has Swiss Finance prepared you for chosen career?

During the program I got a more realistic picture of what investment banking is in practice and what it takes to work in the field. Intensive Swiss Finance program showed that I can work really long hours. After the program I have been more efficient. When I remember the hard work during the program, many things I have considered tough before do not seem as difficult anymore. The best part of the Swiss Finance experience was the experience as a whole: intensive studying through which I got many close friends. After a couple of weeks of the program I do not remember the tiredness anymore but all the good things I experienced during the program.

Aino-Mari

I carefully chosen Swiss Finance I-B program

2010-05-09T17:13:00.000-07:00

because the program's curriculum is very rich and covers almost all academic aspects of investment banking as well as practical industry elements. The overall aim of the program is provide the participants with the necessary skills to excel in Investment banking, international capital markets, valuation, M & A's, LBO's, Venture capital, Private equity, Hedge Funds, Asset Management, Entrepreneurship. My plan to attend the program was to enable me consolidate my investment banking career by acquiring additional skills and sharpening my current skills in corporate finance, valuations, sales and trading, wealth management and entrepreneurship as well as networking by way of meeting other seasoned industry professionals from around the world.

How has Swiss Finance prepared you for chosen career? What was the best part of the Swiss Finance experience?

The program was introduced to me by an Alumni who attended the program in 2008. I browsed through and got all the details of the program and did not hesitate in applying, having fulfilled all the admission requirements. After attending the program in July 2009, it has completely changed my vision and horizon of Investment Banking perception. I have learnt so much and have given me the opportunity to consolidate my investment banking skills, with particular reference to Valuations techniques, M&As, International capital market, Private Equity, Asset Management, LBOs, Sales &Trading, Entrepreneurship, Presentations / Interviewing pitches and Wealth Management as well as Networking. Even though the program was extremely rigorous, a time was set for during weekends for recreational and networking activities. Moreover, the Faculty members were carefully selected and have hands-on-experience in all areas of Investment Banking. They brought with them unique and valuable industry experiences to classroom. The areas that I liked most in the program were those that I have deficiencies and did not have full exposed. I therefore paid more attention to them and did some extra reading to enable me apprehend them. The areas included Valuations, M&As Deals, International Capital Markets and Entrepreneurships. With this exposure, I think I have adequately prepared myself to be an Entrepreneur at the end of Swiss Finance program. In fact, no sooner I came back from the program than I started implementing some of the key concepts learnt and has positively impacted on my job output.

Abdullahi

I think the resume writing exercises and interview tips are really going to help me when it comes to starting my career.

2010-05-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

That and the confidence to walk into a room prepared and certain that I am going to impress my audience.

Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance:

What did we learn today? It may take me hours to write it all down! I learned about the interview process for an investment banking position, what the cost of capital is and how to calculate CAPM and WACC, how to perform an excel model valuation of an enterprise and project financial statements in excel, how to make sense of the ratios and use them to project future cash flows, how to tie the different financial statements together and how to perform a sensitivity analysis, just to mention a few. Sometimes I feel like my head won’t be able to keep it all in but then I talk to my friends here and we have become so at ease in our discussions that I know it is all coming together.

Amruta

From the moment I participated in my first finance and economics conversation, I was fascinated.

2010-05-05T17:32:00.000-07:00

I became determined to learn the language of finance, and its complex grammar. Though I had completed my MBA, it was apparent to me that I needed further education to pursue my dream job. To land a job at top investment banks, one must be proficient in all areas of finance. At Swiss Finance I loved working on case studies and team presentations. Being compelled to use all the information we had just learned to complete a practical task was excellent practice for work, and a wonderful way to learn the material. I also enjoyed the opportunities to network with current and former investment bank executives.

Abhinav

Unfortunately, it is well known that the knowledge that one acquires in a regular university is not always applicable to the working world.

2010-05-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

In order to fully understand Wall Street, the financial City of London and the Swiss Banking industry and to reach my long-term goal in succeeding in the rough and competitive world of investment banking, I believed that I need to attend a program such as the one offered by Swiss Finance. It filled in the gaps and uncertainties that existed in my knowledge. More than any other program, Swiss Finance was able to deliver this. What attracted me the most is the program’s focus on applied skills, rather than on purely theoretical learning. Swiss Finance also gave me a perfect opportunity to network with investment bankers, who have already achieved my dream career, as well as to build relationships with some of the future business leaders.

Alexandra

My decision to attend Swiss Finance was critical.

2010-05-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

My business is poised to greatly expand, and I plan to be actively involved in the financing process. I knew that taking Swiss Finance’s summer program would enable me to gain an indepth financial perspective of market opportunities and the essential financial know-how appropriate for growth strategy. Given that I did not have experience working in the finance industry, Swiss Finance’s curriculum, deal simulations, case studies, and team projects will be transformational in enabling me to understand the sophisticated modeling tools that evaluate the company’s financial health and to analyze my business from an investment banker’s perspective. Ultimately, I needed to understand the language and workings of finance, and I believed that Swiss Finance would empower me to do so.

Brian

I believed that the program would offer me the necessary knowledge to enter the investment banking sector in the nearest future.

2010-04-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

I was especially attracted by the curriculum of the program, which would improve my understanding of both the hedge fund and corporate finance sectors, therefore offering me a greater perspective on capital markets and business strategy. Additionally, I knew that Swiss Finance would offer me knowledge about all the aspects of banking and therefore, it would help me in my career choice.

Diana

Based on my research, I learned that Swiss Finance is a leading institution in finance which embraces success and commitment.

2010-04-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

Since I was an international student living in a culturally and intellectually diverse environment at college, I believed that I would benefit tremendously from the opportunity of exploring the world of finance in Swiss Finance’s training program, which is known for being very international.

How did Swiss Finance prepare you for your career?

By the time I attend Swiss Finance, I was confident that I wanted to build a career in a finance institution. Swiss Finance gave me the financial skills to do just this. In just a few weeks, I learned so much more than I was expecting. The pace was much more rapid than college courses and everything was relevant to my goals. In college, I formed a base of knowledge around accounting, economics, and mathematics. At Swiss Finance, I formed a base of knowledge around investment banking. Case studies, simulations, research projects, and training on how to analyze indicators…having completed all these things I finished the program feeling confident. Knowing the skills I now possessed gave me confidence in my abilities, which is perhaps, the most valuable type of preparation.

Ahmet

After stumbling upon the program, I was intrigued.

