To Marie Hotton, one of the most valuable aspects of the ESSEC Master in Finance (MiF) is the freedom it provides to explore different areas of the financial industry before making long-term career decisions. For Marie, a current Financial Markets Track student, this flexibility played a key role in shaping her professional aspirations.

“During my first year in the program, I used the time to take a step back, try out different roles, and ultimately understand where I belong in the world of finance.”

Two Internships, Two Perspectives

Marie’s journey began with an internship in Paris on the Convertible Bonds Sales desk at Natixis. Working directly on the trading floor, she was immersed in the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of the markets.

“Every day brought a new challenge—from interpreting macroeconomic and microeconomic announcements to responding quickly to client demands,” she recalls. “Reactivity and curiosity were rewarded, and I found myself thriving in that dynamic, client-facing setting.”

It was this experience that first sparked her interest in markets.

Later that summer, Marie joined Rothschild & Co in London as an Equity Market Solutions Intern within the Investment Banking division. This new setting provided a contrasting, more structured environment.

“It was intellectually stimulating in a different way,” she explains. “I supported deal teams on ECM transactions and gained hands-on exposure to IPO mechanics, capital raising, and strategic advising.”

A Pivotal Decision

The internships gave Marie an insider’s view of both Sales & Trading and Investment Banking. By the end of her time in London, she was offered a return position in Rothschild’s graduate program—a competitive opportunity she greatly valued. But it also led to a moment of deep reflection.

“As I compared both experiences, I realized my passion lay elsewhere. I missed the fast pace, the market exposure, and the day-to-day complexity of the trading floor.”

Ultimately, Marie made the bold decision to turn down the offer and pivot toward her true passion. “It was difficult but necessary,” she says.

A Clear Path Forward

Marie decided to specialize in the Financial Markets track during her second year of the MiF program, aligning her academics with her career goals. Her determination paid off: she secured a coveted Summer internship at Citi in London within their Sales & Trading division.

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

Final Reflections

Looking back, Marie is grateful for the breadth of opportunities and support she found at ESSEC.

“The freedom to explore, the challenge of choosing, and the courage to pivot have all played a part in helping me define what I want to pursue next.”

Her advice to others? “Sometimes the harder path is the one worth taking. I’m excited to see where it leads.”