Wednesday, August 19, 2009

I wanted to be better prepared for the world out there, especially during the current recession.

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 found it to be an exceptional learning experience. I want a career in finance and I wanted to learn more about it. I was aware that the Swiss Finance, School of Business, would better prepare me to succeed in knowing more about businesses around the world. Every job is distinct, and requires different skills out of a person; I knew that this program would help me in becoming a unique individual who possesses qualities and skills that would greatly add value for my future career goals.

I wanted to be better prepared for the world out there, especially during the current recession. I felt that the Swiss Finance School program would not only answer the whys of the market, but also the hows, which is what I feel would be most useful in understanding the world today.

Swiss Finance instructors had a huge amount of experience

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 had a strong influence on my decision to attend Swiss Finance’s intensive summer program. It was evident from their backgrounds that the instructors had a huge amount of experience, and I was excited about being able to get their candid views about working in asset management.
Also, I thrive on competitive team projects so I liked the fact that group projects and presentations are an important part of the curriculum. In investment banking and asset management (my passion) you are often compelled to work with other people to achieve results so it was important for me to find a summer program that not only taught quantitative skills like advanced M&A modeling and valuation, but also focused on soft skills like leadership.

My thoughts about the financial markets have definitely changed since attending Swiss Finance Academy. Starting on Day 1, we were taught to be “independent thinkers” and to use reason and skepticism to analyze the news, including government data. Over the three weeks, we built our capital market analysis skills by reading Bloomberg news and watching interviews by top traders including: Jim Rogers, George Soros, and Marc Faber. We learned how to extract the important data and analysis as well as the discard the misleading information. In a world with countless opinions, it’s important not to hedge and be an “independent thinker.”

What was the best part of the Swiss Finance experience?

There were many “best parts” to the Swiss Finance experience. One of which were the students. Being surrounded with positive, hardworking, and smart students was one of the reasons I why worked so hard and enjoyed every single part of it. We were so close that many of my classmates extended their stay to explore Europe together. I am still in contact with all my classmates and we are all looking forward to the 2009 reunion.

"Every day was a new mission. There were new challenges, new experiences, and an extremely steep level of the learning curve"

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 fact that the program is taught by professionals that can provide an in-class exposure to real-life financial situations rather than plain theoretical perspective. I was looking forward to understanding the applicability of financial education upon real life scenarios.Furthermore, the institution’s high credibility, excellent alumni reviews and faculty of superb quality, not only place the qualification provided by the academy at a position that is attractive and recognizable by employers, but also make it a sound investment in return of a valuable training. Moreover, as an individual that holds a high interest in traveling and possess an international background, I consider the multicultural environment that exists within the Swiss Finance Academy as an advantage to every attendee due to the valuable international networking and contact exchange available, the benefit of earning knowledge from other cultures, and generally the chance to gain a great social experience and cultural insight alongside the provided academic training.

After the Swiss Finance experience, I can assure you that my thoughts about finance and investment banking took a more realistic turn. In the first place, following an intense training on finance, both in theory and practice, I familiarized with several real life cases and methods in regard to which I understood how my financial knowledge was relevant and applicable. My thoughts were shaped around the fact that markets are imperfect and unexpected situations will affect and fluctuate planned routes and financial strategies on a constant basis. Therefore as the accuracy of many valuation methods and financial theories can be brought to question; flexibility, questionability, and detail in alternative strategies are in my opinion something essential. Furthermore Swiss Finance helped me see beyond the “ideal image” I used to hold about a life in investment banking. Having placed hours and work in place that are similar to the ones of an investment-banking analyst, I lived an experience that allowed me to sufficiently witness the level of physical and psychological pressure, focus, and skills required by such a profession. To add accredited professionals that were teaching or visiting at the Swiss Finance presented another face of investment banking, which exhibited the roles and responsibilities of the profession and of the investment banking corporations in various fields and events that I did not anticipate before. As a result my thoughts matured, forming a personal opinion and stimulating a personal interest beyond the mainstream perception that is held about investment banking.