2010-04-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

I had not heard of any others with the same reputation. I was interested in applying to the program so I would be best prepared for future internships and job trainings, both of which are competitive to secure in New York. I am an extremely hard working, dedicated, and goal oriented person, and I was raised to value education. Throughout my high school and college careers I consistently challenged myself with the most difficult classes available, as I enjoy being in an academically rigorous environment. I chose to attend the Stern School of business at NYU because we live in a global business world and New York is one of the greatest financial centers; the opportunities and exposure that my undergraduate experience at Stern provided were outstanding. Business has always intrigued me, and while I knew that I was benefiting from a rigorous business program, I knew that I had so much more to learn regarding career options. My interest in the Swiss Finance program was to gain an education in finance that would make me a desirable commodity in the job market by preparing me with practical skills and banking knowledge that I had not encountered in my classes. Analyzing case studies, building models, and simulating financial situations helped me understand day to day financial operations, career opportunities, and provided a solid understanding of the specific jobs I will be interviewing for in the future. I love mathematics and finance, while I also enjoy research and analysis. I like to think through situations and consider outcomes thoroughly. I therefore see myself in the fields of private equity, an M&A division of a firm, or as an analyst. My strong interest in the curriculum and opportunities at Swiss Finance helped me to apply my knowledge in finance and accounting to such jobs and to be able to answer any question an interviewer asks me however technical it may be.
Regards,
Kristin

Why did you choose to attend Swiss Finance?

2010-04-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

Above all else, my academic ambition has been to apply my knowledge of economics to the corporate world. Though it is always challenging to connect theory with real-life situations, I was intrigued by the challenge to try. Swiss Finance brought me so much closer to mastering this challenge. It takes a lot of courage to face a big change, like attending school in a foreign country, but the amount of knowledge you gain by going through it, pays off. This principle applies to the way in which I chose my economics major at Penn State, and my decision to attend the Swiss Finance program. My economics major has allowed me to structure my logical processes and critical thinking which are essential qualities in today’s business world. Attending Swiss Finance was again a big change, but the amount I learned was the best reward. Being associated with the Swiss Finance reputation is a good thing. It shows my commitment to being as educated as possible in the field of my interest. An additional motivation for me to attend is my future plans. In a few years I would like to have my own mutual fund, focused on trading primarily international securities. Because Swiss Finance has a very international outlook, it seemed like good preparation for my future.
Cheers,
Vicente

How did Swiss Finance equip you with the skills to find a job in the industry of your choice?

2010-04-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

Having entered university at the tender age of sixteen, it was very difficult to grasp the gravity of the situation. It was difficult to realize that university was the last stepping stone to entering the real world. As I transitioned from one level to the other, it was then that I realized I had to make the best of my four years at university. Having never had an actual job, it is difficult to say what position I want to occupy. Yet, I knew where I wanted to start; by joining the Tomorrows Regulatory Leaders program. The Swiss Finance became my next step, the step that held a light up so I could better see all the future steps. My experiences here brought the details of a career in finance into focus. It is going to be a long walk to success; but I believe I can make it.

Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance:

The first homework took me forever to solve. I have always been better at finance. So I am really hoping to sharpen my simple accounting skills. So over these three weeks I am definitely going to work as hard as I can to achieve this goal.
Best regards,
AlDana

Why did you choose to attend Swiss Finance?

2010-04-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

Though the Bachelor of Commerce program at McGill has exposed me to many aspects of the business world such as marketing, accounting, and economics, investment banking has always interested me the most. I enjoy working with large accounts, and learning about large funds, corporations, as well as the banking system and financial institutions. I believed that the Swiss Finance Academy would help me to gain experience, meet some new people, gain some connections in the finance industry, as well as expose me to a part of the world that I had never seen before. All this, in turn would help me strive towards my career aspirations and goals.

How did Swiss Finance equip you with skills for your career?

As I truly enjoy meeting new people, and being in new environments, attending the program in Switzerland with so many dedicated faculty and other students was an ideal program for me. Personally and professionally, it was a great environment. At times it was intense and an enormous amount of knowledge to master, but in the end it was all worth it. I believe that I emerged from the program ready to interview for competitive positions with confidence, as well as with a great network of friends. Moreover, during the times stress would build, all I had to do was look at the window at the Alps to be reminded of what an incredible experience I was in the midst of. Career Goals: Travel, work, and hopefully attend an MBA program in Canada. I believe that I’ve set quite lofty, yet achievable goals for myself. However, I always bear in mind that these goals won’t be achieved without hard work and dedication.
Regards,
Aaron

I was very keen on joining the Investment Banking Training Program by Swiss Finance.

2010-04-21T17:38:00.000-07:00

I assessed that the opportunity would certainly broaden my horizons and mark an important chapter in this significant phase of my life.

How do you think your Swiss Finance experience will help you in the future?

During the Swiss Finance program, I gained a solid financial foundation to complement my undergraduate studies. As a planning and design major, I had the opportunities to hone my abilities to understand the overall aspects of an industry such as understanding the people that run the company, which determines the parameters that are crucial in determining the final outcome. From a young age I had been exposed to an entrepreneurial mindset and business relationships in several different industries. While I had strong frameworks to approach the financial consulting industry, I credit the time at Swiss Finance with helping me develop strong quantitative financial skills to tackle any project. Career Goals: I would like to apply my skills and experience to financial consulting or industry. These areas appeal to me because of their challenging natures, and rewarding outcomes.
Regards,
Rebecca

Why did you choose to attend Swiss Finance?

2010-04-20T17:23:00.001-07:00

I knew early on that I wanted to pursue a career in finance. Specifically, I have wanted to work with the capital markets. I have found that I am good with the quantitative side of financial analysis. I also find the capital markets extremely interesting. Analogous to the inner workings of a clock, the financial markets are dependent on so many individual components. For my career aspirations, I had hoped to play a role that would shape and change the markets.

What was the best part of the program?

One of the best parts about Swiss Finance for me were the simulations. The experience of tight deadlines, working with a team, and having to apply all your skills and think creatively is thrilling. This is what makes the program so unique; you learn the theories and formulas, but the way they are really tested is through application. I found this learning method really satisfying because you could see how everything you are working hard to learn is applied. The other part of the program that I personally enjoyed was the people I interacted with. My university has a strong entrepreneurial focus and diverse student body, but during the Swiss Finance program you closely interact with people from every corner of the world. The collective amount of drive and ambition was huge. Career outlook: A business only runs as well as the level of communications between the individuals. I began to learn that there is more to life than just getting a job and doing well in school. In the end, you deal with people. The relationships you cultivate are the true benefits from both work and school.
Regards,
YouBee

What appealed to you about Swiss Finance?

2010-04-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

The program’s intensity is what appealed to me. In college, I majored in Economics and Chinese, but lacked specific finance training. After securing an internship with ICBC Credit Suisse in Beijing for the summer, I began to look for a program that would give me an adequate, challenging introduction to Investment Banking: thus, I discovered the Swiss Finance Academy. The program’s broad curriculum was covered because of the rapid pace at which we moved through modules. I believe that the Swiss Finance program is good for people who want to get a block of information in one, condensed period. It provided at steady foundation for me to continue building upon with work and study.
Regards,
Anastassia

Why did you choose to attend Swiss Finance?

2010-04-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

Swiss Finance was recommended to me by an economics professor. Throughout college I had a strong interest in entrepreneurship and became actively involvement in entrepreneurship and consulting groups. The program looked interesting because it combined strong training in investment banking and trading with entrepreneurship. I had not seen another program which covered such range of topics, and I viewed it as a good opportunity to get very practical career preparation after undergraduate study.

