Common to all programs that make up the emlyon business school program portfolio is the drive to provide the best possible preparation for working life. The MSc in Finance is no exception, welcoming students from financial backgrounds or otherwise to start building their personal and professional project. At the time of writing, Hugo Mancuso is one year through the curriculum and carrying out his internship at Edmond de Rothschild. From an educational background in Law has spawned a future specializing in the field of Mergers and Acquisitions.

Q. What drew you to Finance?

A. “It was a conscious decision. Before arriving at emlyon, I had studied Corporate Law, also in Lyon. Towards the end of that part of my educational journey, I had developed a taste for the fields of Private Equity and M&A and saw my future (in terms of studies and career) heading in that direction. This was fueled by obtaining certifications in Investment Banking, Private Equity, Venture Capital and M&A Valuation and Strategy along the way.”

Q. What made you opt for the MSc in Finance at emlyon?

A. “I was looking specifically for an intensive fast-track program within the Masters/MSc segment of the market that would get me industry ready. I was accepted by three other schools along with emlyon but, partly due to my roots in Lyon but above all thanks to emlyon’s reputation, it was a relatively easy decision. I was also swayed by the school’s ranking results and, crucially, feedback from alumni regarding the kind of professional experience and know-how you gain along the way via internships, the importance attributed to entrepreneurship within the curriculum, and the chance to develop your own corporate projects in parallel.”

Q. How did your switch from Law to Finance and the choice of emlyon fit into your plan?

A. “In terms of area of expertise, Private Equity and M&A were and still are very much the focus and I want to gain as much experience in the field as possible whilst on the program and upon graduation. This forms part of a personal and professional growth plan I have firmly in mind for the next 10-15 years.”

Q. How has studying at emlyon helped you on the journey so far?

A. “One of the many strengths of the MSc is the opportunity it gives you to develop business activities of your own alongside your studies. Not only do you benefit from the support and advice of Faculty (with a special mention for France Bachelot), but you also get to see up close what it takes to set up and run an investment bank via the privileged contact you can establish with professionals from the industry."


“I put some of these learnings into practice by launching my own podcast project dedicated to the areas of M&A and Private Equity in which I am determined to invest my future. Thanks to help from the school, I have never felt out of my depth when undertaking such initiatives. This can only stand me in good stead when I enter the industry properly as a professional upon graduation.”

Q. Can you give concrete examples of the professional preparation you have received?

A. “The podcast project I mentioned was a great example, as it gave us a platform to share and test our practical skills and know-how, all of which had been boosted by insight from industry experts, visits to companies, and conference run by corporate finance reps. We’ve also benefited from tailor-made interview coaching, which is invaluable when you reach the crux time of applying for the first post-graduation position. The M&A interview process has the reputation of being a war, so you need to learn the right interview techniques to ensure that recruiters view you as the right fit. We had access to the Prepzfy platform to help hone the necessary job-seeking and interviewing skills, plus vital tips on securing an internship. It’s when you reach that crucial interview situation where the focus placed upon soft skills at emlyon really comes to fruition. We’d been drilled in how to perform successful pitches, how to speak in front of a recruiter, and adapting to the day-to-day reality of corporate life.”

Q. You are now on your internship as an M&A Analyst at Edmond de Rothschild. What have you learned so far and what skills or knowledge acquired at emlyon have you used to this point?

“During my internship at Edmond de Rothschild, I've had the opportunity to immerse myself in the Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) process. One of the key areas where I've applied my knowledge from emlyon is in company valuation, particularly using techniques such as comparable company analysis, precedent transactions, and discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. These were critical components of my coursework at emlyon and have proved invaluable in real-world applications."
“Additionally, the hands-on experience I gained at emlyon in pitch preparation and strategic assessment has been directly applicable in my current role, where I've been involved in preparing pitch books, conducting market analyses, and identifying potential acquisition targets. The rigorous training on financial modeling and corporate finance provided by the MSc program has allowed me to contribute effectively to mandate execution tasks such as drafting information memorandums and preparing management presentations."
“The emphasis emlyon places on soft skills has also been beneficial. The training I received in how to communicate effectively and pitch ideas has made me more confident and when presenting analyses to senior team members. Overall, the blend of technical skills and practical experience at emlyon has equipped me with the tools necessary to thrive in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment like Edmond de Rothschild.”