Meet Raisa Béliard, lecturer at the School of Management and Impact

Meet Raisa, lecturer at the School of Management and Impact and former exchange student in the Finance and Strategy master's program.

What is your professional background?

I studied mathematics and applied finance in Canada, and then I did part of my master’s degree here at Sciences Po as an exchange student, my I did many internships to understand the market better, but also to better position myself as an investment professional, and that’s how I discover emergent market investing but also impact investing.
I was working with Findev Canada and the CDBQ and from there I joined British investment in UK.

How did you become an investment banker?

I worked hard, but what was decisive for me was diligence, a constant desire to learn and an inquisitive attitude.
Secondly, I have to say that nobody goes it alone. It's extremely important to find the right mentor, the right sponsors, and to have them as a kind of career compass to help you navigate the industry.

You were nominated in the 40 under 40 price delivered by Black Women in Asset Management (BWAM), what does it mean to you?

It was a truly ambling honor to receive this award from BWAM, especially in a field with such talented individuals, for me, it speaks to my effort and work done with the industry but truly sets the tone for future ambition.

Any advice for our students?

The first would be to do as many internships as possible and as early as possible, as this will give you a better understanding of the market and the field you want to work in.
Secondly, I'd like to encourage students never to underestimate the power of the connection or rather connections you make at school, with your teacher, your classmates and throughout your internship. Even today, I continue to contact my teachers, my boss when I have doubts or questions about my professional career.