The best part of Swiss Finance was undoubtedly the learning experience. The fact that we did not for a minute felt as idle students, but on the contrary we were treated and acted as “on-the-scenario” players, was priceless. Every day was a new mission. There were new challenges, new experiences, and an extremely steep level of the learning curve. We were usually allocated in teams, and had to prepare a financial model, a proposal, a negotiation and so forth. Although we worked until the morning hours and on a daily basis, our tasks were so interesting that one would often witness discussions continuing outside the classroom, extra independent research taking place, and a constant exchange of ideas that overwhelmed the atmosphere; as each of us represented a different professional, ethnical and cultural background and therefore contributed a unique piece of knowledge or perspective when dealing with an inquiry. Generally there was a climate of healthy educational competition among ambitious minds, and a truly inspiring thirst for knowledge.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Swiss Finance gave me a uniquely international perspective

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 figure out which field I am suited for, and it felt like Swiss Finance would be able to deliver that.
I didn’t know what to expect, but everyone was pretty awesome. You gain a unique perspective at Swiss Finance that I don’t think you can get anywhere else. The group is so international; I am in class and working with people from every part of the world. There is also a range of ages and levels of work experience which is tremendously valuable - I’ve learned a lot just from listening to other people’s experiences.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Brianne B. Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

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Brianne B.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
University of Southern California

Career update

I am just writting 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 any career in Investment Banking. With the knowledge and skills learned on the course I sucessfully have started a job with JP Morgan working as an analyst. Thanks for openning my eyes to such opportunities and making this possible for me.

Bernard E.
Swiss Finance Alum 06
Queens University Belfast

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Ashley-Anne B. Testimonial Video

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Monday, October 6, 2008

Wow, what an adventure!

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 one of the best thing I decided to do. I’ve learned lots and lots of ibanking terms, so now when I watch or read articles on [media], I can understand better what they’re saying. I have also learned how to read market signs and then find the best move to react to the situation. The most important thing I’ve learned is what investment banking is all about. The instructor never gave us "made up answers" or said things just because he felt that is what should be said. He gave us truth and prepared us for the real world. Instructor's work experience as well as his contacts (panel) has given me a 'heads up' on what I can expect.

Those were three weeks that I’ll remember for a long time. It’s once back home that you realize how this experience was unique and incredible.

I know when I’ll start applying for job, I’ll be more confident because I’ve the “Swiss Finance Academy Advantage” over the other candidates.

Thanks again and I cannot wait to see you at the reunion.

Marie-Christine V.
Swiss Finance Alum 08
McGill University

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

The Swiss Finance program has been a life changing experience.

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 that, in addition to its insight into the investment banking world, it has enabled me to develop skills and acquire knowledge, which have already proven to be fruitful throughout my summer internship at a trading boutique. Furthermore, I would like to mention how thankful I am for your support and advices that have helped me cope with the intensity of the program. I would like to wish you good luck and my best wishes for your objectives regarding the expansion of Swiss Finance Academy.

Please let me know, if you are offering more advanced programs in trading, as I would be more than willing to enroll for another Swiss Finance Academy experience in the future.

Thanks again,

Best Regards,

Mohamed A.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Warwick Business School

Monday, August 18, 2008

I can't believe how much I learned in such a short time.

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 I learned in such a short time. I've been reading some of the "recommended books" while I'm traveling around Europe and there's something on every single page that I wouldn't have understood had I not attended Swiss Finance Academy. I, and I'm sure all of the other students as well, really appreciate the time and effort you put in to teach us everything.

Thanks again,


Jeffrey C.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Bowdoin College

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Jolin A. Swiss Finance Experience

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Jolin A.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

National University of Singapore

Arthur L. Testimonial Summer 2008

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Swiss Finance Academy Experience

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Ife S. Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08 Testimonial

Ife S.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Cornell University
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Mohammed L. Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

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Mohammed L.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

Dundee Dundee, Scotland

Nicholas H. Testimonial Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

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Nicholas H.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

Fordham University

I am so happy to be classmates with the most ambitious peers in the world!

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 patience. Since I never took finance classes before, I had great difficulty in keeping pace with class. However, you used the best words possible to encourage me, giving me lots of confidence--when I need it most. The life in Lugano was the most cozy life ever--the residence for students and the environment was the best I've ever seen. Though the training program was finished, its spirit and the way I was trained to study will always benefit me in the future.
Though I don't know whether I will be able to enter this most competitive and selective industry for my career, but aiming for the highest and learning humbly will anyway make me a person with accomplishment in the end.


Best wishes!
Sincerely, yours, Dielu Z.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
University of Rochester

Matthew F. Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

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Matthew F.

Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08

Fordham University


I really feel like I made some huge strides during the program.

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 wanted to take a minute and say thank-you for everything during those three weeks. ...

I really feel like I made some huge strides during the program. And through studying the materials on my own these past few weeks, it has really started to all come together for me. It was just a great learning experience that I know will help me immensely in the future, no matter which path I take after college. At the same time, I met and became friends with some great kids, which I am sure will last for a long time to come. Anyways, I am sure you have gotten many of these little notes, ... I just wanted you to know that I really enjoyed the program, learned a lot, and even though it was certainly challenging, had a good time as well. ...

Well thank-you again for everything and I look forward to seeing you at one of the reunions in the near future. Have a great rest of the summer.

