Each year, ESSEC’s Master in Finance (MiF) students step beyond the classroom and into the heart of global finance through immersive international study trips. In April 2025, the cohort of 55 students from both the Cergy and Singapore campuses had the privilege of joining an unforgettable journey to New York City—arguably the world’s most iconic financial hub.

From Wall Street to Midtown: Finance in Action

New York’s energy is unlike any other, and it served as the perfect backdrop for a deep dive into the financial sector. Over the course of a week, students visited top-tier institutions such as BlackRock, Point72, Nasdaq, Evercore, Citi, Merrill Lynch, BNP Paribas, Ardian, Tikehau Capital, Lafayette, Moody’s, and the CFA Institute.

These visits were beyond corporate walkthroughs—they were opportunities to connect with industry professionals, explore different business lines, and discuss the macro trends shaping today’s financial landscape. Whether it was understanding buy-side versus sell-side operations or exploring the role of alternative investments in modern portfolios, each meeting brought classroom concepts to life.

A Student-Led Experience – the ESSEC Way

True to ESSEC’s “learning by doing” ethos, the study trip was entirely organized by students—from company outreach and scheduling to liaising with alumni and coordinating networking events. As part of the organizing team, MiF student Marie Hotton witnessed firsthand how much goes on behind the scenes, and how rewarding it was to see the cohort benefit from a schedule that reflected the full spectrum of financial interests—investment banking, asset management, trading, and private equity.

Making Strong Connections Through the ESSEC Network

One of the most memorable moments of the trip was the alumni cocktail evening in Manhattan. In a warm and relaxed setting, current students met with ESSEC graduates working in New York. Some were familiar faces, while others shared fresh perspectives from different corners of the industry. It was a powerful reminder of the strength, reach, and generosity of the ESSEC alumni network—and the value of nurturing these connections as students navigate their careers.

Building Bridges Across Campuses and Looking Ahead

Marie reflects, “As a student from the ESSEC APAC campus specializing in the Financial Markets track, I especially valued the chance to meet my peers from Cergy. Until this point, many of us had only collaborated virtually. Over shared coffees between meetings, subway rides through Manhattan, and group dinners that turned into late-night chats, we built new friendships and strengthened our cohort bond.”

She also notes, “This study trip to New York has been a defining moment in my ESSEC APAC journey. It reinforced my passion for finance, expanded my professional network, and gave me a clearer view of the path ahead. I return to Singapore more motivated, more connected, and more inspired to contribute meaningfully to the finance industry.”

For prospective MiF students, this experience is more than just a passport stamp—it’s a transformative opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and personally.

Author: Marie Hotton