Elevate Your Consulting Career: EDHEC MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking
If you’re considering a postgraduate degree to propel your career in finance, the EDHEC MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking program stands out. In this interview with MASTERGRADSCHOOLS, Hamid Boustanifar, the Academic Director, sheds light on what makes this program uniquely impactful.
He emphasizes that its tailored curriculum and deep industry connections develop highly skilled professionals. This degree prepares finance students for demanding roles, often in investment banking or corporate finance.
A Tailored Curriculum for Investment Banking Success
The program’s curriculum is meticulously designed to equip students with all the necessary skills for investment banking careers. Students build a deep understanding of corporate finance, corporate strategy, valuation, and financial modeling.
Core Foundations and Specialized Expertise
Beyond these foundational elements, the program delves deeply into specialized areas through elective courses. You will explore Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), project finance, Equity Capital Markets (ECM), and Debt Capital Markets (DCM). Private equity is also a key area of focus. Hamid states, “These elective courses collectively provide you [with] more than what is required for a successful career in investment banking.” (0:49)
Cutting-Edge Financial Technologies
As new master’s graduates navigate today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, staying current with technology is crucial. EDHEC actively incorporates emerging financial technologies into its curriculum. Through continuously updated elective offerings, the program frequently introduces new courses deemed essential for students.
For instance, a very popular course on blockchain and AI was introduced a few years ago. This practice ensures that students learn cutting-edge information about emerging technologies, keeping them at the forefront of the industry.
Unparalleled Industry Connections
A distinguishing feature of the EDHEC MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking program is its strong ties to industry professionals. This connection gives students a key advantage after graduation.
The Société Générale Partnership
One of the largest banks in France and a major player in the European financial landscape, Société Générale, plays a vital role in the program’s delivery. Senior investment bankers from various teams at Société Générale often participate in the courses. They share their extensive knowledge, expertise, and recent case studies with students. This close collaboration with industry professionals truly distinguishes the program.
Starting this year, a joint EDHEC-Société Générale investment banking case competition will be launched. Students will work on a case designed by managers at Société Générale. Shortlisted students will present their work to senior managers at Société Générale for feedback. The winning team will be announced, providing a “great sort of advantage for our students to closely work with people at Société Générale on something very important and practical for them,” according to Hamid. (1:58)
Hands-On Learning and Real-World Practitioner Insights
Hamid explains the career benefits of EDHEC’s close industry ties, “We use real-life cases and [a] hands-on teaching approach for [students] to be able to feel comfortable with the practical aspects of the job. In addition, we have actual practitioners and investment bankers as our professors.” (3:18)
For example, the project finance, private equity, and investment banking courses are taught by industry experts. This ensures that the education you receive is not only academically rigorous but also practically relevant.
Comprehensive Career Services and Alumni Network
Beyond classroom learning, workshops and alumni talks take place throughout the program. These events expose students to different career paths and job opportunities. It also offers an excellent networking opportunity to meet alumni working in the industry.
For students seeking internships or full-time employment, EDHEC provides outstanding support. The EDHEC Career Center, recognized by the Financial Times for its top-ranking services, is second to none. They assist students from their first day, helping them prepare for interviews and build personal development plans. The center also connects students with top potential employers.
Furthermore, EDHEC boasts one of the largest alumni networks. This network is invaluable, greatly helping students discover opportunities and secure jobs that best suit their aspirations.
Diverse Career Paths and Popular Electives
Graduates from the EDHEC MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking program typically pursue two main career paths.
Top Destinations: Investment Banking & Consulting
The most popular career path is investment banking, where graduates typically find roles within various teams in the field.
The second most popular path is in consulting. Many graduates go on to work for leading consulting companies such as McKinsey, Deloitte, and PwC. These outcomes reflect the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for high-demand roles.
In-Demand Specializations: Private Equity and Project Finance
While all of the elective courses are popular, two stand out: private equity and project finance. These electives are highly sought after due to the career paths they enable. Many students are keenly interested in delving deep into the private equity field, making the private equity course a top choice.
This course allows students to learn academic concepts and gain practical experience in identifying target companies, evaluating them, negotiating deals, and finalizing transactions.
Project finance is also increasingly popular among students. Senior bankers at Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB), a renowned French bank, teach the coursework. This provides students with crucial expertise in order to develop current knowledge in that area.
Distinguishing Features Beyond Academics
A Holistic Approach
EDHEC takes a holistic approach to student development. Hamid shares, “I believe we offer three key advantages; the first one is that we have excellent faculty, the second one is our strong industry connections, and the third one, which is also very important, is the genuine care that our professors and EDHEC as a whole show towards our students throughout this program.” (6:22)
Prioritizing Student Well-being
Perhaps surprisingly, a non-academic aspect that distinguishes the program is its deep care for students’ physical and mental well-being. A few years ago, the EDHEC Running Club was created. This club organizes weekly runs involving both professors and students. They even participate in races together and have made it to the podium multiple times.
This initiative has expanded to include all EDHEC students and faculty. However, it remains an important part of the MSc program. This focus on well-being indirectly supports academic excellence, fostering a healthy environment conducive to learning and growth.
Why Should I Study Corporate Finance and Banking at EDHEC?
The EDHEC MSc Corporate Finance & Banking program, as detailed by Academic Director Hamid Boustanifar, offers a compelling pathway to a successful career in finance. Its robust curriculum is deeply integrated with industry connections, especially with Société Générale. Its strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning provides students with an unparalleled advantage.
Coupled with comprehensive career support and a genuine commitment to student well-being, this program equips graduates with the technical prowess needed for top roles in investment banking and consulting. Moreover, it nurtures their overall development.
Choosing EDHEC means choosing a future where academic rigor meets real-world relevance, setting you apart in a competitive global landscape.
Want to study at EDHEC? Take our eligibility quiz to see if you qualify!
