When Xuechun Kang left Beijing for Singapore, she wasn’t just switching cities. She was stepping into a new chapter of her professional life. A graduate of the University of International Business and Economics, Xuechun holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a focus on International Finance and Financial Markets. But despite her strong academic foundation, she was still exploring where in the finance world she truly belonged.

Why ESSEC, Why Finance, Why Fintech

For Xuechun, the structure of the ESSEC Master in Finance (MIF) program was a key draw. She appreciated its balance between technical depth and career exploration. “The 1.5-year duration gave me time to strengthen fundamentals while diving deeper into real-world applications,” she shared.

After gaining exposure to various finance careers through guest speakers and company visits, she gravitated toward the Fintech track. “It opened a new world I didn’t get to explore during my undergrad,” she said. The blend of finance, coding, and innovation felt like the perfect fit.

One highlight was the capstone project with BNP Paribas, where she worked on real-world cybersecurity and data challenges. “It was an eye-opening experience that helped me sharpen both technical and teamwork skills.”

Learning Beyond the Classroom

While the technical knowledge has been invaluable, what Xuechun treasures most are the real-life insights and mentorship from industry professionals. A conversation with one guest speaker—who shared the unique challenges of being a woman in finance—left a lasting impact. “Her story gave me a lot of motivation and confidence,” Xuechun recalled.

Equally enriching has been the cultural diversity on campus. “Interacting with classmates from different backgrounds has widened my perspective and made me more adaptable, an essential skill in finance.”

Charting a Future in Commodities Trading

Today, Xuechun has a clearer vision of where she wants to go. “I’m most interested in commodities and financial derivatives. The markets are fast-paced, strategic, and intellectually stimulating.” Her ideal path? Starting in a junior trading or research role and eventually leading trading strategies.

She hopes to bring a data-driven and risk-aware mindset to the role, while also promoting inclusion in a field where women are still underrepresented.

Beyond Academics: Finding Balance in Singapore

Outside of class, Xuechun keeps active through the campus badminton club. It’s more than just a sport—it’s a way to decompress, stay fit, and build strong friendships. “It helps me maintain balance,” she said.

Advice to Future MIF Candidates

For those considering the program, Xuechun offers practical advice: “Come with an open mind and be proactive. Try coding, take electives outside your comfort zone, and network widely. But most importantly, build real relationships with your classmates. You’ll learn as much from them as you do in class.”

Xuechun’s story is a reminder that the MIF experience is more than a degree. It’s a launchpad for discovering who you are and where you want to go.