How did Swiss Finance prepare you for your career?

The material I learned at Swiss Finance added a new and unique dimension to my educational background. The material at Swiss Finance was an intellectual complement to the economics courses I took at Brown. Through economics, I gained an appreciation for broad theories that have strong explanatory power. Through the modules at the program, I gained insight into corporate financial decisions, for example, which may or may not be easily theorized. The program was also good preparation to undertake before considering a career in financial services. I felt that the instructors were able to give students a sense of the differences between career paths within the field of investing. This helped me further evaluate which aspects I really found most appealing and which jobs incorporate those types of situations most often.
Regards,
Matthew

What distinguishes Swiss Finance from other schools that offer finance and business training programs?

2010-04-15T17:11:00.000-07:00

The classes that I took at Swiss Finance Academy were totally different from anything that I experienced at university, even though I had taken courses in finance, business, economics and accounting. Unlike my classroom experience at university, the SFA experience was really lifelike; that is, rather than feeling like I was learning abstract, theoretical concepts, I really felt like I was both learning and practicing concepts that would actually be useful on the job. Much of our learning at SFA was done through real, ongoing debates with industry professionals. These executives provided us with high quality information and I was able to learn a lot from their experiences. I don't think that I would have gained such in-depth insights into the industry had it not been for the extensive experience that the SFA faculty brought to the table.

What makes the Swiss Finance network so special?

SFA participants are extremely diverse; they come from many different countries, educational experiences and backgrounds. The thing that ties everyone together is ambition. I don't think that I have ever been in the midst of a group of people with so much focus and determination. During the first few days, as my classmates and I were getting to know one another, we often discussed our various accomplishments and career goals. I was amazed to hear where people had been and what they had done, and how those past experiences had shaped their desire to build a career in finance or business.
Best regards,
Grishma

The program not only improved our knowledge in investment banking

2010-04-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

and capital markets fundamentals but, equally important, prompted us to think about what we really want to do in our lives. The program was a career guide as much as it was motivation to pursue our goals with absolute persistence. Besides that we met people with so many different backgrounds and characters that it broadened everyone’s horizon. I now look at many thinks from a much broader perspective, which will sooner or later pay off and increase the quality of my life remarkably. Your program leads to personal, financial, mental and spiritual growth of the people who actively attend. That makes it a life-time experience.

Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance:

Today I learned accretion and dilution modeling in excel, what acquisition offers look like, that the support lines are very useful tools in ‘tape reading’ (charts), how derivatives can make offers more interesting, and how the Swiss Franc and the New Zeland Dollar are strong currencies.
Cheers,
Martin

I learned a lot academically.

2010-04-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the program I did not know much about finance but now I feel as though I can have an intelligent conversation on certain topics within the field. I am also now a little media savvy. Every morning I commute forty minutes to work and instead of sleeping (which I did pre-Swiss Finance program), I am connected to finance media from my phone. Also, throughout the day I log on to the site to monitor the Dow as it goes up and down according to news releases.

Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance:

We had a case study today and the lessons went beyond the surface topic of hedging risks… it was an exercise in trusting in the abilities and talents of those you are working with. Each of us has to strive to work at our best but none of us can do it all alone in this business. There will be cases and projects that require team work and these are usually complex, involving many man hours of work. So, if you are working in a team in which you constantly second guess the work of others, the project will remain at a standstill. So certain requirements are necessary for companies to hit their stride. The team must be made up of equally intelligent and hard working people and each member needs to trust in the abilities of the others. Then the parts of the project need to be divided, allowing each member to take on the responsibilities of the part that best corresponds to their abilities, and then you let them get on with it. The case studies provide us real world interactive exercises.
Regards,
Kavita

At the time I was considering Swiss Finance

2010-04-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

there were several factors which ultimately influenced my decision to attend. The first factor was that I wanted a rigorous study abroad program. In addition to experiencing the culture of a foreign country, I wanted to material that I couldn’t get at home. Swiss Finance definitely met these expectations. Being mentored by executives in the field I am interested in was the chance of a lifetime. Additionally, at the time I was making my decision to attend, I had interest in a career in investment banking broadly. I felt particular interest in investments and the compilation of effective portfolios. The program’s inclusion of curriculum pertaining to wealth management, investment banking, and investing and trading was an excellent combination. By the end of the program, I had a substantially more clear idea of where in the financial services world I saw myself working and enjoying.
Cheers,
John

Swiss Finance certainly met my expectations for an intensive, international study program.

2010-04-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

Having lived and experienced business culture in multiple countries, I appreciated the diverse study body as well as the instructors’ international business experience. Prior to attending Swiss Finance, I was well-aware of the importance of understanding local culture and traditions in order to facilitate deals. At Swiss Finance I added an understanding of investment banking culture. As I learned, banking culture is an entity unto itself and the values and skills one needs to flourish in this environment are rather specific. Had I not been taught this during the program, it would have taken a long time to develop the cultural acumen. Achieving success in the world of international finance does not just require book-smarts; it is crucial to grasp the practical aspects of society. As one of my long-term commitments, I have been continually visiting disadvantaged Chinese villages, to see for myself the extent of poverty and extreme hardship. I empathized with the underprivileged students and their living conditions, and thus raised $2000 from relatives and friends to establish several scholarships in a hillside school. I liked how the curriculum valued on-the-ground travel, like my experiences, as instructive for being a successful investor.
Regards,
Alice

Why did you choose to attend Swiss Finance?

2010-04-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

Through the course of my MBA studies, I was exposed to many aspects of business and management. What strongly appealed with me however, were classes such as Equity and Capital Markets, Portfolio Management, and Financial Planning and Analysis. This knowledge led me to the decision to pursue a career in investment banking. The Swiss Finance curriculum was closely aligned with everything I was eager to learn more about.

How did Swiss Finance equip you with skills for your career?

I learned investment banking skills in true detail, so that I absorbed deep understanding of processes, not just surface level memorization of how to run a formula. I feel that this type of knowledge is what stays with you over time. The determination of all the participants, along with the instructors’ high expectations made for an exciting environment that allowed us to cover many different aspects of investment banking. This comprehensiveness made the time abroad well spent. The length of time, curriculum, and assignments all meshed together to make a strong experience. I also credit the group assignments with preparing me for challenging team-based work in the field. Career goals: There are many finance career tracks that interest me and I could see myself pursuing, however IB rises above the rest due to the large amounts of creativity necessary to excel in that arena. In school, when guest speakers in the IB field would come to lecture, I was in awe as they talked about the methods they used to make deals go through.
Cheers,
Brian

What was your experience like at Swiss Finance?

