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Interview with Oskar Frešo

MBF Student

What key factors influenced your decision to join the MBF programme at the University of St. Gallen?

The MBF’s outstanding reputation, strong industry ties in DACH/UK, and large active alumni network made it my first choice. From my experience, the MBF is widely recognized and respected, with graduates proud of their affiliation. I was also drawn to the programme’s flexibility, which lets you tailor your academic path, and frankly, I believe it offers the best value-for-money among European finance degrees, combining academic rigor with real-world applicability.

What has been the most valuable experience or learning so far in the MBF programme?

While the academic knowledge gained from the courses is immense, the most valuable experience for me has been applying that knowledge to practical challenges. Winning the Swiss national round of the CFA Research Challenge with my team was a clear highlight — the challenge provided a hands-on opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to a real-world investment case, guided by a CFA professional and a finance professor.

How is the MBF helping you prepare for your future career in finance or related fields?

The MBF has helped me on three crucial fronts. First, its technical and interview preparation courses, such as IB Interview Preparation, were key to excelling in interviews and case studies, helping me secure a summer internship in London. Second, the group projects built into the curriculum have strengthened essential skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving under pressure. Lastly, the programme connects you with an outstanding network of peers and alumni who genuinely want to see you succeed.

What do you enjoy most about the community and networking opportunities at HSG?

What truly stands out is the quality and motivation of the students — being surrounded by such talented peers creates constant opportunities to learn, collaborate, and push myself. Moreover, the MBF programme actively fosters a sense of community through frequent social gatherings and events that make it easy to build meaningful connections. At the same time, HSG offers strong networking opportunities, with top employers regularly coming to campus for recruiting and industry events like the Banking Days.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering the MBF programme?

Reach out to current students and alumni — they are usually happy to share insights and help you understand what the programme is really like. Beyond that, do your due diligence, and I am confident you will find the MBF programme a highly rewarding choice. But most importantly, have fun, build friendships, challenge yourself, and approach each opportunity with an open mind.

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