Alumni
Swiss Finance Academy Alumni
91 testimonials written by Swiss Finance Academy participants between 2008 and 2015: why they applied, what the weeks were like, and what they carried into their careers. Republished from the Academy’s original alumni blog with names, photographs and dates as written.
Three to start with
Read the full testimonial →“The structure of the course is what intrigued me the most. I strongly believe, that the intensive nature of the course, and the fact that it does not only focus on one, but several modules of finance can lead to a multifaceted approach to financial cases and a more advanced, practical and consistent learning. Additionally, I was impressed by the…”
Read the full testimonial →“I carefully chosen Swiss Finance I-B program because the program's curriculum is very rich and covers almost all academic aspects of investment banking as well as practical industry elements. The overall aim of the program is provide the participants with the necessary skills to excel in Investment banking, international capital markets, valuation, M & A's, LBO's, Venture capital, Private equity,…”
Read the full testimonial →“I wanted to attend the Swiss Finance Academy because it would give me first hand exposure to a variety of fields and help to pave my way in this industry. I constantly strive to surround myself with the greatest minds in the fields I am interested in. From an early age I recognized the importance of developing mentors. This mindset…”
Every testimonial
The structure of the course is what intrigued me the most. I strongly believe, that the intensive nature of the course, and the fact that it does not only focus on one,…
It isn't often that you get a chance to participate in a program that has such an impact on your career opportunities, while at the same time offering an amazing worldwide network…
I would like to thank you for the great Investment Banking experience in Switzerland. The experience really enhanced my knowledge and skills i.e. modeling in excel, and the discussions about the markets.…
The program not only improved our knowledge in investment banking and capital markets fundamentals but, equally important, prompted us to think about what we really want to do in our lives. The…
They are virtues that are pertinent not only to practical fields, but also to one’s day-to-day living and thought process as a citizen and a leader. Furthermore, given that one of my…
I hoped to use my experience at Swiss Finance to focus my interests and to suggest a path of study that would facilitate my ambitions. When looking into Swiss Finance, I contacted…
I also gained valuable interview skills. So now not only do I know what I want to do with my life, but have the skills necessary to make it happen. It is…
Since I was an international student living in a culturally and intellectually diverse environment at college, I believed that I would benefit tremendously from the opportunity of exploring the world of finance…
On the way to the airport on Saturday, I was very tired and sad ... I just wanted to say it was a great time for me being in SFA. It was…
Swiss Finance prepared informed and enlightened me so I was able to take my Finance knowledge learned at university and put it to practical use at Swis Finance. The amount of financial…
I hope with the foundation of investment learned at the Swiss Finance Academy along with my future aspirations, I will be able to attain that goal. I knew that if I could…
An internship I attended at the portfolio management department of Finansbank gave me a good opportunity to verify that a future environment of this general category would give me a sense of…
After hearing of the program’s rigorous curriculum and schedule, I was very intrigued. I evaluated their website to see for myself, and the range of topics covered seemed like the program would…
I carefully chosen Swiss Finance I-B program because the program's curriculum is very rich and covers almost all academic aspects of investment banking as well as practical industry elements. The overall aim…
I have a strong preference and interest in sales and trading, but have a general passion for all areas of investment banking business. To reach this goal, outstanding academic performance must be…
Despite interning while being a full-time student, I felt that I was not learning enough about the financial field as I would have liked. I wanted to explore the business and challenge…
However, a job in investment banking and international finance remained as a primary career choice, largely due to my interest in its significance upon macroeconomics. I wanted to explore the dynamics of…
Pursuing a career in this field demands keen intellectual instincts, a desire to work hard, and dedication to continually learn more and stay aware of world events. In order to continue learning…
It is a really great intensive program. The program brings people from all over the world who want to learn about finance. They come with different perspectives but with a common interest.…
Though I majored in Economics, I was able to study philosophy, psychology, and fine arts. While this undergraduate experience helped to shape me into a well-rounded person, my aspiration was to secure…
I really enjoyed attending Swiss Finance and I just wanted to say thank you for teaching us about investment banking and asset management. The lessons I have learned from you regarding office…
Having been out of college for two years and not having had direct practical experience in the arena of finance, I was seeking training at the Swiss Finance Academy to help me…
The Swiss Finance program appeared to be a productive way to dramatically improve my investment banking skills, and objective aligned with my professional aspirations. How did the program equip you with skills…
