“Luxembourg has allowed me to set the course of my professional career”
In 2024, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg launched the “Introduction to the Luxembourg Financial Market” program, a training initiative aimed at young people eager to learn firsthand about the functioning of the country’s financial system and to gain an initial professional experience abroad. The first edition, held last year, has already served as a springboard for several participants who today continue to build their careers in Luxembourg.
In this feature, we share the testimonies of three of them —Jaime Salas, José Luis Cordero and Santi Álvarez— who explain how this opportunity marked a turning point in their professional journeys.
Jaime Salas
With a dual degree in Law and Business Administration from the University of Seville, Jaime Salas found in the Chamber’s program the turning point he needed to guide his future. “I was finishing my university studies when I decided to participate” he recalls.
The young professional from Seville had previously worked as an administrative assistant and accountant in Spain, but was still unsure of his next step. Encouraged by the recommendation of a close contact living in Luxembourg, he applied. “I saw it as a great opportunity to continue training and set the course of my professional career.”
What struck him most from the training sessions was their breadth: “The sessions were very varied and interesting. They accurately reflected the different branches of Luxembourg’s financial reality.” After completing the course, an opportunity came his way: EY Luxembourg offered him a position as an auditor, a role he now holds in the area of real estate investment funds.
Adapting to such an international environment, he says, was easier than expected: “You quickly meet many people who are in the same situation as you. Being fluent in English has been essential to enrich the experience.”
Today, Jaime is clear about his plans: “It has had a big influence on my future, as before I didn’t know what to do. Now I want to stay here for several years, progressing and learning.” His advice for future candidates is straightforward: “This program is ideal for those in the early stages of their career who want to enter the financial sector.”
Born in Madrid and a graduate in Finance, Banking and Insurance from the Complutense University, José Luis Cordero began his professional career as an economic-financial analyst in Madrid, working alongside the renowned economist Petra Mateos-Aparicio. Before long, however, he started to look beyond Spain’s borders.
“I was drawn to the idea of settling in a country with an ecosystem that encourages people to progress, with a stable economy and a system that allows workers to save,” he explains. Luxembourg became his bet for the future, also inspired by the example of a cousin who had long worked there in banking.
“Luxembourg is the ideal place to settle and build a career”
José Luis Cordero
The Chamber’s program offered him the chance to make the leap. José Luis especially values the visits to firms and institutions in the sector, as well as the lecture by Jordi Catalá of Julius Baer: “He explained how private banking works in Luxembourg, and it was very inspiring.”
His first professional experience in the country was as a junior auditor at PwC, where adapting proved to be a challenge: “It was my first time living alone and abroad. At first it was hectic, but both locals and the international community helped me integrate quickly.”
The experience has been decisive for his future: “When I arrived, I didn’t know how long I would stay. Now I plan to stay for many years, maybe permanently.” This September, he begins a new chapter at Alter Domus as Fund and Corporate Services Officer. His advice for young professionals is emphatic: “They should go for it and apply. It’s an excellent opportunity to join leading companies’ teams. And if you later discover it’s not for you, you can always go back home with the experience gained.”
“An incredible opportunity to learn and find your path”
Santi Álvarez
For Santi Álvarez, born in Barcelona and educated in Economics and Business at the University of Exeter (UK), the program arrived at a pivotal moment: “I had finished my degree and wasn’t sure whether to pursue a master’s or start working. I saw the course as a chance to gain experience in finance and, at the same time, discover a new environment.”
His motivation extended beyond academics: “I was attracted to working in an international environment and living outside my home city. Luxembourg seemed the ideal place with its cosmopolitan atmosphere and large Spanish community.”
He found the program particularly valuable for its practical approach: “It was very realistic and gave us a clear idea of how companies and professionals operate in Luxembourg. I’ve even stayed in touch with some of the speakers.”
After the training, he joined Alter Domus directly as a fund administrator, a role that combines accounting tasks with client relations. “We handle fund accounting to calculate the NAV and manage subscriptions, while also liaising with banks, custodians, auditors and legal advisors” he explains.
Adapting to Luxembourg was straightforward thanks to his prior international experience, though he notes the importance of language: “On the street, French is the most commonly spoken language, so if someone plans to stay here for a while, it’s useful to learn it.”
His time in Luxembourg has strengthened his financial vocation: “While here, I’ve started preparing for the CFA I to strengthen my profile.” And he strongly encourages others to follow his path: “Don’t think twice. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn, meet people and decide what you want to do.”
An Open Door to the Future
The experiences of Jaime, José Luis and Santi reflect the spirit of the program: opening the doors of Luxembourg’s competitive financial market to young talent and offering them a space to grow both professionally and personally. Their stories are the best example of how a training and internship initiative can become a true springboard for the future.