Alumni Testimonies

Romain Friedman, Graduated in 2014, Equity Analyst, Tikehau IM

I joined the M2  104 after completing the first year of the Master Finance  at Dauphine, it seemed like the natural next step. The tailor-made courses and the education through research approach teach students autonomous study techniques, which I consider key to being up-and-running immediately after graduation. It also means that students who join the labour market are aware of the latest developments in academic research which is why this M2  is so highly regarded for the technical skills of its students. The wide range of profiles of students (engineers, economists, mathematicians, finance) creates an open-minded atmosphere and is reflected in a varied career opportunities and an extensive alumni network. Personally, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to design my own tailor-made course which gave me access to varied courses (Corporate Finance, Derivatives, Commodities etc.) which are all important in my current career as an investment fund analyst. After my internship at Tikehau, I was hired directly after graduating from the Master.

Alexandre Despras, Graduated in 2013, Consultant ALM - Liquidity Risk, Ernst & Young

After the first year of the Master Finance at  Dauphine, I chose the M2  104 because of its theoretical and quantitative approach to market finance covering a wide variety of models, which was greatly appreciated during my internship in the front office.
But beyond the quantitative approach, I think the real value of this research track  lies in the way we approach a model or problem by assessing the initial assumptions and various underlying assumptions. This enables students to look at the big picture. This approach brings true value to me as a consultant as I address a wide range of issues with varying degrees of complexity in the different banks that I work with.

François Bourriguen, Graduated in 2011, Bernheim, Dreyfus & Co

The M2 104, Research in Finance  has many benefits, including high-quality teaching, varied profiles of the students and the career opportunities. The education through research approach provides a detailed knowledge of the fundamental theories of finance, giving students a thorough scientific approach and the tools necessary to understand the markets and their participants. The varied profiles of students, some with an engineering background, others from economics/management universities generates an excellent learning experience, especially due to the many group projects involved. For employers, this M2  guarantees that the graduates have the requisite technical skills, self-reliance and a critical mindset. The Master’s thesis requires hard work, especially during the last semester , but is often a key discussion point during job interviews. Finally, the range of courses on offer enables every student to choose their specialization, providing career prospects in Corporate Finance and Quantitative Research. As an analyst in an investment fund, I use the varied skills I acquired on a daily basis. Our strategies are based on fundamental research, that are applied to markets on an ongoing basis.

Paul Karehnke, Graduated in 2010, Assistant Professor, University New South Wales, Sydney

I joined the M2 104 after having completed the first year of a Master (M1) in Applied Economy at Dauphine with the view to doing a thesis in finance. The M2 104 course gave me an insight into what a career in research implied. I received personalized support from my thesis director and defined a research topic that reflected my personal interest in market finance. As a doctoral student, I benefited from the international study opportunities on offer and did a joint doctorate with Tilburg University in the Netherlands. The M2 104 was the launch pad for my international academic career.