Back

IÉSEG’s Master in Finance: a tailored program for the evolving financial landscape

While the job market is increasingly competitive, IÉSEG’s Master in Finance stands out as it combines academic excellence, practical experience, and a deep understanding of industry trends. With its recent redesign, the program is more aligned than ever with the realities of the finance world.

A dual specialization approach for targeted careers

One of the program’s key strengths lies in its dual-track specialization. As Deniz ERDEMLIOGLU, Academic Co-Director of the Master in Finance, explains: “Our program stands out thanks to its dual-track specialization that allows students to tailor their education to their career aspirations.” Yulia TITOVA, Academic Co-Director of the Master in Finance, adds: “This flexibility is a major asset for our students, enabling them to build strong, targeted profiles whether they aim for corporate finance, consulting, investment banking, or fintech sectors.”

The Financial Analysis track is designed for those looking to work in consulting, corporate finance, or financial management. It focuses on core areas such as corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, valuation, and financial statement analysis. On the other hand, the Banking, Capital Markets, and Financial Technology track offers an in-depth exploration of asset pricing, capital markets, and financial innovation, preparing students for roles in investment banking, fintech, or asset management.

A redesigned program for a rapidly changing industry

Redesigned in 2024, the Master in Finance was updated to better reflect the current and future needs of the financial industry. The redesign aimed to align the program more closely with industry expectations. The new structure introduces a clearer separation between the two tracks, and places a stronger emphasis on areas like artificial intelligence, sustainable finance, ESG principles, and technological innovation in finance. It also integrates new academic and pedagogical tools, ensuring students acquire both the quantitative and managerial competencies needed to thrive.

Addressing emerging trends in finance

The updated curriculum now embeds essential knowledge on the most critical trends shaping the industry. Students gain insights into sustainable finance to meet the growing demand for responsible investment strategies. They explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning can be applied to financial analysis, while developing their understanding of digital assets and decentralized finance through dedicated courses on data analytics and blockchain technologies. Further modules delve into firm valuation, banking operations, regulatory frameworks, and trading technologies. As Deniz ERDEMLIOGLU points out, “Our students benefit from a tailored curriculum that evolves continuously to reflect industry trends and technological innovations.”

Strong corporate ties and real-world experience

The program’s close relationship with the professional world is reflected in its dynamic approach to teaching. Industry professionals regularly lead guest lectures and workshops, while real-world case studies are carried out with the support of adjunct and visiting professors from top financial institutions. Students also take part in company visits to observe daily operations firsthand, and participate in major competitions such as the CFA Research Challenge. Yulia TITOVA highlights: “Real-world exposure is critical. Preparing students for professional certifications like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or competitions such as CFA Research Challenge not only strengthens technical skills but also develops the strategic thinking and professionalism that employers value most. It also provides great networking opportunities for our students”. Deniz ERDEMLIOGLU also stresses the importance of these connections: “It’s essential for us to maintain effective collaboration with companies to build a bridge between theory and practice.” This strong professional exposure plays a key role in preparing students for the realities of the job market.

Career support and practical tools

Beyond academic knowledge, the Master in Finance offers comprehensive career support to help students start their professional journey. Internships are a core part of the program, providing crucial hands-on experience. Students have access to Bloomberg Terminals, allowing them to work with real-time market data and sharpen their analytical skills. They also benefit from career workshops, networking events, alumni sessions, and company meetings that enrich their understanding of the industry. “We work with a dedicated corporate relations and career team to ensure students leave not only with technical expertise, but also with the practical experience and connections they need to succeed,” concludes Deniz ERDEMLIOGLU. Yulia TITOVA complements: “Supporting our students’ career ambitions is at the heart of our mission. Through a combination of technical training, mentoring, and personalized guidance, we help them turn their potential into lasting success.”