2010-04-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

Memorable! I made friends with so many fascinating people here. I have a very international background, so I loved meeting people from all over the world who have an interest in the same thing. Even though we all had different levels of experience with finance, and very different backgrounds, we all came together on the topic at hand: learning how to be great investment bankers. I am passionate about projects that promote global solidarity and goodwill. I think that programs like this which bring people together around a common interest can contribute to these goals. The experience itself was intense but worthwhile! You can not imagine how much you learn until you experience it and then look back! How has Swiss Finance equipped you with the skills to find a job in the industry of your choice? Tremendously! My biggest passion in finance lies in the mortgage industry, my experience at Swiss Finance has helped me land a job with Fannie Mae,the largest mortgage lender in the US.

How would you describe your Swiss Finance classes?
What you learn at Swiss Finance is priceless. You are going to be exposed to the most valuable information that you never learn in school. It will help you set yourself apart in this ultra competitive job market.

Did Swiss Finance meet your expectations?
Swiss Finance actually exceeds my expectations. I learned the ins and outs of the finance industry.

Cheers,
Patriana

I am wholly committed and dedicated to fulfilling my dream of becoming an investment banker.

2010-04-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

I have a strong preference and interest in sales and trading, but have a general passion for all areas of investment banking business. To reach this goal, outstanding academic performance must be retained. I also believe it is crucial for me to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the financial markets.

Swiss Finance definitely met my expectations on the academic front. In college, I realized my passion for investing. After taking part in investment challenges and gaining hands-on experience, I was even more certain. Getting a glimpse into the industry made me eager to learn more. At Swiss Finance I was finally able to do this. The trading and investing modules were great. The instructors had real insight into the global financial situation. In the years that followed my summer at Swiss Finance, I appreciated this even more. Learning from an active macro-trader was instructive, not to mention a once in a life time experience. He would share his positions with the class and share his thought process behind his stances. It is so rare to get that kind of insight. Taking the program before my senior year of college was also beneficial in terms of career strategy, and maximizing future opportunities.
Regards,
Derek

Swiss Finance gave me a taste of the world of Wall Street and investment banks.

2010-04-05T17:12:00.000-07:00

As a Mathematical Sciences major, I developed skills which would allow me to pursue a variety of careers. Yet, while my skills were widely applicable, I lacked industry-specific knowledge of how they would be applied. Swiss Finance both gave me skills and training for a specific sector, and helped me assess if this was the career path I wanted to pursue. I also feel that learning how to think about global markets and finance are skill sets that are an asset for almost any industry. The program was very intensive, we had long hours of classes and assignments. However, the atmosphere was one of excitement and learning, and looking back I could see that I would never have learned as much as I did if not for the schedule. The schedule was also a good test to see how we fared in such an environment, which had similar hours to investment banks. In addition, the coursework was balanced by the amazing scenery surrounding us and the weekend trips, which were a great way to take a break and enjoy Europe.
Cheers,
Akiko T

“The industry of my choice…” I didn’t even know what that was until Swiss Finance, so I guess

2010-04-05T03:06:00.000-07:00

that is one way the program helped me, it made it clear to me that I did indeed want to pursue a career in finance. Finance seems to be such a glamorous career from the outside and although it can be fun and it can be prestigious, it is certainly not all play, and it is difficult to imagine that unless you are in the midst of it. If you can survive the course at Swiss Finance then not only can you survive a career in the finance industry, but you will know exactly what you are getting yourself into. The experience you gain at Swiss Finance can help you make an informed decision about a career in investment banking. Nothing can provide more confidence than knowing you are prepared, and this program gives you that. Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance: Everyone here is absolutely brilliant. I learned so much here on my first day that I was absolutely blown away. First, the lessons themselves are so in depth and based on the realities of the financial industry that I can’t think of any other class that could teach me so much. But then we take those lessons and discuss them outside of class, going over and analyzing every detail. The opportunity to be taught by the professions who are at the top of their game and then discuss those lessons with super bright people is the best of both worlds and I just feel like this was the best decision I could have made to study here.
Regards,
Arthur

One of the things that made Swiss Finance so great for me is that it put me at ease to learn.

2010-04-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

The people teaching were approachable and had come from interesting backgrounds. The mix of culture in the class was great. I liked how classes were at times more conversation and less theory oriented – I found it made it easier for me to learn. Our lessons in trading were not only theory, they were lessons in practice as well. I also like the fact that we are all together in one lecture hall. With all the questions, answers and side dicussions, I felt I got much more out of it than if we were all split up being lectured to. The curriculum was also very broad and it covered many aspects of investment banking. I think Swiss Finance has shown me parts of the finance world I would not have understood on my own. Also, I now know what I want from a career.

Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance:

Today I enjoyed the talk about hedge funds and learnt new concepts like pureplay. We discussed what investment bankers actually do. These were new concepts for me and quite interesting. We had lessons in risk and returns, client analysis, formulation of the investment strategy, inefficiencies in the market, and momentum. So much is new but it is also exciting.
Regards,
Sara

If you want to get into the finance world, you should study at Swiss Finance.

2010-03-31T16:51:00.000-07:00

If you want to simply know the facts of finance, you should read one of the countless books written on the subject, but if you want to get into the world, you should study at Swiss Finance. The insights I gained here, not only the facts and terminology, but getting to know what the people who work in Wall Street are like and also what those who want to work in Wall Street are like. What kind of personality does it take to work hard till four in the morning and be invigorated by doing so? I discovered I have so much in common with these people, that at heart I am one of them. My experiences here have been quite amazing.

Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance:

Finance theory was one of the major topics of the day and I was not prepared. I always assumed I’d get into finance. It had been my chosen career path for as long as I can remember, but today I woke up to my passion for it all. The lessons were inspiring. I not only feel that I now understand the workings of finance theory, but I feel like I can touch the inner mechanisms and the way it all comes together, and once I can touch it I can manipulate it and work with it. I’ve never taken a class before that put me in such close contact with the subject. I can’t wait to see what is in store for us tomorrow.
Regards,
Matthew

Through my time at Swiss Finance I came to realize the area in finance I want to specialize in.

2010-03-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

I also gained valuable interview skills. So now not only do I know what I want to do with my life, but have the skills necessary to make it happen. It is easy to dream about making something happen, but at Swiss Finance I developed the skills to make it happen, not to wait for the opportunities to present themselves to make but to make my own opportunities and then take advantage.
Regards,
Ashley

Everyone who interviewed me at Capital Group was very impressed and moved when I spoke of my amazing experiences at Swiss Finance

2010-03-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

and I absolutely attribute this opportunity to what I took home from Switzerland this summer. Although I was used to working hard as a Mathematics major and Business Administration minor at the University of Florida,it was a different, more theoretical kind of work than the curriculum and intensity at Swiss Finance. Addittionally, despite my background, I was unsure which field of finance I wanted to pursue. I didn’t feel equipped to start a career in the business field with my BS. Swiss Finance provided the hands-on experience I needed in order to begin my career. I know that I have the potential to be an extraordinary leader because I love to make the whole team happy and I have a fast-learning, positive personality. Here I gained the Swiss Finance Academy Advantage and I have already seen it work for me. Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance: Today I learned of the effects that volatility has on the market, capitulation, LBO's in depth-MBOs, ratios (interest coverage, etc), acquisition currency, exit multiples, and CAGR. I also learned of 2-tier offers, realized compound yields, and risk and return. Even with my minor in Business Administration, there was so much that was new to me today.
Regards,
Jamie

Swiss Finance provided an amazing experience in Switzerland, learning the ins, outs, and secrets of the world of Wall Street.

