The journey to a fulfilling finance career rarely follows a linear path. Many professionals realize that their true calling lies in the dynamic world of finance after exploring other disciplines. ESSEC Asia-Pacific’s Master in Finance (MiF) program has become a transformative launchpad for these career pivots, offering the perfect blend of academic rigor and practical exposure.

Students from diverse professional backgrounds—engineering, commerce, and beyond—find in ESSEC MiF the ideal platform to leverage their existing skills while developing specialized financial expertise.

ESSEC MiF’s global perspective makes it particularly effective for career transitions. With campuses in Singapore and France, students gain exposure to Asian and European financial markets, broadening their horizons and opening doors to international opportunities.

Engineering Precision Meets Financial Markets

For Emmanuelle Roussi, the transition from electrical engineering to finance began with an unexpected encounter with market theory. “Funny enough, I first came across financial markets through quantitative research papers! Before even fully understanding the mechanics of financial markets, I was intrigued by stochastic processes applied to pricing,” she shares.

This intellectual curiosity led her to ESSEC’s MiF program, where her engineering background provided a solid analytical foundation for tackling complex financial concepts.

The transition wasn’t immediate—it involved careful consideration and industry exposure. “Conversations with finance experts helped her realize the depth and complexity of the field,” she notes, highlighting how the MiF program became the critical bridge between her engineering background and finance aspirations.

From Commerce to Corporate Finance

Daksh Madaan‘s journey began with a strong foundation in commerce and accounting at the University of Delhi. His pursuit of the CFA certification demonstrated his commitment to finance, but he recognized that he needed specialized education to achieve his long-term goals.

“I was drawn to a program that not only provided technical and strategic training but also offered exposure to both Asian and European financial markets,” Daksh shares, explaining his strategic decision to join ESSEC’s MiF program in Singapore.

His background in accounting gave him valuable context for understanding financial statements and business operations—skills that proved transferable to corporate finance and investment banking. Through ESSEC’s MiF program, he built upon this foundation while gaining hands-on experience through internships.

Finding Your Path Within Finance

The MiF program facilitates transitions into finance and helps students navigate between different finance specializations. Marie Hotton discovered her true calling through the program’s flexible structure.

“During my first year in the program, I took the time to take a step back, test out different roles, and ultimately understand where I belong in finance,” she reflects.

After internships in sales, trading, and investment banking, Marie boldly decided to follow her passion for market dynamics, even turning down a secure offer to pursue her true interest. The program’s Financial Markets Track provided her with the specialized knowledge she needed to build a career aligned with her strengths and interests.

“I wanted to build a career in Financial Markets, where every day is a new puzzle and your insights can directly influence outcomes,” she explains.

Key Takeaways for Prospective Career Changers

Transitioning to finance requires careful planning, hands-on experience, and a global perspective—all elements central to ESSEC’s MiF program. For those considering a similar journey, Emmanuelle, Daksh, and Marie’s experiences offer invaluable insights.

Emmanuelle advises: “There isn’t just one single path to success. Adaptability and exploration are just as important as having a clear plan.” This mindset has served her well, taking her from engineering in France to an internship at Morgan Stanley in London.

The ESSEC MiF program continues to catalyze remarkable career transformations, proving that with the right education, determination, and global perspective, successful transitions into finance are not just possible—they’re advantageous, bringing fresh perspectives and diverse thinking to an ever-evolving industry.