Alumni Interview # 1: Matthias Hoffmann on studying and working in finance

Interview with Matthias Hoffmann, Graduate of the Class of 2011, from Germany and currently working in London. In this interview, Matthias tells us about finding his current job working in the world of finance  and investments and how his study path at ESSEC helped prepared him for this, notably being part of the former Private Equity Chair and specialised track and taking part in an exchange at Tuck Dartmouth in the US.

I am currently working as an Associate in the European Real Estate Investment team of GIC, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund. I cover several European markets for GIC and invest in all types of assets from shopping centres to residential. This is my second job after I graduated from ESSEC. I learned about the opportunity at GIC while governing Turkish Investments for my previous employer, a private equity real estate fund.

Working at a global, Asia based, firm and covering pan-European Investments the very international curriculum was a perfect preparation for my job. I also think the specialised tracks ESSEC offers can give one a head start searching for jobs and building a strong network in relevant industries. I myself was a member of the Private Equity chair and was able to network with leading professionals in (French) private equity.

I tried to maximise my exposure at ESSEC and did choose a variety of courses in different areas (Luxury, Marketing, Strategy), while maintaining a finance focus. I especially valued the PE track which really increased my knowledge and network within PE. I was also able to do an exchange to Tuck Dartmouth which was great to build a network in the US and further diversify my coursework. At Tuck I also participated in a Student Consulting Field Project recommending market entry strategies for a US automation company.

I choose ESSEC because of its very flexible curriculum and the variety of possibilities to tailor the coursework to your needs. With several specialist tracks, very good exchange and double degree programmes and the Singapore campus everybody can design his/her time according to their needs and wishes. 

• Click here for more information on the Finance Track.
• Click here for a list of current ESSEC Chairs and Institutes.
• Click here for a list of our university exchange partners around the globe.

• To read an interview in German with Matthias during his time at ESSEC, visit the e-fellows website.