Hailing from Niger, Souleymane Laminou Abdou had a very clear idea of his academic and professional project, and the way to fulfill if, when he applied for the Master of Finance – Advanced Studies and Research in Finance in 2011.

What was your background before coming to study at IGR-IAE Rennes ?

My academic background before being accepted at IGR-IAE Rennes was a Master in Financial Mathematics, following my Bachelor’s in Mathematics.

What was your motivation for this study project in France ?

I applied for the Master of Finance – ASRF because I had the very clear project to do a Ph.D. in Finance at IGR-IAE. Pr. Franck Moraux accepted to supervise my Ph.D., which I did between 2012 and 2016.

What would you advise to a student who has the same project as you?

I would advise him to go for it! I would also advise him to focus on his studies and give his best.

What is your best surprise/memory of your arrival in France/Rennes/IGR-IAE?

IGR-IAE’s study environment is really beneficial to studies. I made real friends during my studies there, among my classmates and my colleagues when I was a teaching fellow during my doctorate years. Rennes is a very pleasant medium-sized city, which is mainly focused on student life and well-being.

What is your worst surprise/memory of your arrival in France/Rennes/IGR-IAE?

I must admit that I was surprised by the weather! I found it so cold and unpleasant at first, but I quickly got used to it, especially because of all the positive aspects of the school and the city of Rennes, and the good surprises I had.

What are the highlights of the Master of Finance?

For me, the highlights were all the research-related subjects, such as methodology, data bases, which prepared me very concretely to my future doctorate studies

What do you miss most after the end of your studies at IGR-IAE?

I really miss my professors’ personalities, the close relationship and genuine concern they have with their students.

How was your career path after you left IGR-IAE?

After my Ph.D. I was accepted for a postdoctoral associate position in Mathematical Finance at Boston University – Questrom School of Business, which was instrumental in obtaining the position I now have in one of the major business schools in Rennes.