• Learn more about finance in ESSEC’s Asia-Pacific campus.
• Gain an advantage in the workplace through a practical, hands-on approach.
• Career services provide exceptional support for the internship search.

Dario Faggi graduated from Luiss Guido Carli University in 2021. With a long-term view of working in investment banking or private equity, he took the ESSEC Master in Finance (MiF) program and joined the ESSEC Asia-Pacific campus.

Mid-way through the program, he completed a seven-month private equity internship at Azimut Group. He is preparing for a summer internship as an analyst at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

He shares how the MiF program at ESSEC Asia-Pacific has been crucial to his accomplishments thus far.

Why did you start at the ESSEC Asia-Pacific campus instead of Cergy?

Firstly, it is because of the location. Singapore is a hub for finance and commerce in the Asia-Pacific region, offering a unique blend of Western and Eastern cultures. This provides an excellent environment for learning about international finance and business.

Secondly, it is also because of its unique focus on Asia, which only a few other schools offer. It would be an excellent chance to specialize in a growing region in the finance industry.

Finally, Singapore is home to many international financial institutions. This was an opportunity to secure internships, gain practical experiences, and build valuable connections through career fairs and networking events.

How has your decision to come to Singapore paid off?

Overall, I believe I’ve developed a strong understanding of finance and business in Asia, and I’ve been able to establish valuable industry connections in the region.

I’ve also acquired the cross-cultural communication skills and global perspective necessary to succeed in a diverse, international environment.

In addition, I’ve enjoyed the social events organized by my cohort. Barbecues and sporting activities allowed us to bond with our classmates, build strong relationships, relieve stress, and have fun. I’ve made many great memories I will cherish for a long time.

Share about some career benefits you’ve experienced.

The MiF program’s strong foundation in business and finance definitely helped me excel in my internship at Azimut Group. For example, because I learned about the M&A market, investment strategies, leveraged buyout (LBO) modeling practices, and valuation techniques, I was able to contribute valuable insights and ideas to the origination process, execution phase, and post-deal management processes for the team I was in.

This is mainly because the Singapore campus emphasizes practical learning through numerous case studies, real-life projects, and guest speaker sessions.

These have helped me better understand the concepts I was learning in class and how they can be applied professionally.

Also, in my experience, the Career Services team was especially helpful in providing me with valuable resources and guidance, including resume reviews, mock interviews, and introductions to potential employers.

They also connected me with alumni who worked in the same industry, allowing me to learn more about the work culture and expectations of my desired role.

All this ultimately helped me secure the summer analyst position at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Some students may need help finding an internship. What would you say to them?

The ESSEC Asia Pacific campus provides support and resources to help students develop a broad regional network. Make the most of your time by taking advantage of the many opportunities available, such as case competitions and student clubs.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the professors and Career Services team for support and guidance. The ESSEC Asia-Pacific campus has strong connections with top financial institutions in the region, and the Career Center works closely with students to help them identify and apply for suitable internship opportunities.

In addition, the network of alumni and faculty at ESSEC Asia-Pacific can provide valuable connections and insights to help you in your search.

Finally, embrace the cultural diversity and get to know your classmates—you never know who will be your future business partner!