Beyond the numbers: how ESE's MSc in Finance transforms ambition into leadership

In today’s fast-paced financial world, complexity and velocity demand a new generation of leaders. Technical skills alone are no longer enough to succeed; what’s needed are critical thinking, creative flexibility, and, above all, a profound awareness of oneself and one’s capabilities. How do you form a professional who can not only analyze markets but lead them with integrity and vision?

At the European School of Economics (ESE), we believe the answer lies in an education that extends beyond textbooks. Our Master of Science (MSc) in Finance has been meticulously designed not just to teach the principles of finance, but to cultivate the inner qualities necessary for effective leadership. Through an approach that blends British academic rigor with pragmatic, real-world immersion, the program is built on fundamental pillars: small class sizes that foster a mentoring relationship with faculty, a prestigious international internship program to translate theory into action, and a constant focus on the individual growth of every student.

But what does it mean to live this philosophy firsthand? To find out, we spoke with Nicolò D’Orazio, a recent graduate of our MSc in Finance, whose experience is a living testament to how the ESE approach transforms ambition into clear professional and personal direction.

From ESE to Real-Life Impact: Nicolò D’Orazio on His MSc in Finance Experience at the Rome Campus

– Looking back on your experience at ESE, what made the MSc in Finance programme stand out for you?

ESE’s MSc in Finance programme stood out for its combination of academic depth and real-world applicability. Going beyond exclusively notional information, courses’ contents offered pragmatic guidance extremely valuable in professional contexts. Furthermore, the compact classroom sizes resulted in an ‘intimate’ learning atmosphere where every student received tailored and personalized guidance from professors who truly cared about improvement and progress. Above all else, what stood out for me was the emphasis put on bridging the gap between academic learning and the realities of the finance industry, thereby resulting in greater confidence when entering professional settings.

– The School follows a very pragmatic, British-style approach to education. How did that influence your learning path?

Instead of exclusively focusing on abstract theory, real-life examples, case studies, and practical problem-solving were emphasized. This resulted in a dynamic learning experience of high value in the finance field where the ability to apply concepts quickly and effectively can offer a real edge. ESE’s approach stresses the importance of intellectual freedom alongside theory. The resulting learning environment, often mirroring real-life situations/problems, helped me gain critical thinking skills extremely relevant in the fast-paced financial industry. Challenging assumptions and bringing my own ideas to the table, not only made the learning experience more engaging, but also of higher pragmatic value, as it helped me gain skills that I will carry with me beyond the classroom.

– How has the programme shaped your next steps — whether in your career or your personal outlook on the finance world?

The programme has been instrumental in shaping both my personal understanding of the finance industry and my professional direction. Personally, it gave me a much clearer and grounded view of how the field operates. Therefore, I now have a better sense of where my strengths lie and what areas I’m genuinely passionate about, but also of the areas where I can still improve and grow. Professionally, the programme’s pragmatic approach really helped refine my focus, as I was able to get a firsthand sense of what different roles in finance entail, thereby helping me make more informed choices about the path I want to pursue. In short, it bridged the gap between academic learning and professional application giving me a more confident and targeted outlook on the next steps in my career.

– Finally, if you had to describe your personal and academic journey during your time at ESE in one word or phrase, what would it be, and why?

If I had to describe my journey at ESE in one word, it would be ‘transformative’. Through the programme I gained both technical skills and practical knowledge, but also a much sharper sense of direction (professional and personal). The small class sizes and individualized attention created a supportive environment where I could truly reflect on my strengths and areas for growth. Meanwhile, the hands-on, pragmatic teaching style offered a realistic lens on the finance world that helped me make informed decisions about my future. I would say that, much like ESE’s motto ‘Visibilia ex Invisibilibus’ suggests, it was a period of transformation, but one grounded in clarity; clarity about the industry, about my goals, about the kind of professional I want to become, and most importantly about myself as an individual.

Conclusion

The word Nicolò chose to describe his journey—”transformative”—perfectly captures the essence of our mission. His experience, which led him to a profound clarity about his goals and the professional he wants to become, is a direct demonstration of our philosophy: ‘Visibilia ex Invisibilibus’, making visible the invisible potential that lies within every student.

ESE’s MSc in Finance is more than a master’s degree. It’s an ecosystem designed for growth, where individual attention, an internship program that opens doors to over 1500 partner companies, and a reality-based teaching approach come together for a single purpose: to give you the tools not only to succeed in the world of finance, but to master your life.

Nicolò’s journey is proof that a true financial education is not just about markets, but about self-discovery. It is a path that turns uncertainty into direction and knowledge into real-world impact.

Are you ready to begin your transformation?

The next intake for our MSc in Finance starts in September 2025.