November 2024: Top Posts of the SimTrade Blog about Professional Experiences

January 10, 2025November 30, 2024 by Prof. François LONGIN

November 2024: Top Posts of the SimTrade Blog about Professional Experiences

I have selected very interesting posts about a very interesting topic: professional experiences from alumni of the SimTrade course.

Most Read Posts

Please find below the most read posts from the SimTrade blog about professional experiences:

Learn about the professional experience of a management controller at CarFuel. A practical insight into the role and its challenges in the field of financial management!

▶ Medine ACAR Mon expérience professionnelle en tant que contrôleuse de gestion chez Carfuel

Explore the professional experience of a credit analyst at Targobank. Gain a better understanding of the role and its responsibilities in the banking sector!

▶ Matthieu MENAGER My professional experience as a credit analyst at Targobank

Discover the professional experience of a quantitative analyst intern at FinDoc Financial Services.

▶ Praduman AGRAWAL My Professional Experience as a Quantitative Analyst Intern at Findoc Financial Services

Learn about the professional experience of a Global Development and Learning Intern at Danone. Get insights into the key responsibilities and skills needed for this role in a global company!

Jayna MELWANI My Professional Experience as a Quantitative Analyst Intern at Findoc Financial Services

Explore the professional experience of an Associate Auditor at PwC’s Digital Data Hub. Discover the role’s key tasks and the skills required in a leading auditing firm!

▶ Federico MARTINETTO My professional experience as a PwC Associate Auditor in the Digital Data Hub

Professional experiences are invaluable for understanding the practical applications of finance theory and gaining insights into the industry. By learning from others, you can anticipate challenges, discover new job opportunities, refine your career strategy. The November 2024 top posts on the SimTrade blog are designed to inspire and guide you on your professional journey. Do not hesitate to contact the contributors to ask them questions about their internship and get their contacts in the firms they work for.

SimTrade choice

Have a look on the post below!

Learn about the internship experience of a Structured Finance Analyst at Société Générale. Discover the tasks and skills involved in this dynamic role in corporate finance!

▶ Mickael RUFFIN My Internship Experience as a Structured Finance Analyst at Société Générale

My Apprenticeship Experience as Digital Strategy Officer at Gan Assurances

December 25, 2024November 28, 2024 by Camille KELLER

My Apprenticeship Experience as Digital Strategy Officer at Gan Assurances

Camille Keller Digital Strategy Officer at Gan Assurances

In this article, Camille KELLER (ESSEC Business School, Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA), 2020-2024) shares her two-year experience as a Digital Strategy Officer at Gan Assurances, a subsidiary of Groupama, in the Marketing and Communication department.

About Gan Assurances

Gan Assurances, a subsidiary of the Groupama group, is a major player in the French insurance market. Specializing in comprehensive coverage for individuals and businesses, the company offers a wide range of insurance solutions, including property, health, and life insurance. Gan Assurances prides itself on a customer-centric approach and a robust network of general agents spread across the country.

Logo of the company.
Logo of Gan_Assurances
Source: the company.

The Marketing and Communication department plays a pivotal role in enhancing the visibility of Gan Assurances through innovative campaigns and strategic digital initiatives. The team focuses on optimizing customer engagement, driving brand awareness, and supporting agents with tools and strategies tailored to their communication needs.

My Apprenticeship

From 2022 to 2024, I completed a two-year apprenticeship as a Digital Strategy Officer at Gan Assurances. I worked in the Marketing and Communication department, where I contributed to digital communication strategies and optimized the company’s online presence. My role involved a combination of strategic analysis and hands-on creative work, enhancing the effectiveness of digital campaigns.

My Missions

During my apprenticeship, I was responsible for analyzing and interpreting key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of digital communication campaigns. Based on the results, I adjusted strategies to optimize engagement and return on investment (ROI).

In addition, I managed the editorial calendar and created engaging content for platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. This required combining creativity with strategic messaging to align with the brand’s goals.

Another major aspect of my role was mentoring eight cohorts of general agents, equipping them with best practices in digital communication. This involved conducting training sessions and providing them with the tools needed to amplify their online presence effectively.

Lastly, I developed data-driven communication strategies, using performance insights to recommend digital investment channels and enhance campaign effectiveness.

Required Skills and Knowledge

To succeed in this role, I needed strong analytical and creative skills. My ability to interpret performance data was crucial for adjusting campaign strategies in real time. I also needed proficiency in digital marketing tools and content creation software, such as Canva and Adobe, to design engaging visuals. Strong communication skills were vital for mentoring agents and creating compelling content. Additionally, a solid understanding of social media platforms and their algorithms helped me tailor content to the target audience.

