Serge Belin, an alumni of the Shanghai French School, has parlayed his global background into a rapid rise in New York’s financial scene. After studying at Brown University, he’s now a derivatives trader at Goldman Sachs. Find out how this young talent quickly made his mark in the world of finance!
Hi Serge, thank you for taking the time to talk to us about your journey! Can you introduce yourself?
Hi! I’m 24 years old, half French, half Vietnamese. I’ve lived in seven different countries throughout my life. I did my entire high school, from K10 to K12, in the General Section at LFS. I graduated with a Scientific Baccalaureate, specializing in math, in 2017. Now, I live in New York.
What was your academic path after LFS?
At LFS, I applied to many universities. The guidance counseling at LFS, especially Mr. De Meester, was a huge help in guiding me through the necessary exams and application process. I got into several universities, including Brown, an Ivy League university, and others in London, like LSE. I chose Brown because of its open curriculum, which let me explore various fields before deciding on a major. I ended up studying economics and computer science there.
How did your integration at Brown go?
I completed a four-year bachelor’s degree at Brown. Coming from the French education system, I felt well-prepared, especially in math, where we often have an edge over American students. LFS really equipped me for this transition, and I felt comfortable handling the workload.
How were your high school years at LFS?
I focused a lot on my university applications. American universities like well-rounded applications with lots of extracurricular activities and community service. LFS provided many opportunities for this. For example, I taught English to Chinese children every weekend, participated in the Habitat for Humanity charity project, and played a lot of sports, particularly on the soccer team, and I even competed in the Asian Cup! I was also involved in the entrepreneurship club with friends. LFS offered a rich experience in terms of diversity, flexibility, and generosity.
Can you tell us about your professional career?
After Brown, I interned as a software developer at a bank in New York and received a job offer for after graduation. In 2021, after graduating, I started working there as a Business Analyst in data science. It wasn’t my favorite role, so I quickly applied elsewhere and joined Goldman Sachs as a crude oil derivatives trader. This was perfect for me because oil is a global commodity, fitting my traveler profile, and derivatives involve math, a subject I’ve always loved. I’ve been a trader for two years now!
What’s it like being a trader at Goldman Sachs?
When I started, it was challenging to learn everything quickly. Trading was like a new language for me, and within two or three months, I had to be up and running. It’s very intense, and I work long hours. But a year later, I got a promotion, and now I am much more efficient and passionate about my work. I never get bored; there’s always something happening. It’s very exciting!
That’s really great! How do you feel in this new life in New York today?
I’ve been in the United States for seven years and obtained my American citizenship last year, so I feel at home here. Life in New York is very dynamic; I work a lot but also enjoy everything the city has to offer. It’s a true melting pot with all nationalities represented, and I have many friends from Brown and my sister who are also in New York.
Thank you for sharing, and we wish you all the best for the future!
Serge’s journey from the LFS to Goldman Sachs, through Brown University, highlights the power of a diverse educational experience and the impact of global exposure. His story demonstrates how a strong foundation, coupled with adaptability and a drive for excellence, can propel one to success in the competitive world of finance!