2010-03-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

I learned not only technical materials but I learned how to think like a banker and fit in with this elite community. I also met some truly amazing people and made some lifelong friends. I started an internship at Fox-Pitt Kelton. Next week, I get the opportunity to follow around a floor trader on the New York Stock Exchange. Wall Street has proved to be everything I had dreamt it to be. I feel like I am living a dream.

Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance:

Today I learned to monitor the market! I learned the different trends such as double head, head and shoulders, gramophone and the ghost. I learned to not become a horse but a psychologist that studies the behavior of the market. Although, I feel pretty confident that I wouldn’t want to be a horse. Okay a little diary joke. I learned that as a trader, cutting losses is extremely important and that there is no such thing as paper loss. Also, that the best loss is the first loss and lots more...
Regards,
Scott a

This was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2010-03-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

It isn't often that you get a chance to participate in a program that has such an impact on your career opportunities, while at the same time offering an amazing worldwide network of friends. Some people might get the impression that SFA is all work and no play, but that really isn't the case. It is important to understand that the people who come to this program really want to learn all that they can about the finance and business industries; they want to take advantage of every opportunity that the program has to offer. For this reason, people do work really hard. At the same time, SFA faculty and staff make sure that we are able to take advantage of the recreational and cultural activities that the program location has to offer. For my class, this included trips to France and Italy, hiking in the Swiss Alps and BBQs set against the backdrop of the beautiful mountains. SFA stresses the value of not only the important lessons that we are learning inside the classroom, but also the value of the network that we are developing with our classmates and other SFA alumni. The SFA program was an amazing opportunity for growth on several levels - personally, educationally and professionally.
How did Swiss Finance equip you with the skills you needed to find a job in finance?
I gained so much from my SFA program, and managed to retain almost everything that I learned. The notes that I took in class were incredibly useful, and I used them as study guides when preparing for my interviews so that I would be well-versed in any concepts that might arise during the course of my interviews.
Regards,
Leanna

How did Swiss Finance equip you with the skills to find a job in the industry of your choice?

2010-03-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

As one of the few liberal arts majors with no background in finance, I figured I would struggle and I will admit the course was intimidating at first. But by being so immersed in finance that it surrounded me daily, I couldn’t help but pick it up. We would begin conversations on capital markets in class, but it would spill out into our conversations outside the classroom. Everywhere I went, and everyone I spoke with, the topic was always finance – it was in the very air we breathed and it solidified itself not only in our gaining this knowledge but also in creating these amazing friendships that will last a lifetime. We were all pursuing the same goals and it brought us together and by doing so we used each of our unique backgrounds to help each other see the issues in ways we alone could not have.
Regards,
Brianne

Why did you choose Swiss Finance?

2010-03-24T04:03:00.000-07:00

As I entered my senior year at Duke, I was very interested in interviewing for jobs in the finance industry, but as a history and religion major, I really had no background in finance or business. I was searching for a program that would give me the knowledge and skills that I needed to really stand out in the recruiting process. I applied to Swiss Finance because I thought the curriculum was just what I needed to prepare myself for my upcoming job search. The program surpassed all of my expectations. Swiss Finance offers a unique combination of academic and cultural experiences that I know I couldn’t have found anywhere else. The curriculum was intense, and a lot of time was devoted to mastering the material both inside and outside the classroom, but we also had time for fun weekend trips to places like France and Italy. I also found the mentorship aspects of the program to be extremely helpful. Faculty took the time to give me detailed critiques of my performance so that I was really able to learn from my mistakes and my weaknesses, and turn them into strengths. The job search and career guidance that I received from highly experienced industry professionals was invaluable, and it was nice to get advice from people who had previously been in my shoes.

How did Swiss Finance equip you with the skills that you needed to find a job in the industry of your choice?

2010-03-24T03:44:00.000-07:00

Exposure to finance and economics classes had opened a new realm of career opportunities that I was excited to explore. Investment banking and corporate finance drew me. College classes could only provide so much, but I wasn’t able to satisfy my cravings through classes alone so I decided to take the program at Swiss Finance and I don’t regret my decision for a second. There I discovered the various career paths that were open and available to me. It was also the perfect length for me because as an NCAA Division 1 student-athlete, I have a very short summer.
Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance: Today I learned about market impact on valuation, private equity, trading, investment strategies, creating and evaluating trends, capital markets, leveraged finance, asset management, and financial analysis.

I wanted to be better prepared for the world out there, especially during the current recession.

2010-03-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

My brother had taken this program and mentioned how it was a great experience for him in his professional career. After hearing about it, I began to research about the program and found it to be an exceptional learning experience. I want a career in finance and I wanted to learn more about it. I was aware that the Swiss Finance, School of Business, would better prepare me to succeed in knowing more about businesses around the world. Every job is distinct, and requires different skills out of a person; I knew that this program would help me in becoming a unique individual who possesses qualities and skills that would greatly add value for my future career goals.

I wanted to be better prepared for the world out there, especially during the current recession. I felt that the Swiss Finance School program would not only answer the whys of the market, but also the hows, which is what I feel would be most useful in understanding the world today.

Swiss Finance instructors had a huge amount of experience

2009-08-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

I wanted to attend the Swiss Finance Academy because it would give me first hand exposure to a variety of fields and help to pave my way in this industry. I constantly strive to surround myself with the greatest minds in the fields I am interested in. From an early age I recognized the importance of developing mentors. This mindset had a strong influence on my decision to attend Swiss Finance’s intensive summer program. It was evident from their backgrounds that the instructors had a huge amount of experience, and I was excited about being able to get their candid views about working in asset management.
Also, I thrive on competitive team projects so I liked the fact that group projects and presentations are an important part of the curriculum. In investment banking and asset management (my passion) you are often compelled to work with other people to achieve results so it was important for me to find a summer program that not only taught quantitative skills like advanced M&A modeling and valuation, but also focused on soft skills like leadership.

My thoughts about the financial markets have definitely changed since attending Swiss Finance Academy. Starting on Day 1, we were taught to be “independent thinkers” and to use reason and skepticism to analyze the news, including government data. Over the three weeks, we built our capital market analysis skills by reading Bloomberg news and watching interviews by top traders including: Jim Rogers, George Soros, and Marc Faber. We learned how to extract the important data and analysis as well as the discard the misleading information. In a world with countless opinions, it’s important not to hedge and be an “independent thinker.”

What was the best part of the Swiss Finance experience?

