Mr. Damien Oberholzer returned to European University Montreux to give a talk entitled “Making a career in wealth management”. Mr. Oberholzer graduated in 2007and holds an MBA degree with a major in Banking & Finance from EU Montreux.

Thanks to the flexible EU study options, he was able to complete this MBA part-time and combine his buy professional life as a Portfolio Manager (2007–2009) and Client Advisor (Private Banking, 2009 to present). After an informative and engaging session for the students, EU Today caught up with Mr. Oberholzer and asked him to give his views on the values of EU education.

EU Today: What was the highlight of your presentation? In other words, what did you like most about the time you had with our students?

Mr. Oberholzer: First of all, it was a pleasure to come back to European University as an Alumni. The most interesting part was trying to bring to students information about job opportunities in the financial industry. After being a student at EU, I felt it was the right thing to come back and to give valuable advice about what you can expect from working in banking. The main goal of my presentation was to create an interest for the financial sector and answer important questions about choosing banking as a career path.

EU Today: When did you realize how important your education from EU was in your career path?

Mr. Oberholzer: I completed my MBA part-time as I was already working. Therefore, my education at EU gave me all the necessary theoretical skills that I needed in order to respond correctly to my employer. Furthermore, the international environment gave me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. I learned essential skills needed in a global environment such as cultural differences, differences in working styles and how to network internationally. But learning never ends. Once in a company you constantly needs to participate to new internal or external education sources in order to be on top and demonstrate your willingness to progress.

EU Today: How did you feel as you looked back on your time in our MBA program?

Mr. Oberholzer: When I look back at my time at EU, I feel I had an enormous chance to meet certain professors who did not only teach me a subject but also motivate me to reach specific goals. I also feel really proud of being part of a powerful and international network such as the Alumni network.

EU Today: What do you remember about the time you were studying and your colleagues?

Mr. Oberholzer: I remember the time I had to rush out of work to be in class at 18.00–21.00, then going back home, eat, sleep and go back to work. It was a tough time but really rewarding. I also remember the time we spent in Mokachino in Montreux debating different subjects during breaktime with teachers and students. Last but not least, I remember the weekends in Gstaadt with some alumni and students. Great fun and parties.

EU Today: Why do you feel the Alumni Network is an important part of the guest lecturer program?

Mr. Oberholzer: As I explained during my presentation, networking is really important in today’s business world. The Alumni Network is a large base of connections that a graduate can use for finding jobs or develop a business. That is the reason I encouraged all the students to be part of the Alumni Network through the website or through Linkedin.com where EU has a group and several sub-groups. By introducing Alumni through Guest Lecturer Program, it enhances this merger process between students and alumni and also between alumni themselves. If a more people across all working sectors and with hierarchical positions went through European University, imagine all the possibilities and opportunities thet could create. For example, as a Private Banker this network is a superb potential partner. It opens a gate on the international environment that no one would have without EU.