ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
On the global agenda of regulators and banks, the key focus
will be full implementation of the Basel III international regulatory
framework for banks and the realization of resolution regimes. Banks
will need to raise a significant amount of Basel III compliant securities, which will keep rating agencies busy. Nevertheless, a recent
shift toward corporates raising their own debt rather than from banks
might continue. Within Asia, rising household income in China, India,
and many more emerging markets will continue to grow the banking
industry, which should also result in a growing market for rating
agencies.
What advice would you offer to alumni or students looking to
move from the European job market to the Asian job market?
In recent years foreigners have had greater difficulties competing
against local talent in Asia. Most employers are skeptical about the
commitment level of foreigners to Asia, which makes them believe
a local candidate with a similar skillset will be more likely to stay for
a longer period at the company. Language barriers also add an
additional challenge. Therefore, it is important to be out here, engage
with the local culture, and understand local behaviors. During my
MIB at the Shanghai campus, I traveled several times to Singapore
to meet people and build up my network, which ultimately resulted
in me launching my career at Moody’s.
On a positive note, most MNCs remain committed to global
mobility and moving talent from Europe and the U.S. to Asia.
Working out of your home country for a company with presence in
Asia still might be the best way to land a job in Asia.
What advice would you offer to alumni and students looking to
land a role within your industry?
The key skillset a Moody’s analyst should have is a strong analytical
mindset with a good accounting background, a solid sense of what
is happening in the global financial markets, great communication
skills in order to express your opinion to investors and issuers, and
strong writing skills for the multiple research pieces we have to write.
The rating industry is very small and unique. I managed to land a
job by reaching out on LinkedIn to the right person at the right time.
But it’s not all just about luck. It is also about crafting a story in a way
that is relevant. These are the things that will help you get your foot
in the door; what will keep you there and help you move you up the
ladder is good old-fashioned hard work! A great start for all those
who are looking to enter the industry right now may be as simple as
grabbing coffee with someone at the company they want to work for.
More about Nick Caes:
• Holds an MSc in Mechanical Energy Engineering
from the University of Ghent in Belgium
• Graduated from Hult’s Master of International Business
program in Shanghai
• Started at Moody’s Investors Service in Singapore
as an intern after graduating, now an Associate Analyst
at Moody's Financial Institutions Group
hult.edu/alumni 15