Introduction
ESSEC Business School is a French grandes école having campuses in Singapore and Morocco, and is situated in Paris, France. Along with ESCP and HEC Paris, ESSEC is considered as one of the trois Parisiennes (three Parisians). It has earned the AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA triple crown accreditations.
The ESSEC MSc Finance review is useful for individuals desiring to gain a quick overview of the program and the school. The program has been continually ranking at number 5 as per Financial Times amongst the best Master in Finance program globally.
The program is tailored for those potential students aspiring to pursue a career in Corporate Finance, Capital Markets, FinTech, Asset, and Fund Management, Risk Management; and hold positions in investment banks and most esteemed financial institutions.
| Tuition Fees | €30,000 |
| Program Length | 1-2 Years |
| Program deadlines | October 18, 2023 January 4, 2024 February 29, 2024 April 23, 2024 |
| Intakes | End of August 2024 |
| Application Fees | €100 |
Essec MFin Class Profile
ESSEC MSc Finance program has a highly diverse class profile, with students from various nationalities, backgrounds, and professional experiences. The program typically attracts students with undergraduate degrees in finance, economics, engineering, mathematics, or other quantitative fields.
The class size is relatively small, with around 70-80 students per cohort, ensuring an intimate and personalized learning experience. The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with roughly 40% female students. The average age of students is around 22-25 years, and many students come with prior work experience in the finance industry or related fields.
The program values diversity and inclusivity, and seeks to cultivate a dynamic learning environment that encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and cross-cultural exchange. Overall, the class profile of ESSEC MSc Finance is highly diverse and brings together a range of perspectives, experiences, and insights that enrich the learning experience for all.
| Class Size | 70-80 |
| Average Age | 22-25 Years |
| Countries Represented | 40.75 International Students |
Acceptance Rate
ESSEC is one of Europe’s top business schools and is well-known in France. If you’re wondering if you have what it takes to succeed at Essec, consider this: the acceptance rate is only 13.7 percent for ESSEC MSc Finance, which means you’ll be competing against nearly 85 percent of other applications for Master in Finance program.
Acceptance Rate- 13.7
Program and Curriculum
The ESSEC MSc Finance, recognized as a Master’s degree by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Science, is a graduate program personalized to individual goals and objectives. The course program provides 3 unique specialization tracks, namely -Corporate Finance, Capital Markets, and FinTech & Analytics, explained below:
- Corporate Finance Track: This track can be targeted by people interested in mergers and acquisitions, financial analysis, firm valuation, transaction services, structured financing, private equity, and equity (ECM) and debt (DCM) capital markets. It is offered at both the Paris and Singapore campuses.
- Financial Markets Track: This programme, offered at both the Paris and Singapore campuses, is geared toward people interested in careers in front and middle offices, such as financial product sales and structuring, trading, quantitative finance, risk management, and asset and portfolio management.
- FinTech & Analytics Track: This course, offered at the Singapore campus, is geared toward people interested in quantitative asset and risk management, data-driven market making and trading, quant hedge funds, and occupations involving the automation of traditional finance operations using technology and analytics.
The full-time program is versatile and includes- 2 study trips to significant financial centres (London and New York or Hong Kong), an internship or academic dissertation, and the chance of obtaining FinTech & Analytics, Energy & Commodities, and/or AMF certifications.
