Giorgio Curti

Read Giorgio's story

What was your career experience prior to studying this programme? 

Prior to joining the programme, I studied Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE). There, I was involved in several extra-curricular initiatives, including being co-founder of a student-led investment fund and as a reporter for a cross-university market research group. In addition, I had a brief investment consulting internship in my third year of undergraduate, after which I interned in the ESG Product Management team at S&P Dow Jones Indices in the summer prior to starting the MSc Finance at Imperial College Business School.  

Why did you choose to study MSc Finance at Imperial College Business School? 

As part of my Bachelor’s in Economics, I was able to tailor my curriculum to my interest in finance through my choice of electives. Yet, by the end of my course, I realised that there were many more aspects of finance which I wanted to explore academically. Specifically, I wanted to learn more about the interactions between the macroeconomy and financial markets, as well as the theory behind the main investment strategies. At the same time, I felt like I lacked certain technical skills which would greatly benefit my job search and my career in the longer term. I was particularly eager to develop my coding abilities and to be able to apply those to financial econometrics, asset allocation, and investment strategies. The Business School’s strength in these areas, coupled with the exhaustive list of electives available, was an important factor shaping my decision to enrol on the MSc Finance. 

"When applying for postgraduate study, what I aimed to obtain from a Master’s degree was not only a deeper understanding of the subject matter but also the practical skills which would help me bridge the gap between academics and the workplace. The MSc Finance has been giving me both these opportunities"

What are you enjoying learning about the most? 

All the modules I have taken so far have been interesting in their unique ways. However, for someone looking to embark on a career in investment management, I was most fascinated by the Asset Allocation and Investment Strategies spring elective, as well as the Introduction to Quantitative Investing international elective in New York. Both modules successfully struck a balance between academic theory and practical considerations, which I believe is most beneficial to learning. In the summer term, I had the opportunity to select the Real Estate Investment elective. I’ve never covered this specific aspect of finance before, and I am excited to dig deep into the topic since it plays such a major role in both our daily lives and the economy at large. 

How are you planning to use your Master’s for your future career? 

When applying for postgraduate study, what I aimed to obtain from a Master’s degree was not only a deeper understanding of the subject matter but also the practical skills which would help me bridge the gap between academics and the workplace. The MSc Finance has been giving me both these opportunities, with the addition of a strong alumni network and comprehensive support for my job search and ongoing career development. Moreover, I think that the programme’s affiliation with the CFA has served as a signalling function to employers while giving me a head start in pursuing such an important qualification for my career. 

How does the programme help you stay up to date with evolving industry trends, themes and challenges in the real world? 

Imperial College Business School is at the forefront of innovation within the financial services industry. From an academic perspective, both the content and delivery of the curriculum by the faculty are closely aligned with industry trends and relevant real-world themes. Additionally, the Business School provides us with access to a range of publications, including financial newspapers, which proves invaluable in keeping up with current affairs and the latest developments in the sector. Moreover, practitioners frequently visit the Business School for workshops and events, offering their insights into such a rapidly evolving industry. 

Are you part of any clubs or societies? 

Throughout the programme, I have been attending fun and insightful events organised by clubs and societies of interest, both college-wide and Business School-specific: I am a member of the IB Finance and IB Energy & Sustainability clubs, as well as the Environmental, Investment, and Italian societies. In my opinion, clubs and societies are one of the best ways to get to know fellow students from across the Business School, but also especially from the wider college. 

What advice would you give to someone who’s considering applying for this programme?  

The MSc Finance at Imperial College Business School is a challenging programme, but also makes for a very rewarding experience. Apart from the usual suspects – staying on top of the workload and balancing academics with job searching – I would strongly advise anyone joining the programme to try to make the most of the whole experience. This includes being involved in extra-curricular activities, ideally by holding leadership positions, as well as making full use of the career services offered. In this regard, it’s particularly important to be proactive and be prepared for an intense year. Finally, nurturing meaningful relationships with students, professors, and alumni is invaluable – both on a personal and professional level.