Global Firms Gather at IE University for Asset & Wealth Management Day

IE University welcomed 400 students to IE Tower for Asset & Wealth Management Day, one of the most anticipated finance career events this year. The event featured 12 top global firms, including Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Deutsche Bank, Santander, Amundi, PIMCO, and Lombard Odier, giving students the chance to engage and network directly with recruiters, analysts, and portfolio managers.

The Talent & Careers event kicked off with lighting talks in the auditorium followed by over two hours of networking with the companies. For those interested in pursuing a career in finance or looking for opportunities, the event was a unique occasion to gain a deeper understanding of the industry trends while also building personal connections with professionals working in the sector.

Ignacio Arjona, Graduate Analyst at Deutsche Bank, stressed the importance of curiosity and persistence for students aiming to enter such a competitive field.

"The most important thing is to be curious and willing to make the effort, because there are very few spots and many candidates," he said. Arjona added that while technology and artificial intelligence are transforming the sector, human relationships remain at the heart of asset and wealth management. "The way to differentiate is the human factor, it will never go out of date because relationships are the most important thing in a job and in life."

María Treviño, Head of Communications at Amundi, noted that the industry is undergoing major change with the rise of passive management, growing demand for private assets, and the integration of technology into client services and that adaptability is crucial. 

"It’s very important for someone who wants to join to be open-minded and eager to learn every day," she explained. "Knowledge of financial markets is essential, but so are digital skills, from artificial intelligence to big data, which are becoming game-changers for the industry."

For firms like BlackRock, preparation and focus are what set candidates apart. Franco Bartolacci, Associate at the firm, encouraged students to go beyond academics when applying. 

"Really understanding where the firm is going is crucial during the interview process," he said. "Every company has its own specificities, so doing the research is key. And getting experience early on, even outside the top firms, helps you build a consistent narrative that shows passion and commitment to the industry."

Students also reflected on how the event influenced their career ambitions. Sacha Huberty, currently pursuing a Dual Master in Management and Master in Business Analytics and Data Science, said the experience confirmed his aspirations. "I gained a lot of insights on macroeconomics and the outlook for the global economy," he said. "It basically confirmed what I want to do, giving me more confidence about my career path in asset and wealth management."

For IE Talent & Careers, the event represents more than just a networking opportunity. Rodrigo Hurtado del Nido, Associate Director at Talent & Careers, explained that exposing students to a wide range of firms and roles helps them see beyond traditional paths. 

"When I was a student, I didn’t have a privilege like this," he said. "It’s critical for students to understand the diversity of careers in asset and wealth management, from managing portfolios to marketing investment products. The goal is for them to build connections now, even if they’re not recruiting immediately."

As the asset and wealth management industry continues to evolve with new technologies, regulatory shifts, and investment trends, events like this position IE students to stay ahead. By combining direct access to global firms with practical insights into the industry, Asset & Wealth Management Day reinforced IE University’s role as a bridge between international talent and leading employers in finance. Looking ahead, organizers aim to refine the format by introducing more specialized panels and trending-topic discussions, giving students the chance to dive deeper into key areas of the industry,an evolution that, according to Rodrigo Hurtado, will ensure the event continues to deliver value in the years to come.