If you had told Anthony Delorme five years ago that he’d be leading finance society events in Singapore and organizing a study trip to Hong Kong, he might have laughed. Back then, Anthony was a French student, more comfortable with spreadsheets than public speaking, and still figuring out what kind of future he wanted. But every story has a turning point.

For Anthony, it was a university exchange to Canada. It wasn’t just a change of scenery; it was a mindset shift. He met students from around the world, learned to adapt quickly, and pushed himself to communicate in a second language. He realized how much he thrived in international environments. And deep down, he knew he didn’t want that experience to be a one-off.

He wanted to live and build a career across borders, and Asia called to him. That’s when ESSEC’s Master in Finance (MIF) entered the picture.

Charting a Path: ESSEC’s Master in Finance and the Embrace of Asia

The MIF program checked all the boxes: academic rigor, real-world exposure, and a strong presence in Asia. Starting his studies in Singapore wasn’t just practical; it was strategic. Anthony had already developed a growing interest in Asian financial markets, and he wanted to be right where the action was. Once he arrived at ESSEC’s APAC campus, the pace picked up fast.

Anthony chose the Corporate Finance track, focusing on valuation, deal structuring, and strategic advisory work—the kind of skills he’d need for a future in investment banking. He was fortunate to earn a merit-based scholarship to attend Tsinghua University’s PBCSF Summer Program in China, which opened another door into the region’s financial ecosystem.

Beyond the Classroom: Real-World Experience and Campus Leadership

But learning didn’t stop in the classroom. Before ESSEC, Anthony had completed a two-year apprenticeship as an M&A Analyst at BPCE Group in France. He worked on everything from financial models to pitchbooks to client deliverables. He even trained new interns, a surprisingly rewarding part of the job that taught him the value of mentorship and team continuity.

That foundation gave him the confidence to contribute and lead once he joined ESSEC. And lead he did.

Anthony became Head of Headhunters for the ESSEC APAC Finance Society, where he coordinated events with top banks like JP Morgan, UBS, and Lazard. Anthony also joined the campus as a Student Ambassador, advising incoming students, contributing to webinars, and helping to grow the ESSEC brand across borders.

Then came one of the biggest challenges and most fulfilling experiences of his student life: organizing the 2025 Master in Finance Study Trip to Hong Kong. Anthony took on the role of lead coordinator, managing logistics, securing visits to firms like KKR, Natixis, and HKEX, and putting together a major networking night for students, alumni, and partners.

It was tough. It was hectic. And it was worth every second.

The Next Chapter: From Professional Vision to Life’s Lessons and Personal Pursuits

Now, he’s focused on building a career in investment banking, ideally working on cross-border M&A deals that connect businesses and markets across Asia. Anthony wants to bring not just technical skills, but cultural fluency and resilience to the table, the kind that only comes from lived experience.

His advice to future students? Be bold. Be curious. Be proactive. ESSEC will open doors, but it’s up to them to walk through them, ask questions, and build real relationships. That’s where growth happens.

And when he’s not buried in models or planning finance society events? You’ll probably find him:

• Watching the sunset at Marina Bay Sands
• Hunting for hawker food in Chinatown
• Enjoying drinks with friends at Boat Quay

To end, he’ll leave you with the quote that sums up his journey so far:

“Every challenge is an invitation to grow, if you dare to accept it. Because in the end, it’s not where you start, it’s where you’re headed that counts”.