What I Learned

This apprenticeship greatly expanded my skill set. I gained a deep understanding of digital communication strategies, from content creation to performance analysis. The experience enhanced my ability to interpret data and adjust strategies to optimize campaign performance. I also honed my leadership and mentoring skills by guiding agents through best practices in digital communication. One of the most valuable lessons was learning how to balance creative content with data-driven decisions to achieve optimal engagement and brand visibility.

Financial Concepts Related to My Apprenticeship

Return on Investment (ROI)

One of the essential financial concepts in my role was Return on Investment or ROI. By analyzing the ROI of digital communication campaigns, I assessed their profitability and efficiency. This involved calculating the ratio of the campaign’s net profit to its cost, allowing us to prioritize strategies that delivered the highest value for the budget spent. Understanding ROI helped guide decisions on where to allocate resources to maximize impact.

Budget Allocation

Managing the budget for digital investments required a strong grasp of allocation principles. I worked on distributing funds across different channels and campaigns to achieve optimal reach and engagement. This required balancing costs with expected outcomes, ensuring every euro spent contributed to measurable results. Monitoring these allocations also enabled the team to make data-driven adjustments during campaigns to improve performance.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Tracking and interpreting KPIs was central to my work. Metrics such as click-through rates, engagement rates, and conversion rates provided insights into campaign success. For instance, I used KPIs to identify underperforming areas and adjusted strategies accordingly. These metrics served as a financial health check for campaigns, ensuring that resources were spent effectively and objectives were met.

Why Should You Be Interested in This Post?

This post is a valuable read for students interested in combining creative and analytical skills within the marketing and communication fields. It demonstrates how financial principles such as ROI, budget allocation, and KPIs are integral to optimizing marketing strategies. This experience can inspire ESSEC students to explore roles where strategy meets creativity, providing real-world business impact.

Useful resources

Gan

About the Author

The article was written in November 2024 by Camille KELLER (ESSEC Business School, Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA), 2020-2024).

The Premium on coins like Elizabeth II

December 30, 2024November 26, 2024 by Nithisha CHALLA

The Premium on coins like Elizabeth II

In this article, Nithisha CHALLA (ESSEC Business School, Grande Ecole Program – Master in Management (MiM), 2021-2024) analyzes the economic factors explaining the premium on the collectible coins like the Elizabeth II coins.

Introduction

The financial world has long recognized the significance of precious metals, particularly gold, as a reliable store of value. However, beyond the traditional investment vehicles such as bullion bars and coins, there exists a subcategory of numismatic items—collectible coins—whose premiums can exceed the value of the metal content itself. Coins like the Elizabeth II coin series represent a growing segment of this market. While these coins are often minted with a fixed gold or silver content, their value can significantly outpace the value of the metal they contain. The difference between the face value or gold value of an Elizabeth II coin and its market value is commonly referred to as the premium. This difference represents a premium that can explained by several factors.

Elizabeth II bullion
Elizabeth2 bullion
Source: Hatton Garden Metals

Computation of the premium on coins like Elizabeth II

As an example, let us consider a 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Gold Sovereign coin. The gold content for this coin is 7.32 grams (0.2354 troy ounces of gold). In the beginning of 2024, the spot price of gold is $2,000 per troy ounce (or approximately £1,580 per troy ounce). The gold value (or intrinsic value) of this coin is equal to $470 (=0.2354×2,000) or approximately £372. The market value (including the premium) is $600 (or approximately £475). The premium, defined as the difference between the market value and the gold value, is then equal to $130 (=$600−$470) or approximately £103.

The Investment Potential of Numismatic Coins

Numismatic coins, such as those featuring Queen Elizabeth II, have long captured the attention of collectors and investors alike. Beyond their historical and cultural significance, these coins hold substantial financial value, often trading at a premium above their intrinsic metal content. Factors such as rarity, condition, historical context, and market demand significantly determine their market price and explain the premium. In this article, we delve into the economic factors of coins premium, focusing on the Elizabeth II series, their appeal, and their role as an alternative investment vehicle.

Understanding the Premium: What Sets These Coins Apart?

A premium refers to the additional cost above the intrinsic value of a coin’s metal content. For example, if a gold coin contains one ounce of gold, its inherent value will be based on the current market price of gold. However, a coin like the Elizabeth II Gold Coin could carry a premium because of its collectibility, historical significance, rarity, and demand among collectors. This premium is influenced by several factors: mintage numbers and rarity, condition and grading, and demand and market Trends.

Mintage Numbers and Rarity

The mintage number of a coin significantly influences its rarity, and by extension, its premium. Coins with limited mintage, such as special editions or proof versions of the Elizabeth II coin, typically see higher premiums due to their scarcity. For instance, a limited-edition Elizabeth II coin series celebrating the Queen’s milestone events (e.g., her Diamond Jubilee) would likely command a higher price compared to regular-issue coins.

