Marcel Andre
I’m from Friedrichshafen, Germany, which is close to the border of Austria and Switzerland and provides wonderful views of the nearby Lake Constance as well as the Alps. It’s a beautiful place to live. I’d describe myself as open-minded, a team player and someone who will always help a friend in need. I love any kind of mountain sport, especially snowboarding and have been working as a snowboarding instructor on weekends and in the holidays since I was 13.
"My experience at IE University was probably the best-used time of my life. The Master in Finance was equally transformative from a professional, private and personal point of view."
Pursuing a career of lifelong learning
Marcel jumped into professional life after finishing his Bachelor in Engineering as a project manager in the IT infrastructure space. There, he equipped defense facilities with IT infrastructure systems, including networking and video conferencing equipment, specializing in the needs of defense institutions. This experience gave Marcel valuable technical and interpersonal experiences and also made him realize that he wanted a more comprehensive view of organizations.
With this in mind, Marcel went on to pursue a career in consulting, where he advised corporations on organizational and governance issues as well as corporate strategy and commercial due diligence. In fact, this work inspired him to want to work directly for one of these firms rather than advising them. Fuelled by a desire to use not only his existing commercial and operational knowledge but also to cultivate a sound financial understanding, Marcel applied for the Master in Finance.
Marcel chose to study the Master in Finance at IE University thanks to its practical curriculum—most of the program’s professors have successful careers in finance so can pass down their insights not only from a theoretical point of view but also concerning how the industry actually works. Marcel’s fellow classmates also brought interesting and diverse experiences to the table, enabling him to thrive even more both personally and professionally.
During his Master in Finance, Marcel received a job offer from FairCap, a Munich-based special situations private equity firm. He accepted and got to work during the second half of his program. He is currently working as an Investment Associate at FairCap where he screens investment opportunities, conducts due diligence and structures transactions in cooperation with various advisors.
Marcel believes his program at IE University was fundamental to his success. He learned not only the foundations of finance but also the practical skills necessary to bring into the field of finance. Marcel already had a good understanding of skills that typically are learned on the job, meaning he could confidently start his job at FairCap. In the long term, Marcel aims to have a career where new things and people are encountered on a daily basis and where you never stop learning or making new experiences. That is also what he loves about his job as an Investment Associate.
To prospective students of the Master in Finance, Marcel advises them to be curious and say yes to as many experiences as they can while at IE University—both in the program and the friendships with fellow students. Both are extremely worthwhile and will positively shape you for the rest of your life. Marcel describes his experience at IE University as the best-used time of his life, noting that the Master in Finance is a demanding program that will lead you to great personal, private and professional development.
