Conversations with Investment Professionals

When I thought about how to structure this course the intent was to provide a bridge between the theoretical framework dispensed with the academic curriculum and the business practice in use in the real Corporate and Financial environments.

Learning can become concerningly disengaged when theory lacks real-world application making it difficult for Students to connect course content with practical activities. Nowadays this connection is all the more sought after and highly considered by prospective employers who encourage interactions and business practice exposure already at Master students’ level.

The “Conversations with Industry Experts in Investor Relations” course aims to deliver more than just conversations, offering Students the financial analysis mastery and communication/relationship tools key to build and shape a good IR.  This is basically done leveraging on three main learning levers:

1.   Corporate exposure to business executives who lead specific business practice sessions on topics/skills central to the IR formation, training and interactions.   

2.    Financial Valuation methodologies - for the EQUITY and CREDIT sides – including the tolos/processes currently utilized today by Finance operators to value a Company. These will be provided under the guidance of two primary institutions: Deloitte (Credit side) and Banque Edmond de Rothschild (Equity side). After initial methodology sessions Students will be asked to carry out their own analysis on two listed companies and present their results as part of the examination requirements for the course. 

3.    Institutional/Regulatory: the course will host testimonials by two of the top Stock Exchanges in Europe: EURONEXT (Milan) and SIX (Zürich) allowing Students to know from the inside the organization, structures and objectives of these authorities, key for the Investor Relations function and for financial market operators.

In a world where an increasing number of tasks will be catered by agentic AI app and tools, competences like Communication and interpersonal Relations will become progressively key to effectively manage Corporates and Banks strategic positioning on the financial markets.  The course aims to provide Students best-in-class Business Practice and Finance competencies through:

 1) testimonials by experienced primary household names business professionals 

 2) business case practiced and presented by the Students themselves

Financial methodology notions, critical thinking and communications competencies, are the pivotal elements this course aims to equip the students with, ready to be utilized in today's financial ecosystem Investor Relations, multifaceted, roles.

Topics presented during the course:  

Strategic Financing options

Private Equity

Financial Analyst

IPO process

Portfolio Management

Credit Rating

Family Office

Governance and Board

In presence

Attendance 70% mandatory.

Classes alternate theoretical format lessons with selected interventions by recognized business professionals covering the topics/themes outlined in the program. 

• Group work analysis and reports/presentations production, carried out in team, during the course (two practical sessions)
• Short multiple-choice and open questions format final test

Required Material

• Presentations by course testimonials, uploaded on iCorsi after each class
• Suggested reading to be indicated for each relevant topic discussed during the course