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NEWS & FEATURES |
Interview of the Month - June 2002 Frédéric Rémongin (ESSEC 1993) Graduating MBA student at the University of Chicago, Q: What is your background? I started my career at the Tokyo Branch of Paribas in corporate banking. After nearly two amazing years in Japan, I joined Credit Agricole Group and its investment-banking arm Credit Agricole Indosuez in Paris, first in their financial institutions group with the responsibility of the relationship with the Japanese financial institutions. Following this transitory experience, I had the opportunity to specialize in the more sophisticated field of asset-based finance. For three years, I assessed credit risks and recommended the participation level of the bank in the transactions originated or presented by its international branches on the five continents. I have really enjoyed working in different cultural environments. In general, diversity attracts me. Indeed I find it fun, interesting and enriching, as I always learn in interacting with various people and different perspectives. Q: Why did you decide to come and stay here? I moved to Chicago two years ago to start an MBA program at the University of Chicago GSB. After six years in corporate and investment banking where I participated in various kinds of financing (e.g. LBO, project finance…) for our corporate clients, I wanted to learn more about corporate finance and corporate decision-making and strategy. In pursuing a Master’s degree in a university known for its academic excellence, my objective was to take some time off from my past work, live an intense experience and think forward in a challenging intellectual environment. And at the present time when certain corporate practices are seriously challenged, it is great to be back at school where I benefit from a renowned faculty, their research on corporate governance and a vigorous debate with students in the classrooms. As I am getting my MBA on this upcoming June 9, I retrospectively think that the curriculum at the University of Chicago is intelligently adjusted to the needs of the individual, like at ESSEC. Both schools have similarities: flexibility of the program that enables students to customize their own learning experience and, consequently, a certain liberal attitude. As a result, I was able to work a total of five months, split between summer 2001 and winter 2002 at Banc of America Securities in their London and Hong Kong Offices, while continuing to develop as a student and build productive relationship with my classmates. I am currently looking for my permanent job, which is rather challenging for anyone seeking positions in the current downturn. My dream job would be to join a corporate finance team in a corporation, where I would analyze, propose and implement all necessary operations related to structured finance, equity and debt markets, and manage significant projects with numerous interfaces. I am also interested in joining the finance division of a corporation that looks for investment opportunities for business development purposes, i.e. a role between venture capital and industrial development. Q: What advice would you give to ESSEC graduates who would like to come to work here? I think anyone interested in working and living in the USA should obviously spend some time doing his/her due diligence in preparation for this new adventure. The size of the ESSEC alumni network and the willingness of many ESSEC alumni to provide support or share their past experience make it possible for ESSEC Graduates to accurately define a project and identify potential issues. My natural advice would be to use the resources that this ESSEC network provides. As regards US MBA education, each graduate business school has its own characteristics that differ from one program to another. Again, ESSEC Graduates should contact the ESSEC Alumni that have pursued a Master curriculum. Indeed, a certain number of us did, and, as a result, can certainly talk about his/her experience and the values of the US school he/she attended. I personally think that the University of Chicago GSB fits well with what ESSEC Graduates are generally looking for in an US graduate education. No wonder why three ESSEC Alumni, including myself, are currently getting their MBA here! Moreover, as ESSEC and University of Chicago GSB have developed a business student exchange, it’s easy for current third-year ESSEC students to experience a quarter abroad in this MBA program and find out about its strengths and characteristics. Q: How do you think your ESSEC background helped you to be where you are? ESSEC helped me to develop a broad perspective. Moreover, as the curriculum at ESSEC integrates numerous foreign students, I have been very exposed to different cultures. Since then, I have always had a willingness to look for new international experiences. I am also amazed at seeing the size of the ESSEC Alumni network abroad, and the fact that this international chapter keeps on growing. My ESSEC experience has allowed me to feel at ease in an international context and adapt quickly to changes in my environment. Q: What do you consider as your role in the ESSEC family? Last December, Damien Zinck (ESSEC 1990) who started organizing a newly monthly ESSEC gathering, emailed me. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to join, as I was heading to Hong Kong for several months last quarter, and was busy in “wrapping up” the last weeks of my MBA degree. At ESSEC, I have been involved in the student association life as a member of the elected team for the Student Council (“Bureau Des Eleves”). Once I settle down in my new environment, with a fresh new position, I will be more involved as an ESSEC Alumnus on a local basis. But also, my interest is to take a more active role with the school either for interviewing new applicants or providing students with support in their job search, offering them advice and information. As I am a member of the ESSEC community, I have to bring my little contribution in marketing the school: indeed, as a representative, I have to do my best to raise the visibility of ESSEC. ESSEC has to be able to compete with its peers by attracting the best faculty and the best students. And as ESSEC Alumni, through our conversation with other persons, we make its reputation! Thank you...
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