Elisabetta Galli, Head Analyst, Financial Technologies

In order to help current students and recent graduates to find their way in the working world, many of our alumni shared their career story. Here the story of Elisabetta Galli, Head Analyst in Financial Technologies in Lugano (CH). USI Degrees: Master in Banking and Finance, 2011 and Bachelor in Economics Sciences, 2007

How did you start your career?

During my master program I made a 6-month internship in an Italian Asset Management company, allowing me to really start interacting with the professional world. Once completed my education at USI, I applied for vacant posts and sent a number of spontaneous letters, focusing on Swiss
banks and advisory firms. It was a tough moment for our financial marketplace, but after several interviews, I was in the position to choose between two different job offers (one of this coming from FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGIES SA).
Time confims that I made the best decision for myself.

Why did you choose a career at Financial Technologies?

From my perspective, there were two key factors: on one side, the core business of FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGIES SA (i.e. M&A and so-called "Extraordinary Corporate Transactions"), while on the other side, its small size.
When I joined this "M&A boutique" in 2012, I immediately appreciated the great attention paid by its top management towards my continuous education and professional growth.
Such approach definitely allowed me to build up my career in the M&A field.

What is your current role/duties?

As Head Analyst I am in charge of coordinating the analytical activities conducted by our Swiss Advisory firm (e.g. enterprise valuation and research of strategic investors or target companies).
My activity also involves taking care of the relationships with Clients and Counterparts (in particular: industrial groups and financial investors), in strict collaboration with my Chinese colleagues.
Finally, starting from January 2017, I also act as Supervisor of our Shanghai-based company.

In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career at Financial Technologies?

High level of Adaptability (indeed, we advise Entrepreneurs operating in different sectors such as, among others: pharma, fashion, mechanics and plastics), Perseverance and "Thinking outside the box" approach.

What are USI’s positive featuresand qualities?

The key peculiarity resides in a valuable education program combined with the University's small size. This latter allows to achieve a dual purpose from students' perspective: on one side, to establish direct relationships with the academic staff (you are not just a number!), while on the other side to start interacting within a variegated international landscape.

What competences and/or skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?

This academic path represented a great opportunity to build up my personal “toolbox” of knowledge and skills.
During the master I improved my analytical approach, accuracy and I had the possibility to interact and collaborate with classmates coming from abroad.
Such "toolbox" is still crucial to run my daily business.

What is your advice to USI students entering the job market?

Be open-minded and, when you enter the job market, try to figure out your personal priority expectations.