All the best, Matt S.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Bowdoin College

Thank You for a great program this year

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 nothing about finance, and came out feeling much more aware--especially of how little I knew.

Ever since the program ended, I've missed having intense doses of financial education every day. I watch [media] all the time, and try to keep up with the markets and read the [media] like you suggested.
Please do continue to send us periodic e-mailings regarding the happenings at Swiss Finance Academy, especially with reunions and events, and your own personal adventures. I had a great time listening to your stories and your experiences with finance, if anything interesting happens in the market and you've got a comment, I would definitely like to hear what you've go to say.

I had an extremely positive experience with Swiss Finance Academy, I only wish it didn't have to end so fast!


Best regards,

Joanna X.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Stanford University

I just wanted to thank you for making my time at the Swiss Finance Academy in Lugano into a truly transformational experience.

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 fact by telling you that instead of waking up every morning and looking up the sports papers, the first thing I do now is to go through [media].

I plan on attending the reunion in NY and would be delighted to see you there again.


Regards,

Shahzeb B.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
University of Toronto

Thank you

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 get to appreciate the knowledge and experience I gained these past three weeks and that it would prove valuable in my upcoming career challenges. However, I never realized how much I learned during the program and didn't think I would feel it so instantly until I started reading [media] on my flight back to New York. As I read through, I stumbled upon a very interesting article titled "Leveraged Buy-outs, private investigation". Every paragraph I read sent another light bulb on, whether it was terms like interest coverage, payment-in-kind, covenants... it even referred to the case we analyzed in class! Reading that article gave me a sense of how much I and many of my peers had accomplished at Swiss Finance during those intensive three weeks. Most of all was this feeling of achievement and satisfaction that I couldn't but transmit to you. I am confident that you have instilled in us the seeds for success in Investment Banking and I look forward to growing them in the upcoming years.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to assure we have the best possible program and I look forward to our first reunion in New York in November.

Sincerely yours, Julien Ch.
Proud Swiss Finance Alumni
Swiss Finance Alum 08
University of Maryland

I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to attend Swiss Finance Academy.

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 me the fundamental skills needed to value a company and so much more. The life and career lessons I have learned will stay with me for life. The true test is now. I looked at the three weeks in Switzerland as one day in the classroom; the homework will be staying current with both U.S. and world markets, as well reviewing the binders often. What I knew 3 weeks ago, versus now, has grown 10x.
Thanks again for a great program and best of luck with future endeavors.
I look forward to the reunion in New York later this fall.


Sincerely,

Nick H.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Fordham University

I learnt incredibe amount of material in just three weeks.

I want to thank you for the wonderful program that Swiss Finance Academy has provided, I think I learnt incredibe amount of material in just three weeks. It was a lot of fun to be a part of Swiss Finance Academy.

Thanks a lot,

Amruta D.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Denison University

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Thank you and update from me

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 place over my three weeks in Lugano. Since I have been back home in NYC, I have started my internship... I am greatly enjoying the learning experience that is supplementing everything you have taught me.

So, this was just a quick thank you and update from me and I look forward to seeing you at the reunion!

Best Regards,

Emily L.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Cornell University

I would like to thank you for organizing such an excellent program

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 new level...Further more I am trying my best to follow the markets and keep up to date, which is essential now that I've taken your advice on trying out the [mediamedia mock trading], so far I'm having my ups and downs.

I'll start my second year as an undergraduate at Regent's Business School London in early September and I want you to know that it would be more than a previlege for me to help and contribute to the Academy in any way possible.

Thank You Yours Sincerely Philip O.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 08
Regents Business School

I really enjoyed attending Swiss Finance Academy

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 office composure as well as interview skills have been invaluable to me, and I will take them with me to the recruiting sessions this Fall and to my job in the future. Feel free to contact me if you need anything in the future.

Best Regards,

Gary A.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 06
University of Southern California

I will definitely recommend this program to other people.

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 only a month, but I met many nice and charm people, and it was really hard to leave behind them. Even though the course was a little challenge for me, I feel that I learned a lot of things about finance more than the other finance classes that I took before. I will definitely recommend this program to other people.

Thank you for giving me a chance to explore this program, and it was great experience. Have a wonderful day, and hope to keeping in touch.

Thank you.

Heejin J.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 06
Alumni 06 Michigan State University

Go Team Swiss Finance!

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.

Not only did I learn the basics of modeling but also got an inside scoop into the Investment Banking division of a bank. This has sealed my doubts on whether I should aim for the corporate finance division of a bank or the trading of securities.

I will definitely signal my interest in corporate finance. As of now I am going back to London and taking it from there.

Please keep in touch!

