Clarissa Ernst, MAS Finance
Clarissa Ernst is 32 years old and works as a team leader in corporate banking at ZKB. She already started her career with ZKB during her apprenticeship and has held various positions there since then. She holds a bachelor's degree in Banking and Finance from ZHAW and is now in the final stages of the MAS Finance at the University of Zurich, which she is completing part-time. Since a management position requires a great deal of flexibility, she particularly appreciates the modular structure of the program. In this way, she is able to combine her job and her continuing education with ease.
How did you get the idea to pursue continuing education?
A few years ago, I graduated from the ZHAW with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a specialization in Banking and Finance. When I changed jobs, I felt that in order to advance professionally, it would be beneficial to complete further training and acquire more knowledge.
I then informed myself about the various possibilities around Zurich. The modular structure of the courses offered at the University of Zurich, which allows for flexible design of the continuing education, was ultimately decisive for my choice. Since I was convinced by the offer, I registered for the MAS Finance at very short notice, without attending an information event.
What do you like most about the program?
I particularly like the modular structure and the ability to move modules from one semester to the next. This flexibility makes it possible to optimally combine work and further education. Especially with a 100% workload in a management position, not everything can always be planned and predicted.
I also like the contact with people from totally different areas and industries with different backgrounds, which is made possible thanks to the modularity of the program. For example, in the real estate valuation course, I met people who work in construction, who work in banks, or who do real estate valuations. I found this mix very interesting and enriching.
What is the biggest challenge about it?
The "keep at it" (laughs). I find it a challenge to reconcile everything all the time. But it's very doable.
What are your key takeaways from the MAS Finance?
There are many small things that give you "aha moments" again and again. For numerous things that one has already intuitively done correctly, one now receives a scientific explanation.
In addition, I was able to try out many new things and thus gained insight into previously unknown areas. There were many modules with topics with which I had no or hardly any contact so far or in everyday life, such as derivatives, futures or options. This gave me the opportunity to try out new areas as part of the training.
What surprised you?
I was pleasantly surprised by the flexibility in the design of the program. On the one hand with regard to the modules, but also in general. I would not have expected that at the beginning. For example, on the one hand I could not complete the introductory seminar at the beginning of the program and on the other hand I once had to postpone an exam by a few weeks. You're not used to this kind of flexibility from classical training, and this surprised me in a positive way. I didn't expect that there would be so many individual opportunities. I found it great how cooperative the Finance team is and how they always helped to find a suitable, personal solution for everything.
Is there a topic in Finance in which you could acquire more knowledge?
Yes, of course, you never stop learning. I think you could go into even more depth in all subject areas. However, there is no area in which I felt that we learned too little. The knowledge taught is very broad, as the modules range from real estate valuation to digital transformation or corporate finance.
Would you recommend the MAS Finance and if so, to whom?
Absolutely, I have even already recommended it to others! The MAS Finance is especially suitable for people who work in the Finance industry, have already attended a continuing education program and would like to dive a little deeper into the subject matter again. The program is also suitable for those who would like to refresh their knowledge with new trends and findings from science. Due to the modular structure, students have the opportunity to attend a compact course on a topic that particularly interests them. These courses are open to all interested individuals. It is not uncommon for someone to start with a compact course or CAS and then decide to take an MAS in the end.
Will you remember anything in particular from that time?
I will never forget the open manner of the lecturers and the Finance team. We had some fun aperitifs together. I also really appreciated the interesting conversations that took place after the modules or during lunch breaks.
Thank you very much, Clarissa Ernst!
(Here you will find more information about the MAS Finance.)
Text: Linda Betschart