I like the way the course is organized, step by step and little by little, the parallel between accounting world and I-banking world. Very smooth. I like the material covered, it's just…
I was confident that a rigorous course like this, combined with my university study would provide me with all the tools that one requires to be a successful investment banker. How did…
The more I read about the program, the more I became interested in it. The program quickly became my number one choice for the summer. I have a good deal of knowledge…
That and the confidence to walk into a room prepared and certain that I am going to impress my audience. Notes from the participant's academic and career journal at Swiss Finance: What…
I became determined to learn the language of finance, and its complex grammar. Though I had completed my MBA, it was apparent to me that I needed further education to pursue my…
In order to fully understand Wall Street, the financial City of London and the Swiss Banking industry and to reach my long-term goal in succeeding in the rough and competitive world of…
My business is poised to greatly expand, and I plan to be actively involved in the financing process. I knew that taking Swiss Finance’s summer program would enable me to gain an…
I was especially attracted by the curriculum of the program, which would improve my understanding of both the hedge fund and corporate finance sectors, therefore offering me a greater perspective on capital…
I had not heard of any others with the same reputation. I was interested in applying to the program so I would be best prepared for future internships and job trainings, both…
Above all else, my academic ambition has been to apply my knowledge of economics to the corporate world. Though it is always challenging to connect theory with real-life situations, I was intrigued…
Having entered university at the tender age of sixteen, it was very difficult to grasp the gravity of the situation. It was difficult to realize that university was the last stepping stone…
Though the Bachelor of Commerce program at McGill has exposed me to many aspects of the business world such as marketing, accounting, and economics, investment banking has always interested me the most.…
I assessed that the opportunity would certainly broaden my horizons and mark an important chapter in this significant phase of my life. How do you think your Swiss Finance experience will help…
I knew early on that I wanted to pursue a career in finance. Specifically, I have wanted to work with the capital markets. I have found that I am good with the…
The program’s intensity is what appealed to me. In college, I majored in Economics and Chinese, but lacked specific finance training. After securing an internship with ICBC Credit Suisse in Beijing for…
Swiss Finance was recommended to me by an economics professor. Throughout college I had a strong interest in entrepreneurship and became actively involvement in entrepreneurship and consulting groups. The program looked interesting…
The classes that I took at Swiss Finance Academy were totally different from anything that I experienced at university, even though I had taken courses in finance, business, economics and accounting. Unlike…
At the beginning of the program I did not know much about finance but now I feel as though I can have an intelligent conversation on certain topics within the field. I…
At the time I was considering Swiss Finance there were several factors which ultimately influenced my decision to attend. The first factor was that I wanted a rigorous study abroad program. In…
Having lived and experienced business culture in multiple countries, I appreciated the diverse study body as well as the instructors’ international business experience. Prior to attending Swiss Finance, I was well-aware of…
Through the course of my MBA studies, I was exposed to many aspects of business and management. What strongly appealed with me however, were classes such as Equity and Capital Markets, Portfolio…
Memorable! I made friends with so many fascinating people here. I have a very international background, so I loved meeting people from all over the world who have an interest in the…
As a Mathematical Sciences major, I developed skills which would allow me to pursue a variety of careers. Yet, while my skills were widely applicable, I lacked industry-specific knowledge of how they…
“The industry of my choice…” I didn’t even know what that was until Swiss Finance, so I guess that is one way the program helped me, it made it clear to me…
The people teaching were approachable and had come from interesting backgrounds. The mix of culture in the class was great. I liked how classes were at times more conversation and less theory…
If you want to simply know the facts of finance, you should read one of the countless books written on the subject, but if you want to get into the world, you…
Everyone who interviewed me at Capital Group was very impressed and moved when I spoke of my amazing experiences at Swiss Finance and I absolutely attribute this opportunity to what I took…
I learned not only technical materials but I learned how to think like a banker and fit in with this elite community. I also met some truly amazing people and made some…
As one of the few liberal arts majors with no background in finance, I figured I would struggle and I will admit the course was intimidating at first. But by being so…
As I entered my senior year at Duke, I was very interested in interviewing for jobs in the finance industry, but as a history and religion major, I really had no background…
Exposure to finance and economics classes had opened a new realm of career opportunities that I was excited to explore. Investment banking and corporate finance drew me. College classes could only provide…
