Xijia Luo
Describe your role and what it is that you do overall and on a day-to-day basis.
I have been working as an Assistant Manager in KPMG's Advisory Transaction Services for over three years after graduating from SSE. In my role, I am responsible for delivering financial due diligence services to buyers or sellers involved in M&A transactions. This entails identifying and providing advice on deal-related risks, establishing the grounds for purchase price adjustments, and recommending the inclusion of protective clauses in the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA), etc. On a day-to-day basis, my responsibilities involve coordinating management interviews, conducting site visits, reviewing target company financial data, drafting due diligence reports, and presenting findings to multiple stakeholders.
What interested you about the field/company/role you are currently in?
In general, my work operates on a project basis, spanning from three weeks to two months to complete, therefore, I have the opportunity of exposure to and rapid comprehension of diverse industries in a short period. This facilitates the exploration of sectors or companies that pique my interest. Additionally, the streamlined structure and efficient reporting mechanisms enable me to execute projects with utmost efficacy. The consulting work is driven by addressing specific client needs and resolving their challenges, thereby allowing us to witness the practical implementation of our impact, which shows that our deliverables really mean something.
Why did you choose to study your subject area at SSE?
Prior to joining SSE, I had over three years of audit and internal control full-time experiences. Considering the possibility of pursuing a career in a related field after graduation, I opted for the AVFM program to deepen my knowledge and acquire the necessary skills pertinent to my professional growth. And I do think that the AVFM program provides practical techniques which will be useful for finance-related work. At the same time, we still have the chance to take elective courses in other departments.
How did your time/education at SSE help guide you to the career journey you have embarked on?
SSE offers plenty of career fair events, including renowned companies such as Klarna, Voi and Spotify which I have an interest in. And there are lots of events about the art, technology and sustainability initiatives. These events are valuable platforms for exploring our potential interests in future career paths and engaging in conversations with industry professionals. Moreover, the international and diverse classmates, coupled with the diverse range of curriculum, has provided me with a broader perspective on various subjects. What has left an especially profound impression, however, is the unwavering passion and dedication demonstrated by nearly every professor towards the courses they instruct. Their commitment to delivering high-quality education has greatly influenced my work ethic and professional attitude.
Following the time at SSE, do you have any words of wisdom or advice you would like to share with our current students?
Embrace a mindset of continuous exploration and utilize the available resources to delve into anything that captures your interest, as your lifetime career may evolve and change over time. It’s a great chance to broaden your horizons, discover new passions, and make informed decisions about your future career path. Therefore, I highly encourage everyone to actively participate in a wide range of campus activities, including career fairs and organized outings by their classes. Moreover, Stockholm is a city renowned for its modern, open and romantic ambiance. Living in Stockholm provides unique experiences, such as witnessing the winter darkness at 2:30 in the afternoon with the city's captivating lights, exploring various museums located around the center, additionally, taking leisurely walks on islands during summer, it’s really a magnificent chance to connect with the city's natural landscapes and diverse culture.
What are three words that sum up your time at SSE?
Diversity. Opportunity. Passion.