Study trip: MSc Sustainable Finance students visit CANDRIAM and Finance Watch in Brussels
This year’s study trip took our MSc Sustainable Finance students to Brussels – the epicentre of European policymaking and the seat of key international institutions such as the European Commission, NATO, and numerous global organisations shaping the future of sustainable finance.
On 29 April, students had the privilege of visiting CANDRIAM, where they gained valuable insights into the varied career opportunities within the field of responsible asset management.
A team of CANDRIAM experts shared their expertise and personal career journeys:
- Emma Miguel Unzue, Rodolphe Hermann, and Alix Ditisheim offered an in-depth look into the daily work of an ESG analyst.
- Thibault Van Doorselaere presented the dynamic role of an equity analyst.
- Vincent Meuleman spoke about his experience and the challenges of being a fund manager.
- Roberto Ristuccia shared insights and perspectives from his role as an investment engineer.
- Deborah Bogaert discussed her leadership in Learning & Development Strategy & Innovation.
This enriching experience was thoughtfully organised by Delphine Dubreuil, Head of Talent Acquisition & Career Management, and left a lasting impression on all participants, inspiring the next generation of sustainable finance professionals.
The following day, the group was warmly welcomed at Finance Watch by Vincent Vandeloise, Senior Research & Advocacy Officer, and Pablo Grandjean, Senior Communications Officer. Vincent and Pablo explained how Finance Watch – an NGO whose mission is to “make finance serve society” – engages in advocacy at the European level to help policymakers act in the best interests of EU citizens.
As an independent non-profit organisation representing 111 members from 20 EU countries, Finance Watch plays a key role in the European sustainable finance landscape. One of their successful advocacy campaigns, focused on ESG data providers, contributed directly to the creation of the ESGR – the world’s first regulation targeting ESG data providers.
The students were highly engaged and eager to learn, asking so many questions that Pablo and Vincent hardly had the chance to finish their presentation.
Over the course of the two-day study trip, students took part in lively discussions, connected with industry professionals and NGOs, and gained valuable practical and political insights to complement their academic learning. The experience broadened their understanding of the role of sustainability in the financial sector and highlighted the importance of responsible finance in shaping a more equitable and resilient future.
Study Trips: A Shared Learning Experience
The study trip provided MSc Sustainable Finance students (now MSc Ecological & Impact Finance) with a unique opportunity to delve into the workings of influential organisations and better understand the evolving sustainable finance landscape.
Through engaging exchanges with professionals and on-site exposure to real-world financial and policy environments, the experience proved both inspiring and transformative. Students extended their learning beyond the classroom, gaining a practical grasp of how sustainability is integrated into financial decision-making. They return to KEDGE with enriched knowledge and a clearer vision of their future role in driving responsible finance forward.
For the institutions that welcome our students, these visits offer a chance to meet high-potential talent, share their commitments to sustainability, and raise awareness of career opportunities — all while reinforcing their presence within a values-driven generation.
These encounters illustrate the vibrant academic and professional ecosystem fostered at KEDGE Business School — a place where students and industry actors come together to exchange insights, stimulate reflection, and shape the future of finance. This immersive experience reflects the core mission of the MSc Sustainable Finance programme: to educate and empower a new generation of financial professionals capable of leading the transition to a more sustainable global economy.