There were many “best parts” to the Swiss Finance experience. One of which were the students. Being surrounded with positive, hardworking, and smart students was one of the reasons I why worked so hard and enjoyed every single part of it. We were so close that many of my classmates extended their stay to explore Europe together. I am still in contact with all my classmates and we are all looking forward to the 2009 reunion.

"Every day was a new mission. There were new challenges, new experiences, and an extremely steep level of the learning curve"

2009-08-19T05:49:00.000-07:00

The structure of the course is what intrigued me the most. I strongly believe, that the intensive nature of the course, and the fact that it does not only focus on one, but several modules of finance can lead to a multifaceted approach to financial cases and a more advanced, practical and consistent learning. Additionally, I was impressed by the fact that the program is taught by professionals that can provide an in-class exposure to real-life financial situations rather than plain theoretical perspective. I was looking forward to understanding the applicability of financial education upon real life scenarios.Furthermore, the institution’s high credibility, excellent alumni reviews and faculty of superb quality, not only place the qualification provided by the academy at a position that is attractive and recognizable by employers, but also make it a sound investment in return of a valuable training. Moreover, as an individual that holds a high interest in traveling and possess an international background, I consider the multicultural environment that exists within the Swiss Finance Academy as an advantage to every attendee due to the valuable international networking and contact exchange available, the benefit of earning knowledge from other cultures, and generally the chance to gain a great social experience and cultural insight alongside the provided academic training.

After the Swiss Finance experience, I can assure you that my thoughts about finance and investment banking took a more realistic turn. In the first place, following an intense training on finance, both in theory and practice, I familiarized with several real life cases and methods in regard to which I understood how my financial knowledge was relevant and applicable. My thoughts were shaped around the fact that markets are imperfect and unexpected situations will affect and fluctuate planned routes and financial strategies on a constant basis. Therefore as the accuracy of many valuation methods and financial theories can be brought to question; flexibility, questionability, and detail in alternative strategies are in my opinion something essential. Furthermore Swiss Finance helped me see beyond the “ideal image” I used to hold about a life in investment banking. Having placed hours and work in place that are similar to the ones of an investment-banking analyst, I lived an experience that allowed me to sufficiently witness the level of physical and psychological pressure, focus, and skills required by such a profession. To add accredited professionals that were teaching or visiting at the Swiss Finance presented another face of investment banking, which exhibited the roles and responsibilities of the profession and of the investment banking corporations in various fields and events that I did not anticipate before. As a result my thoughts matured, forming a personal opinion and stimulating a personal interest beyond the mainstream perception that is held about investment banking.

The best part of Swiss Finance was undoubtedly the learning experience. The fact that we did not for a minute felt as idle students, but on the contrary we were treated and acted as “on-the-scenario” players, was priceless. Every day was a new mission. There were new challenges, new experiences, and an extremely steep level of the learning curve. We were usually allocated in teams, and had to prepare a financial model, a proposal, a negotiation and so forth. Although we worked until the morning hours and on a daily basis, our tasks were so interesting that one would often witness discussions continuing outside the classroom, extra independent research taking place, and a constant exchange of ideas that overwhelmed the atmosphere; as each of us represented a different professional, ethnical and cultural background and therefore contributed a unique piece of knowledge or perspective when dealing with an inquiry. Generally there was a climate of healthy educational competition among ambitious minds, and a truly inspiring thirst for knowledge.

Swiss Finance gave me a uniquely international perspective

2009-08-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

I knew that I wanted to work in business of some sort, and I was especially interested in asset management and banking. I decided to attend Swiss Finance because I wanted to figure out which field I am suited for, and it felt like Swiss Finance would be able to deliver that.
I didn’t know what to expect, but everyone was pretty awesome. You gain a unique perspective at Swiss Finance that I don’t think you can get anywhere else. The group is so international; I am in class and working with people from every part of the world. There is also a range of ages and levels of work experience which is tremendously valuable - I’ve learned a lot just from listening to other people’s experiences.

Brianne B. Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

2009-04-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Brianne B.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
University of Southern California

Career update

2009-04-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

I am just writting an email to you, to show my appreciation for the Training program last summer. From these rigorous weeks at Swiss Finance. I have learned the essential tools for any career in Investment Banking. With the knowledge and skills learned on the course I sucessfully have started a job with JP Morgan working as an analyst. Thanks for openning my eyes to such opportunities and making this possible for me.

Bernard E.
Swiss Finance Alum 06
Queens University Belfast

Ashley-Anne B. Testimonial Video

2009-02-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

Wow, what an adventure!

2008-10-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Wow, what an adventure!

I’ve learned and grown so much during those three weeks. I didn't know that the class would last 12-14 hours a day. It turned out to be one of the best thing I decided to do. I’ve learned lots and lots of ibanking terms, so now when I watch or read articles on [media], I can understand better what they’re saying. I have also learned how to read market signs and then find the best move to react to the situation. The most important thing I’ve learned is what investment banking is all about. The instructor never gave us "made up answers" or said things just because he felt that is what should be said. He gave us truth and prepared us for the real world. Instructor's work experience as well as his contacts (panel) has given me a 'heads up' on what I can expect.

Those were three weeks that I’ll remember for a long time. It’s once back home that you realize how this experience was unique and incredible.

I know when I’ll start applying for job, I’ll be more confident because I’ve the “Swiss Finance Academy Advantage” over the other candidates.

Thanks again and I cannot wait to see you at the reunion.

Marie-Christine V.
Swiss Finance Alum 08
McGill University

The Swiss Finance program has been a life changing experience.

2008-09-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

I would like to express my gratitude for the great program you have provided us in Lugano, earlier in the summer. The Swiss Finance Academy program has been a life changing experience that, in addition to its insight into the investment banking world, it has enabled me to develop skills and acquire knowledge, which have already proven to be fruitful throughout my summer internship at a trading boutique. Furthermore, I would like to mention how thankful I am for your support and advices that have helped me cope with the intensity of the program. I would like to wish you good luck and my best wishes for your objectives regarding the expansion of Swiss Finance Academy.

Please let me know, if you are offering more advanced programs in trading, as I would be more than willing to enroll for another Swiss Finance Academy experience in the future.

Thanks again,

Best Regards,

Mohamed A.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Warwick Business School

I can't believe how much I learned in such a short time.

2008-08-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

I want to thank you for a great three weeks. Coming from a small liberal arts college, I had no idea what to expect going in and I can't believe how much I learned in such a short time. I've been reading some of the "recommended books" while I'm traveling around Europe and there's something on every single page that I wouldn't have understood had I not attended Swiss Finance Academy. I, and I'm sure all of the other students as well, really appreciate the time and effort you put in to teach us everything.

