Hult Magazine Issue 5 | Page 15

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT On the global agenda of regulators and banks, the key focus will be full implementation of the Basel III international regulatory framework for banks and the realization of resolution regimes. Banks will need to raise a significant amount of Basel III compliant securities, which will keep rating agencies busy. Nevertheless, a recent shift toward corporates raising their own debt rather than from banks might continue. Within Asia, rising household income in China, India, and many more emerging markets will continue to grow the banking industry, which should also result in a growing market for rating agencies. What advice would you offer to alumni or students looking to move from the European job market to the Asian job market? In recent years foreigners have had greater difficulties competing against local talent in Asia. Most employers are skeptical about the commitment level of foreigners to Asia, which makes them believe a local candidate with a similar skillset will be more likely to stay for a longer period at the company. Language barriers also add an additional challenge. Therefore, it is important to be out here, engage with the local culture, and understand local behaviors. During my MIB at the Shanghai campus, I traveled several times to Singapore to meet people and build up my network, which ultimately resulted in me launching my career at Moody’s. On a positive note, most MNCs remain committed to global mobility and moving talent from Europe and the U.S. to Asia. Working out of your home country for a company with presence in Asia still might be the best way to land a job in Asia. What advice would you offer to alumni and students looking to land a role within your industry? The key skillset a Moody’s analyst should have is a strong analytical mindset with a good accounting background, a solid sense of what is happening in the global financial markets, great communication skills in order to express your opinion to investors and issuers, and strong writing skills for the multiple research pieces we have to write. The rating industry is very small and unique. I managed to land a job by reaching out on LinkedIn to the right person at the right time. But it’s not all just about luck. It is also about crafting a story in a way that is relevant. These are the things that will help you get your foot in the door; what will keep you there and help you move you up the ladder is good old-fashioned hard work! A great start for all those who are looking to enter the industry right now may be as simple as grabbing coffee with someone at the company they want to work for. More about Nick Caes: • Holds an MSc in Mechanical Energy Engineering  from the University of Ghent in Belgium • Graduated from Hult’s Master of International Business  program in Shanghai • Started at Moody’s Investors Service in Singapore  as an intern after graduating, now an Associate Analyst at Moody's Financial Institutions Group hult.edu/alumni 15