ISFB Insight
Sophie Lüscher: The ISFB Summer School offers direct exposure to the banking industry
April 7, 2026
Aimed at students and recent graduates who want to gain practical experience in banking and finance, the ISFB Summer School offers an intensive immersion in the heart of the financial center. Through presentations by professionals, case studies, and direct exchanges with industry players, it aims to bridge the gap between academic training and operational realities. A few months after the 2025 summer session, a former participant looks back on this experience and the role it played in his entry into the job market.
You attended the ISFB Summer School during the summer session of 2025. What stands out most in your memory?
What stands out most to me is that the course was highly enriching, dynamic, and practice-oriented. We had the opportunity to meet professionals who actually work in the banking sector—in private banking, retail banking, wealth management, and corporate finance—which provided a very comprehensive overview of the roles and challenges within the industry. We could ask them questions and gain insight into their day-to-day work, which is a real departure from the academic approach. The mock interviews with HR representatives from banks like BCGE, Raiffeisen, and Swissquote were also very useful: we left with valuable advice on how to present ourselves to recruiters.
A few months after the Summer School ended, you found a job in the banking and finance sector. How did the Summer School help you establish yourself in the job market?
My plan is to enroll in the Master of Science in Commodity Trading program at the University of Geneva starting in September. This is a field that fascinates me, at the intersection of finance and international trade. I am currently looking for a trade finance internship at a bank, ideally starting in September 2026, to gain real-world experience and put into practice what I learned during my bachelor’s degree and my ISFB Credit Certification.
Would you recommend that students or recent college graduates sign up for the next session?
Yes, absolutely. I learned a great deal that will be directly useful to me. The Summer School allows you to connect directly with the banking world, understand the real challenges facing the industry, identify which roles are in highest demand, and, above all, start building your professional network. Whether you’re looking for an internship or a job, the Summer School’s practical focus makes all the difference when you’re just starting out. It’s a real first step into the industry, and I recommend it without hesitation.
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