Thanks again,

Jeffrey C.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Bowdoin College

Jolin A. Swiss Finance Experience

2008-08-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

Jolin A.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

National University of Singapore

Arthur L. Testimonial Summer 2008

2008-08-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Swiss Finance Academy Experience

2008-08-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

Ife S. Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08 Testimonial

2008-08-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Ife S.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Cornell University

Mohammed L. Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

2008-08-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

Mohammed L.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

Dundee Dundee, Scotland

Nicholas H. Testimonial Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

2008-08-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Nicholas H.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

Fordham University

I am so happy to be classmates with the most ambitious peers in the world!

2008-08-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to be classmates with the most ambitious peers in the world, but I am even happier to be your student--a top investment banker with wild knowledge and nice patience. Since I never took finance classes before, I had great difficulty in keeping pace with class. However, you used the best words possible to encourage me, giving me lots of confidence--when I need it most. The life in Lugano was the most cozy life ever--the residence for students and the environment was the best I've ever seen. Though the training program was finished, its spirit and the way I was trained to study will always benefit me in the future.
Though I don't know whether I will be able to enter this most competitive and selective industry for my career, but aiming for the highest and learning humbly will anyway make me a person with accomplishment in the end.

Best wishes!

Sincerely, yours, Dielu Z.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
University of Rochester

Matthew F. Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

2008-08-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

Matthew F.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

Fordham University

I really feel like I made some huge strides during the program.

2008-08-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hello. I hope everything is going well for you. My name is Matt and I was in the investment banking program in Lugano that just ended a few weeks ago. I just wanted to take a minute and say thank-you for everything during those three weeks. ...

I really feel like I made some huge strides during the program. And through studying the materials on my own these past few weeks, it has really started to all come together for me. It was just a great learning experience that I know will help me immensely in the future, no matter which path I take after college. At the same time, I met and became friends with some great kids, which I am sure will last for a long time to come. Anyways, I am sure you have gotten many of these little notes, ... I just wanted you to know that I really enjoyed the program, learned a lot, and even though it was certainly challenging, had a good time as well. ...

Well thank-you again for everything and I look forward to seeing you at one of the reunions in the near future. Have a great rest of the summer.

All the best, Matt S.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Bowdoin College

Thank You for a great program this year

2008-08-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Joanna here, from the recent Swiss Finance Academy class in Lugano. I just want to express my very good impressions of the program. I went into Lugano knowing basically next to nothing about finance, and came out feeling much more aware--especially of how little I knew.

Ever since the program ended, I've missed having intense doses of financial education every day. I watch [media] all the time, and try to keep up with the markets and read the [media] like you suggested.

Please do continue to send us periodic e-mailings regarding the happenings at Swiss Finance Academy, especially with reunions and events, and your own personal adventures. I had a great time listening to your stories and your experiences with finance, if anything interesting happens in the market and you've got a comment, I would definitely like to hear what you've go to say.

I had an extremely positive experience with Swiss Finance Academy, I only wish it didn't have to end so fast!

Best regards,

Joanna X.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

Stanford University

I just wanted to thank you for making my time at the Swiss Finance Academy in Lugano into a truly transformational experience.

2008-08-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to thank you for making my time at the Swiss Finance Academy in Lugano into a truly transformational experience. Being a huge soccer fan, I can testify to this fact by telling you that instead of waking up every morning and looking up the sports papers, the first thing I do now is to go through [media].

I plan on attending the reunion in NY and would be delighted to see you there again.

Regards,

Shahzeb B.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
University of Toronto

Thank you

2008-08-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

I could not help myself from getting on my computer after a few hours of needed sleep to thank you for an amazing program. I always knew that with time, I would get to appreciate the knowledge and experience I gained these past three weeks and that it would prove valuable in my upcoming career challenges. However, I never realized how much I learned during the program and didn't think I would feel it so instantly until I started reading [media] on my flight back to New York. As I read through, I stumbled upon a very interesting article titled "Leveraged Buy-outs, private investigation". Every paragraph I read sent another light bulb on, whether it was terms like interest coverage, payment-in-kind, covenants... it even referred to the case we analyzed in class! Reading that article gave me a sense of how much I and many of my peers had accomplished at Swiss Finance during those intensive three weeks. Most of all was this feeling of achievement and satisfaction that I couldn't but transmit to you. I am confident that you have instilled in us the seeds for success in Investment Banking and I look forward to growing them in the upcoming years.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to assure we have the best possible program and I look forward to our first reunion in New York in November.

Sincerely yours, Julien Ch.
Proud Swiss Finance Alumni
Swiss Finance Alum 08
University of Maryland

I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to attend Swiss Finance Academy.

2008-08-06T04:53:00.000-07:00

I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to attend Swiss Finance Academy. The program was extremely challenging, which was great practice for the real world of investment banking. The curriculum taught me the fundamental skills needed to value a company and so much more. The life and career lessons I have learned will stay with me for life. The true test is now. I looked at the three weeks in Switzerland as one day in the classroom; the homework will be staying current with both U.S. and world markets, as well reviewing the binders often. What I knew 3 weeks ago, versus now, has grown 10x.
Thanks again for a great program and best of luck with future endeavors.
I look forward to the reunion in New York later this fall.

Sincerely,

Nick H.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Fordham University

I learnt incredibe amount of material in just three weeks.

2008-08-06T00:03:00.000-07:00

I want to thank you for the wonderful program that Swiss Finance Academy has provided, I think I learnt incredibe amount of material in just three weeks. It was a lot of fun to be a part of Swiss Finance Academy.

Thanks a lot,

Amruta D.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

Denison University

Thank you and update from me

2008-08-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a few weeks since Swiss Finance Academy has come to an end, but not a day goes by where I do not think of something that took place over my three weeks in Lugano. Since I have been back home in NYC, I have started my internship... I am greatly enjoying the learning experience that is supplementing everything you have taught me.

So, this was just a quick thank you and update from me and I look forward to seeing you at the reunion!

Best Regards,

Emily L.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Cornell University

I would like to thank you for organizing such an excellent program

2008-08-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

First of all I would like to thank you for organizing such an excellent program, I was extremely satisfied (and extremely worn out...) and my career ambitions has now risen to completely new level...Further more I am trying my best to follow the markets and keep up to date, which is essential now that I've taken your advice on trying out the [mediamedia mock trading], so far I'm having my ups and downs.

I'll start my second year as an undergraduate at Regent's Business School London in early September and I want you to know that it would be more than a previlege for me to help and contribute to the Academy in any way possible.

Thank You Yours Sincerely Philip O.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Regents Business School

I really enjoyed attending Swiss Finance Academy

2008-08-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed attending Swiss Finance Academy, and I just wanted to say thank you for teaching us about investment banking and asset management. The lessons I have learned from you regarding office composure as well as interview skills have been invaluable to me, and I will take them with me to the recruiting sessions this Fall and to my job in the future. Feel free to contact me if you need anything in the future.

Best Regards,

Gary A.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 06

University of Southern California

I will definitely recommend this program to other people.

2008-08-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

On the way to the airport on Saturday, I was very tired and sad ... I just wanted to say it was a great time for me being in SFA. It was only a month, but I met many nice and charm people, and it was really hard to leave behind them. Even though the course was a little challenge for me, I feel that I learned a lot of things about finance more than the other finance classes that I took before. I will definitely recommend this program to other people.

