The International University of Monaco (IUM) stands out for its immersive pedagogical approach, its strong roots in the Monégasque ecosystem and its international outlook. In this interview, Sophie de Lorenzo, Director of Corporate Relations, details the institution's strengths and development prospects.
The IUM at the crossroads of academic excellence and pedagogical innovation
Can you explain your role at the International University of Monaco?
I am Director of Corporate Relations, a position that covers three main missions: career and alumni management, the development of entrepreneurship in relation to the oceans, and Executive Education. My objective is to strengthen the links between the university and the professional world, while aligning our initiatives with the priorities of the Principality.
What are the main areas of continuing education at the IUM?
We developed the first programs in the banking and finance sector.
Since 2013, we have been operating, with other partners such as Intelleval, the AMAF professional certification, which attracts between 120 and 150 participants each year, on a 42-hour program followed by an exam.
Also at the request of AMAF, we offer all employees in the banking and financial sector a confidentiality awareness training course, with a refresher course every 3 years. The 2024-2025 version is offered online and in an asynchronous format, allowing professionals to follow this program and take the final test at their own pace, over a period of 3 months.
In addition, our collaboration with S.T.E.P, a global professional organization
with more than 21,000 members dedicated to the wealth management of high net worth individuals, has resulted in a highly successful program dedicated to “The International Management of Family Wealth”.
Since 2022, we have expanded our portfolio of “Executive” programs to include the luxury, tourism and fashion sectors in particular.
What finance specializations are offered?
We offer a specialization in international finance from the third year of the Bachelor's degree, which allows students to go on to a Master's degree in Finance. The latter is divided into three specializations: Private Banking and Wealth Management, Hedge Funds & Alternative Investments, and Private Equity & Investment Banking. We also have work-study formats at Bachelor's and Master's level, which allow students to combine academic training with professional experience.
Artificial intelligence is a key topic today. How is it integrated into your programs?
AI is addressed transversally in all of our courses. Each professor is responsible for integrating the implications of AI in his or her specific field. In finance, this concerns, for example, bank fraud, robo-advisors or investment management. In the field of human resources, we analyze its impact on the transformation of professions. This global approach allows students to become aware of the challenges of AI in their future professional environment.
A strong foothold in the Monegasque ecosystem
How does the IUM collaborate with Monaco's financial institutions?
Our partnerships with Monegasque institutions are essential. The AMAF is a long-standing partner, but we also work with all the banks, management companies and family offices. We have a strong local presence: 80% of our Master in Finance students do their internship in Monaco and many start their careers there. Today, around 800 of our former students work in the Principality, including nearly 150 in finance.
What are the major events and challenges in which the IUM participates?
We have a partnership approach with the major event organizers in the Principality. For example, we are involved in the Forbes Travel Summit. IUM professors share their expertise in luxury tourism, and Forbes Travel Summit professionals present their vision of the future of luxury tourism to our students.
Most of the Principality's banking and financial institutions take part in our IUM Career Week, which highlights careers and internship or job opportunities.
We also participate in conferences and challenges initiated by Monegasque institutions. The CFM is a partner of the Monaco-Ocean-Protection Challenge, which we co-organize with the Oceanographic Institute, Monaco Impact, and the Prince Albert II Foundation. This international competition, aimed at students and young entrepreneurs, aims to provide concrete support for the creation and development of start-ups capable of demonstrating a positive impact on the preservation of the ocean in the short or medium term. Our students benefit from unique learning opportunities by working on real case studies presented by professionals.
Have your Master's students in Finance just won a great title?
Yes, we are proud of them. This month they won the CFA Institute Research Challenge France, which brings together 35 teams from some of the most prestigious French universities and business schools. The task was to write a research note in English, as would be prepared by a team of financial analysts known as “sell-side”. An excellent preparation for high-level financial analysis.
This IUM team will soon be taking part in the CFA Institute Research Challenge Western and Southern Europe competition to pit itself against the best graduates from these countries... and who knows, maybe it will even take part in the grand international final in the United States! It's a great recognition for our Master's in Finance, for IUM, and a great reflection of the talents in the Principality.
What are the placement rates for your graduates?
The Master in Finance has particularly positive results, with a high rate of internships turning into jobs and more than 90% of graduates finding employment six months after graduation. Overall, we closely monitor the employability of our graduates through detailed reports, which confirm the effectiveness of our teaching approach.
An international outlook
Does the IUM have programs abroad?
Yes, we have a campus in London that welcomes students of the Master in Finance specializing in Private Equity & Investment Banking. This program lasts two years, with a first year in Monaco and a semester in London, followed by an internship. This immersion in London allows them to be in direct contact with experts in the sector and to increase their international career opportunities.
What are the IUM's plans?
We are going to apply for the Financial Times ranking for our Master's in Finance, which will increase its visibility. In addition, we are continuing to develop our specializations and our collaborations with Monegasque and international players to offer our students training that is ever more in line with market requirements.
Any final words?
The IUM is a unique institution due to its roots in Monaco, its international outlook and its educational approach based on learning through experience. We are convinced that this combination is the key to success for our students and their future careers.
