Annual London Finance Study Trip: Immersing Students in the Heart of Global Finance
This September, the 2025 London Finance Study Trip brought together more than 300 students from the Master in International Finance (MIF) and Master in Economics & Finance (MEF) programs for an intensive four-day experience in one of the world’s leading financial hubs. Through a series of company visits and networking events hosted at the HEC UK House, participants gained unique exposure to the breadth of the financial sector.
“The HEC Paris students in the Master in International Finance (MIF), Major in International Finance (MIF) of the Master in Management (MiM), and X-HEC Double Degree Master in Data & Finance (MDF) programs had an amazing London Study Trip last week. The discussions that they've had with junior and senior finance professionals, many of them alumni of HEC Paris, allowed the students to better understand the inner workings of the financial industry, positions therein, and the hiring opportunities and processes. The evening networking sessions with MIF alumni who came out in numbers to the HEC Paris's UK House in London was an additional opportunity to establish links across generations of MIF students. We are delighted to provide such opportunities to MIF and MDF students within the realm of our programs' LEX, for which we are grateful to the UK House in London's amazing Team”
Prof. Evren Örs, MIF and MDF Academic Director
“Over three immersive days, our Economics & Finance students visited leading financial institutions and top consulting firms to experience what their aspired roles look like in practice. They explored day-to-day responsibilities, mapped out diverse career paths and came away with concrete insights into what it truly takes to build a standout career in the fields they’re aiming for. Huge appreciation to the companies that welcomed us so generously and to our inspiring HEC alumni who shared unfiltered advice, career lessons, and encouragement. Thank you for making this experience unforgettable”
Prof. Ai-Ting Goh, MEF Director
This year’s program gave participants direct access to some of the most prominent names in investment banking, private equity, M&A, and hedge funds. Companies welcomed students behind the scenes, offering them an insider’s look into their business models and career opportunities. In addition to presentations, students engaged in panel discussions and case studies, ensuring a more interactive and practical learning experience.
Despite the challenge of navigating the city during a week of Tube strikes, students demonstrated resilience and commitment. Their determination only reinforced the value of the experience, showing adaptability—an essential skill for future finance professionals!
Networking played a central role, with multiple events at the HEC UK House drawing over 100 alumni working across financial services. These gatherings allowed students to expand their professional networks in a friendly, collaborative setting, gaining advice on internships, job applications, and long-term career development. Such connections are expected to prove valuable as they prepare to compete in a dynamic job market.
The trip helped bridge classroom learning with real-world application, sparking interest in specific firms and sectors while providing a clearer view of workplace cultures and career pathways. For many, the experience was a crucial milestone in clarifying professional ambitions and strengthening ties with industry leaders, particularly HEC alumni who can support them on their journeys.
Students rated the trip exceptionally well, with an average satisfaction score of around 90%. Feedback highlighted the program’s impact: “Thanks a lot to the team in organizing a perfect start to the year”, “Great experience to learn more about the firms and build lasting bonds with the classmates”, “Very enriching experience”, “Thanks very much for the wonderful trip which will help me a lot in my future work research”.
Companies, too, responded positively—100% of those who shared feedback expressed interest in participating again next year.
"The London Finance Study Trip is the perfect way to launch the academic year. It enables students to explore the cultures of the organisations they dream of joining, while broadening their understanding of the financial services industry. We are grateful to our alumni and corporate partners for their generous support in making this year’s trip such a success. We look forward to welcoming our students back to London soon—whether for internships or full-time positions."
Laura Saint-Lo, Deputy Director of HEC in the UK
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