My brother had taken this program and mentioned how it was a great experience for him in his professional career. After hearing about it, I began to research about the program and…
I wanted to attend the Swiss Finance Academy because it would give me first hand exposure to a variety of fields and help to pave my way in this industry. I constantly…
I knew that I wanted to work in business of some sort, and I was especially interested in asset management and banking. I decided to attend Swiss Finance because I wanted to…
Video testimonial Brianne B. Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
I am just writing an email to you, to show my appreciation for the Training program last summer. From these rigorous weeks at Swiss Finance. I have learned the essential tools for…
Video testimonial Ashley-Anne B. Testimonial Video
Hello, Wow, what an adventure! I’ve learned and grown so much during those three weeks. I didn't know that the class would last 12-14 hours a day. It turned out to be…
I would like to express my gratitude for the great program you have provided us in Lugano, earlier in the summer. The Swiss Finance Academy program has been a life changing experience…
I want to thank you for a great three weeks. Coming from a small liberal arts college, I had no idea what to expect going in and I can't believe how much…
Video testimonial Jolin A. Swiss Finance Experience
Video testimonial Arthur L. Testimonial Summer 2008
Video testimonial Swiss Finance Academy Experience
Video testimonial Ife S. Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08 Testimonial
Video testimonial Mohammed L. Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Video testimonial Nicholas H. Testimonial Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
I am so happy to be classmates with the most ambitious peers in the world, but I am even happier to be your student--a top investment banker with wild knowledge and nice…
Video testimonial Matthew F. Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Hello. I hope everything is going well for you. My name is Matt and I was in the investment banking program in Lugano that just ended a few weeks ago. I just…
Hello, Joanna here, from the recent Swiss Finance Academy class in Lugano. I just want to express my very good impressions of the program. I went into Lugano knowing basically next to…
I just wanted to thank you for making my time at the Swiss Finance Academy in Lugano into a truly transformational experience. Being a huge soccer fan, I can testify to this…
I could not help myself from getting on my computer after a few hours of needed sleep to thank you for an amazing program. I always knew that with time, I would…
I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to attend Swiss Finance Academy. The program was extremely challenging, which was great practice for the real world of investment banking. The curriculum taught…
I want to thank you for the wonderful program that Swiss Finance Academy has provided, I think I learnt incredible amount of material in just three weeks. It was a lot of…
I know it has been a few weeks since Swiss Finance Academy has come to an end, but not a day goes by where I do not think of something that took…
First of all I would like to thank you for organizing such an excellent program, I was extremely satisfied (and extremely worn out...) and my career ambitions has now risen to completely…
I really enjoyed attending Swiss Finance Academy, and I just wanted to say thank you for teaching us about investment banking and asset management. The lessons I have learned from you regarding…
I wanted to thank you for such a rewarding and fun experience! I am sure you have been told this repeatedly lately, but I am very grateful for your time and help.…
It was a pleasure to see you again in Lugano [this time as an alum]. I am delighted to see that Swiss Finance Academy is growing and gaining recognition. I spoke to…
I hope this note finds you well, and that you are recuperating from such a busy month! I just wanted to sincerely thank you for all of your kindness over the past…
I just wanted to thank you for giving me the chance to participate in the whole Swiss Finance Academy experience. It was extremely rewarding and I was able to learn so much…
I did not get a chance to explicitly thank-you. Over the past four weeks I can safely say that I learnt a lot not only in terms of Investment Banking Finance but…
Many thanks for an inspiring four weeks in Switzerland. Incredibly intense and extremely challenging, the SFA program has afforded me an opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the Investment Banking world and…
I'm e-mailing you because I just would like to say "Thank you" for last 2 weeks. Even if the program was pretty difficult fo me, now I can tell for sure it…
The two weeks I spent at Swiss Finance Academy was the best time of my life. The knowledge I gained through is program was truly invaluable. At the same time, I also…
Hope you are doing well. It was a pleasure meeting you... Thanks for all the help, advice, and support you provided during this fantastic program. I really gained more than I expected…
I just wanted to write and thank you for the past two weeks. I feel that I really made some positive steps forward over that time and significantly increased my chances by…
Thanks a lot for having me for that course, it really was one of the best months of my life - I learnt a lot of new Finance concepts, made a lot…
Swiss Finance Academy now teaches online: an Investment Banking Course, an Institutional Investors Course, a one-to-one Mentorship Program and self-paced deal simulations. The standards these alumni describe are the same ones the programs are built to.