Thank you for giving me a chance to explore this program, and it was great experience. Have a wonderful day, and hope to keeping in touch.

Thank you.

Heejin J.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 06
Alumni 06 Michigan State University

Go Team Swiss Finance!

2008-08-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to thank you for such a rewarding and fun experience! I am sure you have been told this repeatedly lately, but I am very grateful for your time and help.

Not only did I learn the basics of modeling but also got an inside scoop into the Investment Banking division of a bank. This has sealed my doubts on whether I should aim for the corporate finance division of a bank or the trading of securities.

I will definitely signal my interest in corporate finance. As of now I am going back to London and taking it from there.

Please keep in touch!

Best regards,

Bernard S.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 06
London School of Economics

Swiss Finance Academy Lugano

2008-08-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

It was a pleasure to see you again in Lugano [this time as an alum]. I am delighted to see that Swiss Finance Academy is growing and gaining recognition.

I spoke to some of the students and got the same old feedback: hard work but very rewarding in terms of educational experience/insight onfinancial and IB industries. Great location as well. Unrivalled program.

Please keep me updated on the academy's progress.

Regards,

Georges T.

Swiss Finance Academy Alumn 05
Lebanese American University

Photo above: Georges T. (Lehman Brothers) in Swiss Finance 08 Career Panel

Swiss Finance Academy Verbier

2008-08-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

I hope this note finds you well, and that you are recuperating from such a busy month! I just wanted to sincerely thank you for all of your kindness over the past month. I thoroughly enjoyed the program, which was quite a challenge for me, to say the least! I left Verbier with a profound interest in and appreciation for finance, and have [Swiss Finance faculty] to thank for this. I will certainly keep you apprised of my progress.

Take care, and, once again, thank you for offering me such a rewarding opportunity.

Best wishes.

Fondly,

Jonathan D.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 07

Hamilton College

Thank you!

2008-08-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to thank you for giving me the chance to participate in the whole Swiss Finance Academy experience. It was extremely rewarding and I was able to learn so much in just a few weeks. I think Swiss Finance Academy is on track to becoming very successful, as our its students.

Thank you again, and I will definitely stay in touch and let you know how the internship search goes. I start my first investment banking internship tomorrow - I can't wait!

Sincerely,

Mark R.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 06
Brown University

Thank you Swiss Finance Academy by Gurmukh

2008-08-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

I did not get a chance to explicitly thank-you. Over the past four weeks I can safely say that I learnt a lot not only in terms of Investment Banking Finance but a lot of other things that would go untaught or unnoticed in another environment. I spent a lot of time just observing and learning from the inputs that each of you provided in terms of point delivery and people interactions. This helped me in trying to pick some very important tools that will help me progress further. The fact that we were able to get frank and open opinions out on various topics (including non-academic topics) differentiates this course from a traditional university setting.

I have come to appreciate the complexities of organizing such a program and I think given the large number of students involved it well coordinated.

I hope we can remain in contact and look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards,

Gurmukh R.
Swiss Finance Academy Alumni 06
Drake University

Greetings

2008-08-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Many thanks for an inspiring four weeks in Switzerland. Incredibly intense and extremely challenging, the SFA program has afforded me an opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the Investment Banking world and has equipped me with the skills necessary to make a seamless transition from academia into the I-Banking industry. While my initial intent on enrolment was to gain an advantage in a competitive industry, this was achieved and much more. I have acquired an in-depth understanding of corporate finance and the interviewing skills gained will undoubtedly be a value added in the pursuit of my career path. I am also grateful for the great networking and friendships established.

My congratulations on an excellent program. It has positively impacted my life and spurred my ambition even further. I too hope to be able to emulate your mission and render my services to others in a similar capacity in the future.

Kind regards

Nicholas M.
Swiss Finance Alum 06
Cass Business School

I would like to thank you for the great investment banking training experience

2008-08-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank you for the great Investment Banking experience in Switzerland. The experience really enhanced my knowledge and skills i.e. modeling in excel, and the discussions about the markets.

I wanted to enlighten you of the fact that the whole Swiss Finance Academy experience has given me an edge...in my current internship. Especially the module on debt capital markets (debt seniority and high yield) has helped me to better understand my daily work in the leverage finance group...I am able to offer constructive input in discussions. There are lot of things that I have picked up and I am constantly working on the things that you have mentioned to me.

Keep in touch.

Thanks & Regards,

Rahul V.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 06

University of Michigan

I just would like to say "Thank you" for last 2 weeks.

2008-08-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

I'm e-mailing you because I just would like to say "Thank you" for last 2 weeks.

Even if the program was pretty difficult fo me, now I can tell for sure it was a great experience to me. Actually I could enjoy and learn a lot of things! It was just amazing.
Now I'm thinking I will continue to study Finance & Accounting stuff, because I thought they are pretty essential things to become a great business person, aren't they?

Of course I will make the most of the experience and things I learned in the program.
I would like to let you know about my situation sometimes, and I hope someday I will be able to come back to Swiss Finance Academy.

Happy Holiday & Happy New Year!!

Ikkei O.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 05
Keio University, Japan

The two weeks I spent in Swiss Finance Academy was the best time of my life

2008-08-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

The two weeks I spent at Swiss Finance Academy was the best time of my life. The knowledge I gained through is program was truly invaluable. At the same time, I also made so many great friends that I want to keep for a lifetime. Because I was in such a hurry to leave on the last day of the program [so I wouldn't miss my flight], I've never gotten the chance to thank you for helping me with my interview skills and for providing me with such wonderful opportunity.

Sincerely Yours

Chris L.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 05
University of California, Berkeley

Thanks for all the help, advice, and support

2008-08-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Hope you are doing well. It was a pleasure meeting you... Thanks for all the help, advice, and support you provided during this fantastic program. I really gained more than I expected and it was a sound investment for my time. ...

It was great knowing you and I really had lots of fun. Looking forwards to meeting you again. My wife also send her regards ...

All the best,

Hashem A.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 05
University of Michigan

Swiss Finance Academy Boston

2008-08-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to write and thank you for the past two weeks. I feel that I really made some positive steps forward over that time and significantly increased my chances by improving my interview skills. I appreciate your honest opinions and constructive criticism tremendously. I feel that alone was worth the tuition fee.
I am much more confident now and I cannot wait to begin the interview process.

Thanks again ... All the best,

Grant G.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 05
College of Charleston

It really was one of the best months of my life

2008-08-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks a lot for having me for that course, it really was one of the best months of my life - I learnt a lot of new Finance concepts, made a lot of new friends, did a lot of new things, and thoroughly enjoyed every single day, of the time I was there..

Kind regards,

Akali O.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 05
King's College, London

Alumni blog is launched!

2008-08-02T22:50:00.001-07:00

Feel free to add comments, views, thoughts, etc.