How Bocconi University Prepares You for Real Finance Jobs

Fancy landing a job in finance after business school? So do thousands of other graduates. Finance is one of the most popular career routes for business students, so landing a lucrative internship or full-time job after your studies means finding ways to stand out from the crowd, whether that’s through valuable professional connections or acquiring unique transferable skills.

Amanda Rambelli is one of those business school attendees who had her sights set on a job in finance after graduation. “I wanted to attend an MSc programme that combined both Finance and Law courses, as I believe the legal dimension is just as important as financial knowledge and technical skill,” she says.

With that in mind, she chose a Master’s in Accounting, Corporate Finance, and Tax at Bocconi University, which has recently been integrated into the MSc in Accounting & Financial Management. During the two-year programme, Amanda networked with hiring managers at sought-after companies and landed an internship at one of the world’s most prominent financial institutions.

Bocconi’s focus on practical skills is effective: 96% of MSc in AFM graduates secure a job within one year of graduation. Top employers of Bocconi’s finance graduates include Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, and Santander.

Why Choose Bocconi for Business Studies?

Amanda had already studied for a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Management at Bocconi, but, due to the COVID pandemic, had not spent much time on campus.

“I knew the university had much to offer, and I wanted to fully experience it in person,” Amanda says.

While she may have missed out on in-person experiences during her studies, Amanda knew that her degree from Bocconi would be well respected. In the most recent QS Business Master’s Rankings 2026, Bocconi University ranked 12th globally; its Master’s in Management and Master’s in Finance degrees ranked among the top 20 in the world in the Financial Times (FT) rankings.

More recently, Bocconi University was awarded the title of best business school in Europe in the Bloomberg Businessweek rankings, beating prestigious business schools in London, Barcelona, and Lausanne. Additionally, the FT ranked SDA Bocconi School of Management the sixth-best business school in Europe (with the fourth-best MBA programme).

How I gained Practical Skills in Finance

Teaching on the MSc in Accounting & Financial Management at Bocconi combines discussions on case studies, group business simulations, and company projects, providing students with ample opportunities to practice their finance skills.

“From the very first semester, I noticed strong consistency among courses from different disciplines, which made the programme highly transversal and relevant to many professions,” notes Amanda.

To start with, AFM students get to grips with essential finance topics – including financial modelling, investments, and capital markets – but, depending on their career aspirations, they can also pursue specialist opportunities in areas such as private equity and investment banking.

“I was very fortunate to participate in several finance-focused initiatives, such as an In-Company Training in Luxembourg,” Amanda explains. “It was also rewarding to connect and build relationships with people who shared my interests through student associations.”

Additional seminars in personal development help enhance students’ personal awareness and build their personal brand, providing a helping hand in the future job market.

“Overall, throughout my experience, I felt that I was constantly growing not only as a student, but also as a person,” adds Amanda.

My Internship Experience at J.P. Morgan

In addition to participating in in-company consulting projects, students on the Master’s in Accounting & Financial Management completed a mandatory internship at the end of the programme.

Networking events with hiring managers introduce Bocconi’s finance students to professionals from top-tier banks such as Citi, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and J.P. Morgan – where Amanda secured an internship. She spent three months working as an Off-Cycle Investment Banking Analyst at the company’s Milan offices.

“There, I worked with cross-country teams and discovered that time management is a cornerstone of this profession. The level of exposure was very high, and I enjoyed collaborating with colleagues specialising in different industries – it was the perfect environment for someone curious like me,” Amanda says.

“All my former colleagues played an important role in making these experiences extremely valuable, and I am truly grateful for that.”

Networking At Bocconi

There are many more opportunities for students to meet finance professionals beyond their internship, and choosing which activities and events to attend can be a challenge in itself.

“Bocconi supports its students 360° from the very beginning of their academic journey – so many activities were available that I sometimes felt overwhelmed,” Amanda says.

Additionally, students meet with top companies at regular networking events and careers fairs, organised by the Career Service.

“These occasions often doubled as hiring events, as several times I was contacted afterward to begin a selection process with the companies I had met,” Amanda says.

“The support does not end with graduation: alumni continue to have access to Career Fairs, and advisors keep sharing relevant job opportunities tailored to each MSc programme,” she adds.

Amanda’s Advice

What would Amanda advise students who are interested in attending Bocconi University for their Master’s degree?

“First of all, check the deadlines and all application requirements. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to prepare and take one or more of the accepted tests – possibly more than once, if needed,” she says.

“Secondly, reach out to current or former students of the programme you are interested in; they can provide a genuine perspective on what your life could look like if you are admitted.”

Amanda says that one thing is important above all else when applying to business school: being yourself. This starts before you’ve even set foot on campus.

“My advice to prospective students is to always be themselves, starting from the application process – for instance, through their personal statement – and to embrace unfamiliar and new situations, because the unknown is exactly where growth happens,” she advises.

“Bocconi is the right place to express yourself, nurture your interests and passions, and build meaningful connections with people.”

Want to hear what other students say about Bocconi University? Read verified student reviews on the school’s EDUopinions profile.