Core Courses:
Their core courses provide a foundational understanding of essential concepts in finance, equipping students and professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the financial industry. These core courses are mentioned below:
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Corporate Financial Management | Learn the principles and strategies involved in managing the financial aspects of a corporation. Topics include financial planning, budgeting, capital structure, and risk management. |
| Financial Markets | Explore the functioning of financial markets, including stocks, bonds, and derivatives. Understand market dynamics, trading mechanisms, and the impact of economic indicators on market movements. |
| Introduction Seminar to Financial Careers | Get insights into diverse careers in finance. Discover the skills, qualifications, and opportunities in areas such as investment banking, financial analysis, risk management, and more. |
| Mergers and Acquisitions | Delve into the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions. Understand the legal, financial, and strategic aspects involved in corporate restructuring and consolidation. |
| Firm Valuation | Learn methods for evaluating the worth of a business. Explore techniques such as discounted cash flow (DCF), comparable company analysis (CCA), and precedent transactions to determine firm value. |
| Private Equity | Gain insights into the world of private equity investments. Explore fundraising, deal structuring, and portfolio management in the context of private equity firms. |
| Fixed Income | Understand the dynamics of fixed-income securities. Explore bond valuation, interest rate risk, and the role of fixed-income instruments in investment portfolios. |
| Advanced Derivative Markets | Explore complex derivative instruments and their applications. Topics include options pricing models, exotic derivatives, and advanced hedging strategies. |
| Volatility Trading | Delve into the strategies and techniques involved in trading volatility. Understand the impact of market uncertainty and how to use volatility as an asset class. |
| Digital Financial Platforms & Intermediation | Explore the intersection of finance and technology. Understand digital platforms, fintech innovations, and the role of intermediaries in the digital financial landscape. |
| Financial Econometrics | Learn the application of statistical methods to financial data. Explore topics such as time series analysis, risk modeling, and forecasting in the context of financial markets. |
| Python and Machine Learning | Develop practical skills in using Python programming and machine learning techniques for financial analysis. Explore applications such as algorithmic trading, risk assessment, and predictive modeling. |
Elective Courses
These Elective courses provide an opportunity to customize your education, aligning it with your career goals and personal interests :
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| International Finance | Explore the dynamics of global financial markets and the impact of international factors on investment decisions. Topics include foreign exchange markets, international trade, and cross-border capital flows. |
| Wealth Management | Learn the strategies and principles of managing and growing wealth. Topics cover investment planning, risk management, estate planning, and personalized financial advisory services. |
| Portfolio Theory & Investment Analysis | Delve into the principles of constructing investment portfolios. Learn about asset allocation, diversification, and the analysis of individual securities to optimize investment returns. |
| Coaching CFA | Receive coaching for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program. Covering a broad range of financial topics, this coaching program prepares individuals for the CFA examinations. |
| Financial Econometrics | Apply statistical methods to analyze and model financial data. Topics include time series analysis, risk modeling, and econometric techniques for understanding financial market behavior. |
| Energy & Commodity Markets & Products | Gain insights into energy and commodity markets. Explore the trading and risk management of energy and commodity products, including futures, options, and derivatives. |
| Financial Risk Management | Understand the methods and tools for identifying and managing financial risks. Topics cover market risk, credit risk, and operational risk, with a focus on risk mitigation strategies. |
| Commodity Markets & Energy Products | Explore the intricacies of commodity markets with a specific focus on energy products. Understand supply and demand dynamics, pricing mechanisms, and risk management strategies in these markets. |
| Fixed Income | Study the characteristics and valuation of fixed-income securities. Explore bond pricing, interest rate risk, and the role of fixed-income instruments in diversified investment portfolios. |
| Advanced Derivative Markets | Delve into advanced derivative instruments and their applications in financial markets. Topics include options pricing models, exotic derivatives, and sophisticated hedging strategies. |
Specialisations:
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Markets
- FinTech & Analytics
Extra activities
ESSEC Business School recognizes the importance of extracurricular involvement, encouraging students to participate in a wide array of activities that complement their academic pursuits.
Student Clubs:
- ESSEC Rugby Team
- ESSEC Sailing
- ESSEC Riding Team
- Extreme ESSEC
- ESSEC Football
- Humanitarian Associations
Projects:
Since Master in Finance students have the flexibility to either carry out an internship or to write an academic dissertation, the academic dissertation is an alternative to the internship that students are required to undertake in their end-term. It constitutes an autonomous and individual study on a novel topic pertaining to any financial area covered by the program. The goal is to provide the first full and original research experience to the students.
Educational Trips:
As part of their Master’s in Finance curriculum, students get the opportunity to go for 2 study trips to the major financial hubs of London and New York or Hong Kong and it justifies the MFin in France cost.
Eligibility and Requirements
The Master in Finance at ESSEC Business School gives students exceptional international exposure. The program seeks 75% international students enabling students to broaden their horizons. There are nearly 30 world-class finance faculties globally known for their research and excellence. The ESSEC MSc Finance is an Official Master Degree, recognized and accredited by the French Government.
