Showing posts with label interview guideline. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interview guideline. Show all posts

Monday, April 6, 2015

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

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

Monday, March 30, 2015

The program not only improved our knowledge in investment banking

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

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

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

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

Sunday, February 23, 2014

I hoped to use my experience at Swiss Finance

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

Thursday, January 30, 2014

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

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

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

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

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

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Swiss Finance prepared informed and enlightened me

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

Thursday, January 16, 2014

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

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

Sunday, January 12, 2014

An internship I attended at the portfolio management department of Finansbank

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

Saturday, January 11, 2014

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

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

Thursday, January 9, 2014

I carefully chosen Swiss Finance I-B program

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

Monday, January 6, 2014

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

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

Sunday, January 5, 2014

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

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

Saturday, August 31, 2013

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

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

Thursday, January 3, 2013

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

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

Sunday, May 30, 2010

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

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

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

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

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

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

I really enjoyed attending Swiss Finance

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

Monday, May 24, 2010

Having been out of college for two years

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

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

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

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