ISFB Insight
Yvan Roh: “The ISFB Summer School helped me gain a better understanding of careers in banking”
April 16, 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.
Yvan Roh, you attended the ISFB Summer School during the summer session of 2025. What stands out to you about the experience?
What stands out most to me about the ISFB 2025 Summer School is the depth and coherence of the program, which offers a vision of the banking and financial world that is both comprehensive and practical. Over the course of two weeks, we explored key areas such as private banking, retail banking, financial markets, corporate banking, and sustainable finance.
What particularly stood out to me was the program’s strong practical focus. The presentations by industry professionals, the bank visit, and the final hackathon allowed us to directly connect the concepts to real-world situations and gain a better understanding of the sector’s current challenges.
The second part of the program, focused on career guidance, offers real added value. Mock interviews with real human resources professionals were particularly valuable: they allow participants to experience real-world conditions, receive concrete feedback, and better understand recruiters’ expectations. It is a highly educational exercise that helps build confidence and develop the right instincts for the day of an actual interview.
Ultimately, this Summer School stands out for its balance between academic content, professional immersion, and personal development.
You are nearing the end of your Master’s program in finance at HEC Lausanne. What are your plans for the future?
As I approach the end of my academic studies in early 2027, my short-term goal is to secure a master’s-level internship in banking in Geneva. I view this step as a crucial transition from theoretical learning to professional experience, driven by a desire to apply my academic knowledge to real-world situations and gain a deeper understanding of the practical dynamics of the financial sector.
In the medium term, I hope to start my career in private banking. While I am still open to different roles, I am particularly drawn to positions that combine analytical work with direct interaction with clients. I believe striking this balance is essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of clients’ needs, while also being able to propose relevant and structured investment solutions.
Finally, in the longer term, I haven’t ruled out a move into investment banking. This prospect is part of my desire to tackle more complex challenges in a demanding and dynamic environment, while further developing my analytical and strategic skills.
Would you recommend that students or recent college graduates enroll in the ISFB Summer School?
I would not hesitate to recommend the ISFB Summer School to students or recent graduates who want to explore or deepen their understanding of the banking and financial sector. The program offers a broad yet practical overview of the various career paths, helping participants better navigate their options and confirm or refine their career goals.
Beyond the academic content, the added value lies in hands-on experience and interactions with industry professionals. These interactions provide a better understanding of market expectations and real-world conditions, while helping students build a valuable professional network.
Finally, career-focused workshops—particularly mock interviews with recruiters—are a real asset. They help students prepare effectively for the recruitment process and approach their first professional experiences with greater confidence and perspective.
All in all, it’s an experience that is educational, practical, and strategic for anyone looking to break into the world of finance.
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