Eligibility:
- Bachelors degree of at least three years having obtained 180 ECTS in any field of studies (engineering, social sciences, sciences, arts, etc.).
- Applicants may apply in the same year they obtain their degree.
- Not older than 30 during the application year.
- Documents Related to the Application:
- Admission to the Master in Finance program is quite competitive and the selection committee will pay close attention to all aspects of your application. Here is a list of documents required for the completion of the application procedure.
Application fees :
Direct Msc Finance fees for application is Є100.
Curriculum Vitae
- Motivation Letter
- Authenticated copies of Degree(s) obtained
- Transcripts/Grade Sheets
- 2 x Recommendation Letters
- 1 Aptitude Test -GMAT, GRE, CAT, Tage-Mage
- 1 English Test- TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, TOEIC
- 1 Photograph
- Application Fee
- SGD 160 Singapore campus
Essec MFin Deadlines
The application deadlines for the ESSEC MSc Finance program vary depending on the round of admission. The deadlines for the September 2022 intake are as follows:
| Deadline | Deadline Dates |
| Deadline 1 | 15 February 2024 |
| Deadline 2 | 12 April 2024 |
| Deadline 3 | 7 June 2024 |
It's important to note that the application process is highly competitive, so it's recommended to submit your application as early as possible to get into the best MFin school in France.
Employment And Placement
ESSEC MSc Finance graduates take up high-level positions in various roles in Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world. Graduates of the program excel also are known to seek a rewarding career in all finance fields. The school’s career statistics depict a 84% employment rate . In addition to this, around 84% of graduates got a job within 3 month of graduation. Furthermore, almost 90% of graduates hold a job with a global dimension.
Upon completing the ESSEC MBA program, graduates can anticipate a significant return on investment. The average ESSEC MBA salary stands impressively at €120,000. This figure reflects the program's ability to prepare individuals for leadership roles in the dynamic and competitive landscape of global business.
Thus one can conclude that there are plenty of MFin in France jobs.
Top Sectors Hiring
ESSEC Business School's MSc Finance program is highly regarded in the industry, attracting top talent and fostering a strong connection with leading companies across various sectors. Graduates from the program benefit from a wealth of opportunities, and many find themselves pursued by prestigious organizations seeking professionals with a solid foundation in finance. Here are some notable companies that actively hire from the ESSEC MSc Finance program:
| Consulting | Finance | Banking |
| Deloitte | Fitch Ratings | Morgan Stanley |
| Ernst and Young (EY) | Crédit Agricole | JP Morgan Chase |
Essec MFin Alumni Info
ESSEC Business School alumni body comprises 60,000 members across the globe, which is inclusive of 1800 ESSEC MSc Finance alumni members.
Some of the renowned alumni positions include the following:
Some Famous Alumni
- Pierre Nanterme, CEO of Accenture.
- Fleur Pallerin, France Culture Minister, 2014-16.
- Charles Konan Banny, Former PM of Ivory Coast.
Application Essay
ESSEC MSc Finance requires one SOP and 2 essays.
The Statement of Purpose is a Free format letter which is employed by ESSEC to give you a portal to
Introduce yourself in a brief paragraph
Talk about Why ESSEC, Why the MFin program & How it can help you to achieve your career goals.
| Essay 1 | What matters most to you, and why? Tell us the values and experiences that have shaped the person you are (maximum 400 words) |
| Essay 2 | Provide to the Admission Committee any relevant additional information (not already detailed in the rest of your application) (maximum 300 words) |
Letter of Recommendation for ESSEC MSc Finance
Students applying to the program at ESSEC MSc Finance are required to submit at least two letters of recommendation answering the following questions:
- How long have you known the candidate? In what context? (Up to 300 characters including spaces)
- What do you consider to be the candidate’s major strengths? (Up to 900 characters including spaces)
- What are the candidate’s major weaknesses? (Up to 900 characters including spaces)
- Would you recommend the candidate’s admission to this ESSEC MFin? (Up to 900 characters including spaces)
Interview Questions
Preparing for an interview for the ESSEC Master in Management (MiM) program is a crucial step toward securing admission to this prestigious program. The interview process aims to assess not only your academic qualifications but also your motivation, interpersonal skills, and alignment with the program's values. Here are some potential ESSEC MiM interview questions to help you prepare:
Set 1
Q: Which other colleges did you apply to? Did you have any interviews before us?