Condition and Grading

Coins are often graded for their condition, which impacts their value. Coins in pristine condition (often graded as MS70 or PF70, which indicates perfect condition) carry a higher premium. This is especially true for coins preserved in perfect, uncirculated condition, making them rare in the market.

Demand and Market Trends

The demand for collectible coins is often driven by trends in the collector community. When a coin series, like the Elizabeth II series, becomes popular among investors and collectors, its premium increases as more people compete for a limited supply. Economic factors, including inflation, interest rates, and even geopolitical events, can also spur increased interest in collectible coins as alternative investments.

Notable Elizabeth II Coins

I give below a list of notable Elizabeth II coins:

1953 Coronation Crown: Issued to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, this coin is a prime example of how historical events can add numismatic value. While its melt value is minimal, its collectible value often exceeds 10 times its base worth.
2002 Golden Jubilee Coins: Struck in limited numbers, these coins saw a steep rise in market value due to their rarity and the significance of the Golden Jubilee celebration.
2022 Memorial Coins: Following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, the Royal Mint issued special memorial coins, which have become highly sought after. Early buyers have seen considerable price appreciation, driven by emotional and historical factors.

Elizabeth II coin for the 1953 Coronation Crown
Elizabeth II for the 1953 Coronation Crown
Source: The Royal Mint

Elizabeth II coin for the 2002 Golden Jubilee
Elizabeth II for the 2002 Golden Jubilee
Source: The Royal Mint

Elizabeth II coin for the 2022 Memorial
Elizabeth II for the for the 2022 Memorial
Source: The Royal Mint

The Financial Benefits of Investing in Premium Coins

Diversification of Investment Portfolio

In the world of investing, diversification is often touted as one of the key strategies for managing risk. Coins like the Elizabeth II series offer a unique opportunity for diversification. While traditional assets such as stocks, bonds, and real estate are subject to market fluctuations, gold, and silver coins tend to be less volatile and are often viewed as a hedge against inflation or economic uncertainty (see Erb and Harvey (2013, 2024) for a discussion).

Additionally, premium coins are not just an investment in the precious metals market; they also offer exposure to the world of collectibles, which can experience appreciation independent of broader financial markets. Investors looking to diversify into non-correlated assets may find that numismatic coins, like those in the Elizabeth II series, provide an attractive avenue for diversifying their portfolios.

Appreciation Potential

One of the primary financial attractions of premium coins is their potential for appreciation over time. The value of a collectible coin is driven by both the fluctuating value of the precious metal it contains (gold, silver, etc.) and the coin’s numismatic value. As demand for specific coins rises, their premiums can increase exponentially.

For example, a gold Elizabeth II coin bought at a premium in the 1990s could be worth several times its original purchase price today, due to both the rising price of gold and the increasing demand for coins tied to the late Queen’s reign. Investors in these coins have seen capital appreciation not only from the metal price but also from the unique value placed on these coins by collectors.

Figure 1 below gives the evolution of the gold price over the period January 1971-September 2024.

Figure 1. Evolution of the Gold price
Gold price chart January 1971-September 2020
Source: Wikipedia

Tax Benefits and Legacy Planning

In some jurisdictions, numismatic coins, such as the Elizabeth II gold coins, are subject to favorable tax treatment. Depending on the country, these coins may be exempt from certain sales taxes or capital gains taxes, further enhancing their attractiveness as an investment. The tax advantages, when combined with their appreciation potential, make them an appealing choice for long-term investors seeking wealth preservation.

Additionally, premium coins are often used in legacy planning due to their tangible value, portability, and emotional appeal. Families pass down coin collections across generations, ensuring that the wealth embedded in these coins remains intact and grows over time.

Risks and Considerations for Investors

While coins like those featuring Elizabeth II can be lucrative investments, they are not without risks:

Market Volatility: The numismatic market can be unpredictable, with premiums fluctuating based on collector sentiment and economic conditions.
Liquidity Challenges: Selling collectible coins at premium prices requires access to the right buyer market, which may not always be readily available.
Authentication and Grading Costs: Ensuring the authenticity and proper grading of a coin often incurs additional costs, which should be factored into investment decisions.

Finally why Coins Featuring Elizabeth II Remain an Attractive Investment?

Coins bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy offer a blend of historical appeal, tangible value, and investment potential. The enduring legacy of her reign adds a unique emotional and cultural dimension that elevates their demand. From a financial perspective, these coins offer diversification benefits, a hedge against inflation, and the potential for significant capital appreciation.

Conclusion

Investing in premium coins such as those featuring Elizabeth II requires a balance of sentiment and financial analysis. While their cultural and historical value is undeniable, their economic worth hinges on factors like rarity, condition, and market trends. For investors, these coins are more than just collectibles; they represent a fusion of history and finance, offering opportunities for both preservation of wealth and long-term growth.

