From Theory to Practice: Immersing Students in London’s Finance Industry

Once again, the HEC in the UK team opened HEC UK House's doors to the School's finance students earlier this month. Over four days, more than 300 of them from the Master in International Finance (MIF) and Master in Economics and Finance (MEF) programs traded lecture halls for offices of the City's biggest names. The trip combined company visits, panel discussions, and networking evenings designed to give students a firsthand look at how the industry actually operates, not just how it is taught in the classroom.

“Last week, the 204 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) students had an amazing London Study Trip. This annual trip allows our students to have in-depth discussions with junior and senior finance professionals. Such interactions gives our students a better understanding of the inner workings of the financial industry, positions therein, and the hiring opportunities and processes. The networking sessions held during two separate evenings at HEC Paris's UK House in London were additional opportunities to establish links across generations. My thanks to the MIF alumni who took the time to talk to our students, especially to those from the 2023-2024 cohort who came out in numbers to these events. Last, but not least, special thanks are due to the HEC in the UK team who spend months to put together an invaluable studey trip that worked, once more, with clockwork precision.”

Prof. Evren Örs, Academic Director of the MIFs and the MDF

“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” 

Ai-Ting Goh, Director of the Master in Economics and Finance

This year's itinerary brought students face-to-face with leading players across investment banking, private equity, M&A advisory, and hedge funds. Students were invited into case studies and interactive panels, giving them a taste of the analytical thinking and pace expected on the job. Professionals opened up about their day-to-day work, career trajectories, and what it takes to break into and succeed in these highly competitive fields.

Networking remained at the heart of the trip. Evening events at the HEC UK House brought together students and more than 100 HEC alumni now working across financial services, creating an informal setting to trade insights on recruiting, interviews, and long-term career planning. For many students, these conversations were as valuable as the company visits themselves, a reminder that the HEC alumni network is one of the program's strongest assets.

Beyond the visits and events, the trip served a bigger purpose: helping students connect what they learn in class with what they will actually do after graduation. Several participants said the experience helped them narrow down which sectors and firms genuinely excite them, while others came away with a much sharper sense of workplace culture across different types of institutions.

Students rated the trip exceptionally well, with an average satisfaction score of around 90%. Feedback highlighted the program’s impact: “It was very impressive to get an inside view of the heart of European finance and talk to individuals driving something of the biggest deals and market moves”, “It was a great opportunity to visit companies, meet alumni and build strong friendship with peers”, “Great exposure, lots of different companies and great M&A boutiques”. 

Participating firms were equally enthusiastic: 100% of companies that provided feedback said they would be keen to return for next year's edition — a strong signal that the trip continues to deliver value on both sides of the table.

“The London Finance Study Trip offers students an ideal springboard into the new academic year, giving them a window into the cultures of the firms they aspire to join while deepening their perspective on the financial services industry as a whole. We are thankful to our alumni and corporate partners, whose generous support made this year's trip such a success. We look forward to welcoming our students back to London before long—this time as interns or full-time hires.” 

Laura Saint-Lo, Deputy Director of HEC in the UK

NOTE ABOUT HEC IN THE UK – Did you know HEC Paris was in London? To follow its activities and for more information, follow its LinkedIn Page and Instagram account