Q: What are you passionate about and how do you follow your passions?
Q: Why the MFin, why not an MBA?
Q: Why do you want to study in France?
Q: Why not study in your native place, and apply for one of the top schools?
Q: What are you passionate about? and how do you follow your passions?
Q: Why did you choose ESSEC?
Q: How did you decide which schools you want to apply to?
Q: We are interested in people who think about more than just themselves. So give me an incident where you helped someone else grow.
Q: What did you find different in ESSEC compared to the other schools?
Set 2
Q: What are your long term goals? and how will ESSEC help you achieve them?
Q: Tell me about your work experience, while concentrating on the skills you learned from it.
Q: Tell me how you will contribute towards the development of the school.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
Q: What could you bring to Essec, how would you contribute?
Q: What are some of the things that you expect to learn at ESSEC?
Q: What are your long term goals? and how will ESSEC MFin help you achieve them?
Q: Tell me about your work experience, while concentrating on the skills you learned from it.
Q: Tell me about an incident where you led a group of people and what you learnt from it.
Q: Why have you been out of work so long, and how many others were laid off?
Set 3
Q: If employed, how do you manage time for interviews?
Q: How did you prepare for this interview?
Q: Where would you really like to work?
Q: What bugs you about coworkers or bosses?
Q: Can you describe how you solved a work or school problem?
Q: Can you describe a work or school instance in which you messed up?
Q: Do you plan to study in the Singapore campus?
Q: Have you ever visited a foreign country? If yes, talk about your experience.
Q: Do you have any questions for me?
Q: When do you plan to graduate from ESSEC? Have you looked at exchange degrees?
Set 4
Q: How did you stand up for someone who was being disrespected in your workplace?
Q: Tell me about a time you had to influence others.
Q: Describe your relationship with your supervisor.
Q: How will your friends and family describe you?
Q: Tell me about a time when you received constructive feedback.
Q: Who is your role model?
Q: What are your 3 strongest qualities? What are you working on?
Q: Tell me about some of the community service projects that you were a part of.
Q: Areas in ESSEC you have identified which can help you improve your leadership skills?
Q: Biggest accomplishment/success story at current work company?
What Makes ESSEC MSc Finance Unique
A few factors makes ESSEC MSc Finance unique
Global Recognition: ESSEC Business School is well-recognised around the world for its MFin program. ESSEC has received the Triple Crown Accreditation; i.e., AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA. In addition to this, the university has been accredited as the official master degree by French Government. To add a cherry on the top, ESSEC has been consistently ranked among the best programs globally
Spectacular career prospects: The school’s career statistics depict a 100% employment rate (100% of graduates found their job within 3 months of graduation). In addition to this, around 93% of graduates got a job within 1 month of graduation. Furthermore, almost 90% of graduates hold a job with a global dimension.
MFin Program Highlights: The MFin program at ESSEC Business School is a culmination of multiple unique features like two study trips to London and New York or Hong Kong and the CFA Program Partner. In addition to this, students have an access to the European markets and the Asian markets, while studying at ESSEC’s Paris and Singapore campuses respectively.
Professional Events: The students can explore professional events to ace their career pathways. These professional events include the following:
- International Finance Forum: In mid-October, students will have the opportunity to meet recruiters from major banks and financial institutions from around the world at the International Finance Forum on the ESSEC Cergy campus and the Finance Get-Together Session in Singapore, where you will be able to rub shoulders with major banks and financial institutions from around the world.
- Finance Forum with CentraleSupélec: Students from CentraleSupélec, a famous French engineering school, are invited to attend a Finance Forum with CentraleSupélec in London. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network with finance recruiters and practitioners in London.
Conclusion
ESSEC Master in Finance (MSc Finance) stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of financial education. Aspiring finance professionals who embark on this transformative journey find themselves immersed in a program that seamlessly blends academic rigor with real-world relevance.
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