A Globally Inspired Academic Background

For Emmanuelle Roussi, a French student originally from Martinique, the world has always been her classroom. Beginning her academic path at INSA Lyon in Electrical Engineering, her growing fascination with finance led her to pivot towards a new field.

“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.”

Driven by this curiosity, she decided to pivot her career and join ESSEC’s Master in Finance (MiF) program, a decision that allowed her to explore Asia for the first time. Now, she looks forward to her next adventure in London, where she has secured an internship at Morgan Stanley.

Transitioning from Engineering to Finance

Making the switch from engineering to finance was a process driven by intellectual exploration and exposure to industry professionals. Conversations with finance experts helped her realize the depth and complexity of the field. “I was truly impressed by the breadth of opportunities and the interconnectedness of finance, economics, and politics,” she shares.

As her passion grew, the MiF program at ESSEC presented the perfect opportunity to deepen her financial expertise while benefiting from a global learning environment.

Choosing ESSEC’s MiF: A Perfect Fit

Three key pillars influenced Emmanuelle’s decision to join ESSEC: Excellence, Culture, and Exposure. As one of the world’s top-ranked finance programs, the MiF at ESSEC offered rigorous training in finance, taught by experienced industry professionals.

The program’s Singapore track was another major draw.

“The opportunity to immerse myself in the Asian market through office visits, networking events, and real-world case studies was incredibly appealing.”

Beyond academics, the supportive application process reassured her that ESSEC was the right place. “From my first interactions with program representatives, I felt valued.”

An Enriching Experience at ESSEC

Now fully immersed in the MiF program, Emmanuelle highlights the strong sense of community as one of its most remarkable aspects. “The solidarity among students and the constant support from professors make this an empowering experience.”

She also values the program’s diversity, where students from various backgrounds create a stimulating learning environment. “We discuss market trends, exchange insights, and challenge each other’s perspectives, making every day intellectually exciting.”

Another standout feature is the program’s focus on career development. With access to networking events and job preparation resources, Emmanuelle feels well-equipped to enter the job market with confidence.

A Passion for Global Markets and Finance

What excites Emmanuelle the most about finance is its central role in shaping economies, politics, and corporate growth. “The financial industry has a direct impact on our daily lives, making it a powerful force in global decision-making.”

The field’s fast-paced and intellectually demanding nature also appeals to her.

“Finance requires both analytical skills and intuition. A macroeconomic fluctuation isn’t just an isolated event—it has cascading effects across markets, and understanding these interconnections is fascinating.”

A Career Built on Learning and Growth

Rather than defining a fixed career path, Emmanuelle views her journey in finance as a series of key milestones. “Joining the MiF program and securing an internship in Sales & Trading at Morgan Stanley were the first ones. Now, I’m focused on growing alongside my future team.”

Her engineering background equips her with strong analytical skills, while her time at ESSEC has enhanced her intuition and strategic thinking. She believes that combining these strengths, along with a team-oriented mindset, will set her apart in the competitive world of finance.

Above all, she values collaboration. “I’ve had the privilege of working with professionals from diverse backgrounds. What I enjoy most is learning from others and contributing to shared successes—something I plan to continue throughout my career.”

Gaining Practical Experience

Before transitioning to finance, Emmanuelle gained experience in engineering, including a research internship in the defense industry where she first explored quantitative analysis. Her first direct exposure to financial services came during an internship at Crédit Agricole CIB, where she worked as a Business Analyst.

“This role allowed me to interact with professionals across various teams and gain a deeper understanding of how the financial industry operates.” After spending a year in a full-time position, her decision to pivot into the financial industry solidified.

Joining ESSEC’s MiF program became the logical next step, providing her with specialized training and industry connections to advance in her chosen field.

Leading and Inspiring as a Career Ambassador

Beyond academics, Emmanuelle plays an active role in the ESSEC community as a student career ambassador. In this position, she represents the school at events such as office visits, career fairs, and industry conferences.

Through her own journey across industries and countries, she hopes to inspire others. “There isn’t just one single path to success. Adaptability and exploration are just as important as having a clear plan.”

Advice for Future MiF Candidates

For prospective students considering the MiF program, Emmanuelle offers three key pieces of advice:

Maximize ESSEC’s Resources: “Engage with student ambassadors, attend online conferences and career fairs, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the recruitment team. They are there to guide you.”

Be Authentic: “The application process is an opportunity to showcase your personality and unique strengths. Be yourself and share what drives you.”

Believe in Yourself: “Every achievement, no matter how small, matters. Highlight your strengths and have confidence in what you bring to the table.”

A Future Shaped by Passion and Determination

As Emmanuelle prepares for the next phase of her career in London, she reflects on her journey with gratitude and excitement. From engineering to finance, from Martinique to Singapore, her path has been defined by curiosity, resilience, and a drive for excellence.

For her, ESSEC’s MiF program is more than just an education—it’s a transformative experience that has opened doors to new opportunities, connections, and lifelong learning. With a bright future ahead, she is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that the global financial industry has to offer.