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Jiali Kang (SKEMA 2022): from corporate finance student to senior audit specialist at Deloitte Luxembourg
Jiali Kang (SKEMA 2022) left a stable position at a state-owned enterprise in China to pursue a Master's degree in Corporate Financial Management. This bold move led her to secure a role as a senior audit specialist at Deloitte Luxembourg. We interviewed her to find out more about her path to professional success.
What made you to leave your accounting job and enrol at SKEMA Business School?
My main motivation was the desire to broaden my horizons and open myself up to new experiences. I wanted to learn a variety of skills and gain international exposure. I have a passion for foreign languages and had always wanted to live abroad. But as information about overseas education opportunities is limited in China and my parents were initially resistant to the idea, I had to put that dream aside and focus on developing my career.
An overseas assignment in a public company gave me a chance to use my language skills, work in an international environment and discover the French language, which immediately fascinated me. At the same time, I started researching study opportunities in France and discovered SKEMA Business School. Its international reputation and multiple campuses made it seem like a good fit for me. Visiting the Suzhou campus with my parents confirmed that I was making the right choice.
How did you prepare for the MSc in Corporate Financial Management at SKEMA?
The MSc in Corporate Financial Management (CFM) is a highly selective programme, so I had to put all the odds on my side. I gathered as much information as I could from SKEMA’s official website and WeChat account, and then asked the admissions team for advice and guidance.
I focused my preparation on strengthening my understanding of the fundamentals of finance and on building a well-thought-out career plan. This way, I was fully prepared and confident when the time came to apply.
Which track did you choose and which subjects stood out for you?
I chose the Fundraising and Innovative Investments track, where I learned about private equity funds and the leveraged buyout (LBO) model, for example.
The programme also included practical courses such as management accounting, risk management, corporate finance and Excel modelling. What impressed me the most were the lectures given by experts and former students who shared their professional experiences.
Did you face any cultural or linguistic challenges while studying in France?
I was on the Paris campus, which is very international, so it was an enriching experience. Even though I didn’t speak French when I arrived, I didn’t have too much trouble fitting in.
However, knowing French is crucial for finding a job in France. I took French classes at SKEMA and registered for language exams to stay motivated. The first few months were challenging, but with daily practice I was able to speak fluently after a year.
How did you secure an internship at PIMCO’s Paris office?
I can break the process down into three steps: I identified the positions I was interested in, submitted a strong application and prepared thoroughly for the interviews.
It sounds simple, but each step required a lot of effort. I started by analysing the job market to identify industries and companies that matched my goals. Then I used resources like SKEMA’s alumni LinkedIn and WeChat group to identify opportunities.
To create a standout CV, I used the templates provided by SKEMA and tailored each application to the role I was applying for. Before submitting, I asked friends, alumni, and career advisors for feedback. Finally, for the interviews, I prepared answers to common questions and gathered insights from alumni on LinkedIn to understand the company culture.
Why did you choose Deloitte Luxembourg?
As Europe’s financial hub, Luxembourg offered incredible career opportunities, especially in fund management. I chose Deloitte for three main reasons:
1. Opportunities for rapid career progression: annual appraisals allow for clear progression and many reach management positions within five years.
2. Ongoing training: Deloitte invests heavily in training its young talent, offering structured sessions and opportunities for group learning.
3. International culture: Working in different departments or countries is a real opportunity for young people at the start of their careers.
Deloitte offers a stimulating environment where autonomy and learning are valued. This fits perfectly with my aspirations.
In your opinion, what are the professional qualities most sought after by employers in France and Europe?
The two qualities they value the most are:
- Proactivity: show that you take the initiative, get involved in projects and achieve concrete results.
- Teamwork: effective collaboration, resource sharing, and fluid communication are essential to improve performance within a company.
How has SKEMA contributed to your personal and professional development?
The Corporate Valuation course enabled me to develop expertise in business valuation using tools such as the DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) model and Porter's Five Forces. I still use these skills every day.
Personally, going to Europe on my own and starting from zero was a transformative experience. It taught me resilience and gave me the confidence to adapt to any context. Today, I use Chinese social networks to share my experience and inspire other young people to study and work in Europe.
What advice would you give to current SKEMA students?
- Make the most of resources: SKEMA offers many opportunities to develop your network and skills, so make the most of them.
- Plan your career early: list the sectors, companies and positions that interest you and prepare accordingly.
- Dare to step out of your comfort zone: it’s by trying new things that you'll discover your true passions and ambitions.
