The Gateway to Global Finance: Discovering ESCP's Master's Program
- A. Santos
- Nov 26, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 12
Finance is the lifeblood of the global economy, driving decisions that shape markets, businesses, and societies. As this sector evolves to embrace technological innovations, sustainability, and new economic paradigms, the need for purpose-driven, forward-thinking financial leaders has never been greater.
It was with this in mind that I attended the ESCP Business School Open Day, eager to dive into the institution's vision and discover what sets its Master in Finance apart. ESCP is not just another business school—it is the world’s first, established in 1819 by economists and entrepreneurs who envisioned education as a tool for global impact. For over 200 years, its mission has been to cultivate leaders who make positive contributions to business, society, and the planet.
The numbers alone are staggering. ESCP boasts 6 urban campuses—in Paris, London, Madrid, Berlin, Turin, and Warsaw—serving over 10,000 students of 135 nationalities. With a network of 85,000 alumni in 200 countries, and more than 190 research-active professors from 42 nationalities, ESCP’s global reach and academic rigor are unmatched. Ranked by the Financial Times as the 1º Master in Finance in 2024, the school continues to set benchmarks for excellence, placing 4th among European business schools and 2nd for its Executive MBA.
Attending the Open Day was not only an opportunity to explore ESCP’s exceptional academic programs but also to immerse myself in its values: diversity, multiculturalism, and interdisciplinarity. The Master in Finance, delivered across its Paris and London campuses, exemplifies these principles, combining technical expertise with a global perspective to prepare students for the challenges of an ever-evolving financial landscape.
A Personal Experience from the Open Day
One of the moments that had the greatest impact on me during the Open Day was the conversation I had with one of the students from the Master in Finance. I was impressed by the clarity with which they explained how the program tackles financial problems through real-world case studies, with both an academic and practical approach—one of the key pillars of the "Plug and Play" program. It’s clear that the Master not only prepares you to understand the technical aspects of finance but also fosters the development of critical thinking skills, which will allow you to make informed decisions in a global and ever-changing environment.
Furthermore, the Montparnasse campus, where part of the Master in Finance is held, perfectly reflects ESCP’s international mission. During the tour, I observed how students from different cultures interact with each other, creating a vibrant and diverse learning environment. Being surrounded by such a talented and multicultural group made me realize how valuable this educational experience would be.
Joining ESCP is more than an academic journey; it’s an invitation to adopt its vision and learn how to make informed, enlightened choices in a complex world. For anyone seeking to lead in finance, ESCP is not just a destination—it’s a launchpad.
Insights into the Master in Finance Program
A highlight of the Open Day was the presentation by Philippe Thomas, Academic Director of the Master in Finance, who provided an in-depth overview of the program’s structure, objectives, and distinctive approach. He outlined the program’s clear mission: to shape experts in investment banking and capital markets capable of excelling in international professional environments. The intensive, full-time format ensures that graduates are equipped to secure high-ranking positions in finance immediately after completing their studies.
“Joining the Master in Finance at ESCP under the guidance of Philippe Thomas and other outstanding professors was a transformative experience. The program sharpened my skills, deepened my understanding of the financial industry, and prepared me to tackle its challenges with confidence. I am truly grateful for the knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities this Master has provided, which continue to shape my professional journey.” — Aimeric Chadenier, Class of 2022. Credit Sales at Lloyds Bank.
A Dynamic Curriculum for Future Financial Leaders
Thomas described the program’s carefully structured curriculum, designed to blend rigorous technical training with practical exposure and professional development. The timeline is divided into several distinct phases:
July – Fundamentals of Management: The program begins with fundamental management courses, mandatory for students holding degrees equivalent to fewer than 240 ECTS credits. This phase provides a solid grounding in essential concepts for those transitioning into the program.
September to November – Core Courses: All students, including those with 240 ECTS credits, join during this period for common courses and mandatory seminars in September. These sessions are designed to align the cohort and prepare them for the more specialized tracks ahead.
November to April – Specialization Tracks: Students choose between two specialized tracks.
Corporate Investment Banking
Financial Markets
These tracks dive deep into specific areas of finance, blending technical coursework with case studies and simulations to mirror real-world challenges.
April – Professional Mission: The program culminates in a professional mission, offering students hands-on experience in the financial sector. This phase is critical for applying the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program to real-world scenarios.
A Diverse and Inclusive Learning Environment
Philippe Thomas also emphasized the diversity of the Master in Finance cohort, a key feature of the program. The most recent class includes students from a range of academic backgrounds:
40% from business schools
38% from economics, business, or finance degrees
22% from engineering fields
The program’s international nature is reflected in its student demographics, with 67% of participants coming from outside France. Gender diversity is another focus, with 33% women and 67% men contributing to a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
A Launchpad for Global Careers
The Master in Finance’s dual-campus format, with foundational courses held in Paris and specialized training conducted in London, provides students with unique exposure to two of Europe’s key financial hubs. This geographic diversity, combined with ESCP’s emphasis on soft skills development and technical expertise, ensures graduates are well-prepared to thrive in global financial roles.
For those of us attending the Open Day, Philippe Thomas’s presentation brought the program’s impact to life, highlighting how it equips students to meet the challenges of an ever-changing financial landscape. From its meticulous curriculum design to its mission of fostering purpose-driven leaders, the Master in Finance stands as a transformative experience for aspiring professionals in the field.
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