Course Spotlight - FM230: Alternative Investments

We sat down with Giuseppe D'Adamo, who took FM230: Alternative Investments, to hear about his experience of the course.

 

Why did you decide to attend LSE Summer School?

I became interested in LSE Summer School after hearing from a previous Summer School student who attended my home university. I started looking for an opportunity to pursue an additional academic experience in an institution of renowned excellence, as well as to gain exposure to an international network of teachers and students, and LSE was the perfect place for both.

Why did you choose FM230?

My interest in hedge funds made me eager to gain some more specific knowledge about how the world of alternative investments works and how financial institutions rely on non-conventional forms of investment to enhance their profitability. Moreover, the real-world case studies included in the course programme attracted my interest, as I was looking for chances to apply theoretical knowledge to explore real market dynamics.

Tell us about an average day as a student on FM230.

Although I must admit that no day is the same at LSE Summer School, I can summarise some common traits of what an average daily routine looked like as a student on FM230. My day started with lessons delivered in person together with my classmates. After classes, I usually took the chance to spend some time at the LSE library to do a quick recap on what had been covered during the lesson. During the afternoon, I used to attend the numerous Summer School activities to both network with peers from other courses and gain some additional skills related to academic and professional advancement. The night was dedicated to enjoy the amazing city of London with friends I met on campus and beyond.

What was your favourite part of FM230?

In terms of course content, I really enjoyed the section which focused on financing and valuation of alternative investments, for I felt I gained a knowledge that can be leveraged and applied within my future career. Another aspect I really liked is the teaching style of the course, as the teachers were remarkable in balancing theory and practice in a dynamic way.

What advice would you give to students considering FM230?

I would recommend enrolling in FM230 to all those students who want to explore what is beyond stocks and bonds. The course is full of content and case studies, therefore the best suggestion I can give is to keep up to date with the content as soon as classes end – make notes and go over these each evening to ensure you have absorbed as much as you can. Another tip is to interact with professors: they’re really available and willing to help you with any questions you may have.

What are your short-term professional goals, and how does FM230 contribute to these goals?

My short-term professional goals are related to breaking into the Asset Management industry. The broadening of my knowledge around financial instruments and institutions that I have gained from FM230 has been vital to me, as I could showcase these new skills at both job interviews and in applications for further graduate studies.

Was meeting and talking to other students on your course easy?

Everyone at Summer School was incredibly friendly and open to socialising. I was able to make new friends in just a few days of starting the course. Furthermore, the social events organised by LSE made it easier to connect with people and build long-lasting friendships.

What would be your top tip for future Summer School students?

The best recommendation I could give to future Summer School students is to keep up with lessons and to take some time after each class to revise what’s been taught, as well as to complete exercises and case studies as they’re posted throughout the course.

Managing the workload is essential for fully enjoying the learning journey at LSE and to stop you from feeling overwhelmed from the intense course content.

How has FM230 helped you in your undergraduate degree/career plans?

FM230 has helped me to determine my career plans, as it sparked my interest in the hedge fund industry, which I then kept nurturing over time. It helped me to narrow down the spectrum of potential career choices I had in mind, as well as to gain tangible experience in the field.

My favourite part of studying at LSE was spending time in the LSE library.

The library is a dynamic environment which stimulates focus and academic interests, but also allows for social interactions with full-time students at the School, which allowed me to build a meaningful network inside the institution which were incredibly useful for helping me to decide where to continue my university studies.