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Jeanne Schlaefli – Deep dive into corporate finance and accounting

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EHL Alumni Network

Welcome to a brand new season of the EHL Alumni Network podcast. I'm your host, Caroline. In this exciting series, we'll dive deep into the journeys of EHL Alumni who embarked on a Bachelor's adventure at EHL and then pursued Master's degrees across the globe. In the weeks to come we’ll talk to EHL graduates who went on to study in New York, Paris, Madrid, Tokyo and elsewhere, leading to careers in sectors including luxury, real estate, tourism, human resources and much more.

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Welcome to the EHL Alumni Network Podcast, where we delve into the diverse journeys of EHL graduates who have pursued master’s degrees globally. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Jeanne Schlaefli, a senior consultant at EY Switzerland, who graduated from EHL in 2019, pursued further studies at the University of St. Gallen, and now shares insights into her career path.

From EHL to Finance and Accounting

Jeanne's journey began with a fascination for the hotel industry and a desire for international exposure, drawing her to EHL. While at EHL, her interest in finance was sparked by relevant courses and intensified during internships. This interest ultimately led her to pursue a Master of Arts in Accounting and Corporate Finance.

Navigating Career Decisions

Jeanne's internship experiences, though not directly related to finance, provided valuable insights into her career preferences. Despite facing bureaucratic challenges between EHL and St. Gallen, she chose to pursue a second bachelor's degree to bridge the gap between the two educational systems.

The Value of Higher Education

Reflecting on her decision, Jeanne emphasizes the personal and professional growth she experienced at EHL. The international exposure and rigorous academic environment equipped her with essential skills and confidence, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors.

Jeanne highlights the flexibility offered by St. Gallen's curriculum, allowing students to specialize early on and tailor their education to their career goals. This flexibility continued into her master’s degree, enabling her to deepen her knowledge in finance while exploring complementary areas like auditing.

Balancing Work and Studies

Studying while working presented challenges, but Jeanne found it immensely rewarding. The experience honed her time management and prioritization skills, contributing significantly to her personal and professional development. She acknowledges the support received from EY Switzerland throughout her academic journey.

Considering Further Opportunities

While St. Gallen's affiliation with the CEMS network offers additional academic pathways, Jeanne feels content with her educational achievements. She values the existing alumni networks from both EHL and St. Gallen, recognizing their importance in fostering connections and professional growth.

For aspiring students contemplating a similar path, Jeanne advises against overthinking and encourages seizing opportunities for personal and professional growth. She emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks and remaining open to new experiences.

Check out the full list of student profiles and their diverse career paths. 

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