This week we are pleased to present our 4th Award Winner and Q&A candidate, Roberto Bergonzi Martinez, Bank of China Prize for the Best Student in Banking and Finance Laureate.
Q: Can you tell us a little more about yourself?
A: My name is Roberto Bergonzi, I am Spanish and Canadian. I grew up in Spain but did my studies in Canada and then came to Luxembourg for my Master of Science in Banking & Finance (investment management specialization). I currently work and live in Luxembourg.
Q: Besides the Bank of China Prize for the Best Student in Banking and Finance, what was your greatest achievement as a student?
A: With the help of the University of Luxembourg I was able to get several internship offers without actively looking. I finally got an internship within an Asset Manager, which allowed me to get the foot in the door and grow from there.
Q: Tell us about a teacher / mentor who made an impact on you or set you on your present path.
A: When I was a teenager not many teachers believed in me, with the exception of one who did. Thanks to his support I was able to obtain all the requirements to get into Finance, which set me on my current path. For me family is the most important. My father has always been my mentor – it is from him that I have learned the importance of values, hard work and dedication.
Q: You graduated last year, what are you doing now?
A: I finished my internship in 2019 at the Asset Management firm. Since then, I have held several positions and I am now a Relationship Manager, working within the Private Equity & Real Estate team.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: Within the next 5 years I would see myself growing within the field of Private Equity, especially Real Estate.
Q: What is your ultimate career goal as you see it today?
A: The ultimate goal is whatever gets me freedom. And the only thing that gets you freedom is entrepreneurship.
Q: Do you have any advice for future students?
A: I think everyone who is reading this now is interested in studying or coming to Luxembourg. Luxembourg may not be London or Paris but it is one of the strongest financial centres in the world and it’s still growing. With its potential, its lack of development in certain aspects that makes it a gold mine. If you come here with the right attitude and mindset, you’ll have a bright future ahead.