In the competitive world of global finance, technical expertise alone isn’t enough to build a successful career. The relationships you cultivate, the diverse perspectives you encounter, and the professional community you join can be equally transformative.

ESSEC Asia-Pacific’s Master in Finance (MiF) program recognizes this reality, deliberately investing in creating a vibrant community far beyond graduation day.

This community begins with the program’s internationally diverse cohort, which draws students from various countries, professional backgrounds, and career stages.

It’s strengthened through shared experiences, from challenging coursework to international study trips. And it’s sustained through ESSEC’s robust alumni network, which spans continents and finance specializations.

A Diverse Cohort: Learning From Each Other

The ESSEC MiF community begins with a carefully selected student cohort representing diverse nationalities, professional backgrounds, and perspectives.

This diversity becomes a learning asset, as Daksh Madaan, an Indian MiF student, explains: “Being surrounded by peers from different backgrounds and cultures has broadened my global perspective and fostered collaboration, which is essential in finance.”

Emmanuelle Roussi, a French student who transitioned from engineering to finance, highlights the supportive atmosphere this diversity creates: “The solidarity among students and the constant support from professors make this an empowering experience.”

She values how this environment encourages intellectual exchange: “We discuss market trends, exchange insights, and challenge each other’s perspectives, making every day intellectually exciting.”

Building Bridges Across Campuses

ESSEC’s dual-campus structure—with locations in Singapore and Cergy, France—creates opportunities for MiF students to expand their networks globally. Marie Hotton, a Financial Markets Track student, experienced this firsthand during the New York City study trip.

“As a student from the Singapore campus specializing in the Financial Markets track, I especially valued meeting my peers from Cergy. Until now, many of us had only collaborated virtually,” she shares.

The trip transformed digital connections into meaningful relationships: “Over shared coffees between meetings, subway rides through Manhattan, and group dinners that turned into late-night chats, we built new friendships and strengthened our cohort bond.”

These cross-campus connections extend students’ networks across continents, creating a global community. This aspect of the study trip was particularly valuable for Marie: “I return to Singapore more motivated, more connected, and more inspired to contribute meaningfully to the finance industry.”

Student Ambassadors: Giving Back to the Community

Many MiF students strengthen the community by serving as student ambassadors, helping prospective and incoming students navigate their journeys.

Daksh explains his motivation: “When I joined ESSEC Asia-Pacific, I had a seamless onboarding experience, and I wanted to help others transition just as smoothly.”

Emmanuelle similarly embraces this role. Through her 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.”

The ESSEC MiF community provides more than just a temporary social circle during student years—it creates a professional foundation that supports graduates throughout their careers.

Marie reflects on her New York experience: “This study trip to New York has been a defining moment in my ESSEC Asia-Pacific journey. It reinforced my passion for finance, expanded my professional network, and gave me a clearer view of the path ahead.”