From a former committee member to an M&A intern

Former committee interview - Fleur de Jong

• Study: BSc Econometrics at the Erasmus University Rotterdam

• Current occupation: M&A intern at Corporate Finance International

• FSR position: Financial Business Cycle (FBC)

“What motivated you to become an active FSR member?”

Having participated in multiple committees at Skadi, I was seeking for a new challenge. As I searched for new opportunities that offer a deeper sense of purpose and seriousness, FSR’s reputation and commitment to excellence truly stand out to me. I have heard multiple people around me that spoke highly of a committee at FSR.

“How did you prepare for your interview?”

Start by reading extensively about the association. Explore their website and social media platforms. Look for short stories or case studies from the previous year that highlight the event/committee. This will provide you with insights regarding the goals and activities of the event. Moreover, this will help you align your skills and experiences with the company's goals. Besides that, you research other companies that have participated in the event. This will demonstrate your knowledge and proactive attitude towards the industry. Furthermore, prepare responses to common interview questions, such as "Tell me about yourself," "Why are you interested in this role?," and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?,".

“Apart from hosting the Financial Business Cycle as a committee member, did you take part in any FSR events as a participant? How was participating in an event different from organizing an event?”

Yes, I participated in the M&A days and Consultancy Landscape, very interesting to experience. However, organizing an event may involve additional responsibilities related to promotion and logistics, such as creating a promotion planning or organizing the travel arrangements for attendees. Besides that, leading an event can provide you with the chance to engage with companies that you may not have had direct access to in a regular setting. Overall, leading an event offers a different perspective and a higher level of involvement compared to simply participating. It provides opportunities for personal and professional growth, networking, and gaining valuable skills that can be beneficial for your future endeavors.

“Why did you choose this particular committee and what were some highs and lows of organizing the Financial Business Cycle?”

The Financial Business Cycle offers the opportunity to explore various industries, enabling me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the financial sector and contribute to the development of the event. Moreover, it is a two week long event consisting of around 18 activities. As a participant, you would never experience the entire event. One of my highlights was the fact that I came in contact with CFI and Rabobank. Finding yourself in unexpected places opens doors to new opportunities and perspectives. 

“Did you encounter any problems during the week?”

When it comes to the situation of late cancellations, it can create challenges and disruptions to the original plan. However, it is important to handle it in a professional manner by communicating the change as soon as possible.To ensure smooth operations, making as many phone calls as possible can be an effective approach. 

“How do you look back at your time at the FSR?”

Very positive, it's always exciting to discover something new and be pleasantly surprised by the positive aspects that come with it. We had some exciting activities such as the famous ‘Actievenweekend’ or the FSR beach day. Besides that, I met numerous interesting people, and just the very nice way of working with a committee that added value and enhanced the overall experience.

“Can you tell us something about what you are doing now?”

I decided to spread my bachelors over four years to gain additional experience. However I was not sure yet whether I wished to pursue an internship. Joining the FBC committee has provided me with some initial exposure and a glimpse into the industry. As I have spoken to people along the way, my interest in pursuing an internship has grown. With no courses to attend during the second semester and utilizing the summer vacation, I had a sufficiently long period available for an internship. Therefore, I decided to pursue an M&A internship at Corporate Finance International.

“What role did the FSR play in your current occupation?”

During the Financial Business Cycle, I met numerous people from various companies. After these conversations, three companies appealed to me the most. I stayed in contact and assessed my options. This would be very challenging without a clear personal connection. Speaking in a casual manner gives a better sense of the work environment and what to expect. Without the Financial Business Cycle, I could not make an accurate choice. 

To conclude, I would definitely consider doing a committee again in the next academic year!