Best regards,

Bernard S.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 06
London School of Economics


Swiss Finance Academy Lugano

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 some of the students and got the same old feedback: hard work but very rewarding in terms of educational experience/insight onfinancial and IB industries. Great location as well. Unrivalled program.
Please keep me updated on the academy's progress.

Regards,
Georges T.
Swiss Finance Academy Alumn 05
Lebanese American University
Photo above: Georges T. (Lehman Brothers) in Swiss Finance 08 Career Panel

Swiss Finance Academy Verbier

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 month. I thoroughly enjoyed the program, which was quite a challenge for me, to say the least! I left Verbier with a profound interest in and appreciation for finance, and have [Swiss Finance faculty] to thank for this. I will certainly keep you apprised of my progress.


Take care, and, once again, thank you for offering me such a rewarding opportunity.

Best wishes.
Fondly,
Jonathan D.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 07
Hamilton College

Thank you!

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 in just a few weeks. I think Swiss Finance Academy is on track to becoming very successful, as our its students.

Thank you again, and I will definitely stay in touch and let you know how the internship search goes. I start my first investment banking internship tomorrow - I can't wait!

Sincerely,

Mark R.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 06
Brown University

Thank you Swiss Finance Academy by Gurmukh

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 a lot of other things that would go untaught or unnoticed in another environment. I spent a lot of time just observing and learning from the inputs that each of you provided in terms of point delivery and people interactions. This helped me in trying to pick some very important tools that will help me progress further. The fact that we were able to get frank and open opinions out on various topics (including non-academic topics) differentiates this course from a traditional university setting.

I have come to appreciate the complexities of organizing such a program and I think given the large number of students involved it well coordinated.

I hope we can remain in contact and look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards,

Gurmukh R.
Swiss Finance Academy Alumni 06
Drake University

Greetings

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 has equipped me with the skills necessary to make a seamless transition from academia into the I-Banking industry. While my initial intent on enrolment was to gain an advantage in a competitive industry, this was achieved and much more. I have acquired an in-depth understanding of corporate finance and the interviewing skills gained will undoubtedly be a value added in the pursuit of my career path. I am also grateful for the great networking and friendships established.

My congratulations on an excellent program. It has positively impacted my life and spurred my ambition even further. I too hope to be able to emulate your mission and render my services to others in a similar capacity in the future.

Kind regards

Nicholas M.
Swiss Finance Alum 06
Cass Business School

Monday, August 4, 2008

I would like to thank you for the great investment banking training experience

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.

I wanted to enlighten you of the fact that the whole Swiss Finance Academy experience has given me an edge...in my current internship. Especially the module on debt capital markets (debt seniority and high yield) has helped me to better understand my daily work in the leverage finance group...I am able to offer constructive input in discussions. There are lot of things that I have picked up and I am constantly working on the things that you have mentioned to me.
Keep in touch.

Thanks & Regards,
Rahul V.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 06
University of Michigan

I just would like to say "Thank you" for last 2 weeks.

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 was a great experience to me. Actually I could enjoy and learn a lot of things! It was just amazing.
Now I'm thinking I will continue to study Finance & Accounting stuff, because I thought they are pretty essential things to become a great business person, aren't they?

Of course I will make the most of the experience and things I learned in the program.
I would like to let you know about my situation sometimes, and I hope someday I will be able to come back to Swiss Finance Academy.

Happy Holiday & Happy New Year!!

Ikkei O.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 05
Keio University, Japan

The two weeks I spent in Swiss Finance Academy was the best time of my life

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 made so many great friends that I want to keep for a lifetime. Because I was in such a hurry to leave on the last day of the program [so I wouldn't miss my flight], I've never gotten the chance to thank you for helping me with my interview skills and for providing me with such wonderful opportunity.

Sincerely Yours

Chris L.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 05
University of California, Berkeley

Thanks for all the help, advice, and support

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 and it was a sound investment for my time. ...

It was great knowing you and I really had lots of fun. Looking forwards to meeting you again. My wife also send her regards ...


All the best,

Hashem A.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 05
University of Michigan

Swiss Finance Academy Boston

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 improving my interview skills. I appreciate your honest opinions and constructive criticism tremendously. I feel that alone was worth the tuition fee.
I am much more confident now and I cannot wait to begin the interview process.

Thanks again ... All the best,

Grant G.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 05
College of Charleston

It really was one of the best months of my life

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 of new friends, did a lot of new things, and thoroughly enjoyed every single day, of the time I was there..


Kind regards,

Akali O.
Swiss Finance Academy Alum 05
King's College, London

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Alumni blog is launched!

Feel free to add comments, views, thoughts, etc.