Join StudyUK now for free, personalised information about studying in the UK.
Featured institution of the month
| Brunel University |
 |
|
|
 Enrique Moanack
Programme title: MSc International Securities, Investment & Banking
Country of origin: Colombia
Age: 29
University previously attended/degree obtained: Universidad de la Sabana (Bogota-Colombia)/
BA Business Administration
Career History
Enrique Moanack, graduated from the ICMA Centre’s MSc in International Securities, Investment and Banking in 2005. Previously having worked in Colombia as a Fixed Income Trader for an Insurance company and then a Trust company, Enrique currently works on the trading floor in the Rates and Credit Division at JP Morgan.
Studying at ICMA
I have aimed my career in the direction of the markets since my first job, but I wanted to expand my knowledge in international capital markets and develop my financial skills, so I decided to apply for further study abroad. There were many reasons I chose this degree, not least because of its practical emphasis and the great reputation the ICMA Centre has in the City. Another important factor for me was that the professors had real market experience as well as academic knowledge, so I felt confident that I was learning from industry professionals.
One of the best elements of the degree was the opportunity for real-life examples in both the trading room and in classroom case-studies. There was a perfect blend of lectures and seminars allowing you to put the methodologies into practice.
I was nervous about studying in a foreign country, but I need not have worried. I had colleagues from Mexico, Ireland, Vietnam, England, Taiwan, China, Greece, Italy, and India among others. It was extremely beneficial to see the differing perspectives of other cultures. At the same time there was great support for each other as many of us had the same anxieties with the language.
The programme was very demanding not only due to it being the first time I had studied in a foreign language, but also as I had not studied some of the subjects before. However, the support I received from both staff and fellow students was excellent. There was also time to relax and I enjoyed going to the gym, swimming and going out to movies with my class mates. The extracurricular activities helped me to take a break from the demands of the course.
The support offered by both the teaching and support staff was outstanding. The ICMA Centre’s staff are extremely friendly, efficient and kind. However it is up to the student to fully utilise the resources available at the Centre, like Bloomberg, Reuters and the careers service. In my case the careers service not only helped me to improve my interview technique and networking skills but also to develop a coherent career strategy.
The knowledge I acquired through the programme certainly aided my career development in opening up the doors to banks in the UK but equally important was my own hard work and determination.
After graduating I gained a place on JP Morgan’s graduate programme as a first year analyst. I now work on the trading floor in the Rates and Credit Division, working with two teams of market markers (inflation trading and FX forwards). Looking to the future, I am very keen on interest rate products, I would like to have my own book and start making markets. After some years of experience as a market marker I would like to be a proprietary trader. I also think that a structuring role could be a very interesting area later in my career.
My whole experience at the ICMA Centre was great. Starting from the personal perspective, my life changed radically; I came to another country with many varied languages and cultures, which offered a totally different life experience. The course was demanding but very interesting and satisfying. In terms of career prospects, it gave me the tools and skills to be competitive and ultimately enabled me to find a job in the city.
I would certainly recommend this course to others as it offers the right choice of modules and can be a very practical course. It can enable you to work effectively in what is a very demanding sector.
“There were many reasons I chose this degree, not least because of its practical emphasis and the great reputation the ICMA Centre has in the City.”
|
|