Why should I be interested in this post?

As financial markets become more volatile and inflationary pressures rise, the appeal of premium coins as an alternative investment will likely continue to grow. These coins not only provide an investment in precious metals but also represent a tangible, legacy-building asset that can be passed down through generations. For students seeking to understand and diversify their portfolios, learning about the premium on collectible coins presents an intriguing opportunity with considerable upside potential.

Useful resources

Academic research

Erb, C.B., and C.R. Harvey (2013) The Golden Dilemma. Financial Analysts Journal 69 (4): 10–42.

Erb, C.B., and C.R. Harvey (2024) Is there still a Golden Dilemma. Working paper.

Business

US gold bureau The History and Evolution of Queen Elizabeth II on Coins

Change Checker The History of Queen Elizabeth II Coins

The Royal Mint Museum Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on coins

Physical Gold Gold Coin Premiums Explained

Treasure Coast Bullion Group Gold and Silver Premiums: What You Need to Know

American Bullion What Does MS70 Mean, and Why Is It Important?

Other

Wikipedia Gold

Wikipedia Two pound coin

Rare Coins Vault Top 10 Most Valuable Elizabeth II Coins! | Rare Coins Worth Millions (YouTube video)

About the author

The article was written in November 2024 by Nithisha CHALLA (ESSEC Business School, Grande Ecole Program – Master in Management (MiM), 2021-2024).

My internship experience at Talent Carriage

December 26, 2024November 20, 2024 by Vardaan CHAWLA

My internship experience at Talent Carriage

In this article, Vardaan CHAWLA (ESSEC Business School, Master in Strategy and Management of International Business (SMIB), 2020-2023) shares his experience as a Business Development intern at Talent Carriage a human resource shared services startup in New Delhi, India.

About Talent Carriage

Talent Carriage is a New Delhi-based startup that brings innovation to Human Resources by specializing in Human Resource Shared Services (HRSS). It was launched with the vision of simplifying HR processes for small and medium organizations, they offer a unique solution for businesses seeking efficiency in their human resource process and cost reduction.

Logo of the company.
Logo of Talent Carriage
Source: the company.

What is shared services: Talent Carriage was established with a focus on the evolving needs of modern workforces and companies, Talent Carriage leads the shared services model for HR for medium and small-scale companies in India. This model centralizes all common HR tasks, such as administration, payroll, benefits, and recruitment processing, into a centralized unit. Centralization of all common tasks helps free the organization’s HR professionals and allows them to focus on more strategic and big-picture tasks like the growth and development of their employees.

Benefits for Businesses of All Sizes: Even though Talent Carriage’s services are well suited for organizations of all sizes their core offerings are inclined towards startups and growing businesses. They prioritize streamlining processes and the use of flexible technology which can help organizations reduce costs.

This shared services has three great benefits:

Increased Efficiency: In order to improve efficiency and eliminate redundancies for the client. Talent Carriage helps the client to centralize their HR processes like payroll and benefits. With such redundant work out of the way, the HR personnel have the time and capacity to lead strategic initiatives that help in the company’s success.
Standardization and Consistency: The shared services model also leads to consistent HR practices across an organization. Businesses with multiple locations and/or departments derive great benefits from HRSS.
Enhanced Employee Experience: The employees have a single point of contact for all their HR inquiries. This centralized approach leads to a smoother and more efficient experience.

Three-Step Engagement Model: Talent Carriage implements its HRSS solutions in an organized manner. Their three-phase approach of interaction includes:

Suggest: Consulting with the customer to ascertain their unique HR needs and objectives constitutes the first step. Then they analyse the organization’s current HR processes and recommend a suitable shared services model for them.
Implement: After a plan is finalized by both the client and talent carriage. It is Implemented and Talent Carriage trains staff on the new processes and help with a smooth transition.
Maintain: They also offer continuous support to the client organization. Talent carriage’s work goes far beyond initial implementation to ensure the success of their HRSS model within the organization. They also provide technical assistance and monitor for ongoing problems and optimization opportunities.

By leveraging Talent Carriage’s expertise in HRSS, businesses can achieve significant improvements in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and employee experience.

My Internship at Talent Carriage

In the summer of 2023, I did my internship at Talent Carriage. There I had the opportunity to explore the exciting world of HRSS and business development (BD). Talent Carriage is a dynamic startup in New Delhi, India. It is the leader of how small and medium organizations manage their HR and I was excited to be a part of its journey. My Internship was in the Business Development and Sales department of the company where I had the opportunity to hone my skills in identifying new business opportunities and displaying the value proposition of Talent Carriage’s HRSS model to as many organizations in India as I could.