Energetic entrepreneur Pierre Boesinger put his career in the fast-lane with an MBA in international entrepreneurship and strategy from EMLYON Business School.After studying a variety of business areas at undergraduate and master’s level, Pierre worked in the cosmetics industry, and as a key account manager at Canon in France before taking his career to the international stage.
He moved to New York, speaking little English and without a visa. In only 10 days he managed to secure a role at Robin Ruth, a souvenir and fashion products retailer. Concurrently, he worked freelance as a business development consultant with companies across several sectors including high-end shoe brand Botticelli, before moving back to France to study for an MBA.
Since graduating from EMLYON earlier this year, Pierre has joined business development company Altios International and has moved to London, tasked with setting up a new subsidiary company.
Why did you decide to study for an MBA at that stage in your career?
I wanted to accelerate my career. I felt like to get where I wanted to be would take me about 15 years. With an MBA, it would take me a maximum of five.
I have always been fascinated by entrepreneurship and the process of building something from nothing and I wanted to add skills on top of my entrepreneurial mind-set.
What was the hardest thing about the MBA application process?
The GMAT! It’s very hard. You feel stupid because you have to start from the beginning and re-learn all the math you learnt in high school
After that, the interview with the director was quite scary! He asked me where I saw myself in ten years’ time. It’s a basic question but it’s hard to know how to say the right thing. I answered with a joke, and it worked!
Why did you choose to study at EMLYON in particular?
It’s a very international school with a good entrepreneurship concentration and its fees are reasonable. Lyon is my city, so going to EMLYON was also a good way to stay close to my family and friends.
Who was the most interesting person you met?
Joaquín Espallargas – an executive professor at EMLYON and IE Business School and co-founder and CEO of RenEur, a private equity firm focused on renewable energies – who gave a short seminar on international strategy.
This guy was impressive! He came into the room without a book, with nothing, and it looked like he hasn’t prepared anything. But when he talked you listened. You didn’t look at your cellphone or say anything, you just sat and listened. He knew how to make a class come to life.
We only had him for three days, but they were three very interesting days!
How have you profited from your experience studying for an MBA?
An MBA teaches you how to be flexible, how to think differently and how to adapt to changing events.
It taught me that entrepreneurship is not just a question of ideas but a question of structure, techniques, proof of concept and doing your homework.
What are the big cultural differences between working in Europe and the US?
I often say that London is the perfect mix between Paris and New York. In London people are more pragmatic.
In France everything is very hierarchical. There are processes and a kind of code to respect. In the US, the focus is on business first and foremost. The US is very free minded and you can create something new very easily.
What are your plans for the future?
At the moment I’ve just started setting up Altios in the UK. I’ve started hiring people and opening offices while managing our partnerships.
I want my subsidiary to grow and be profitable. My mission every day is to help entrepreneurs and help foreign companies expand into the UK.
Student Reviews
Intense courses, helpful professors
I am an international student in my 3rd year and I love going to this school and do not regret chosing it for my BBA.
The classes are helpful, professors are always there to help as well and we have a very understanding administration.
Leadership in an amazing city
I decided to do my exchange in Emlyon because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, and I found a space with very capable People.. participatory, empathetic and full of leadership. I will never forget Lyon, apart from giving me an unforgettable experience, he gave me great friends
A lot of opportunities professionally and socially. A unique program in France.
You can choose your courses and do your internship, exchange whenever you want. It's flexible and adapted to the needs of each student. A great program and a great city! Professionally, it opens a lot of doors for you to find internships or jobs in France or abroad thanks to the network and career events.
MSc in Digital Marketing
Combining both worlds into one, this course gave me all the on-demand technical skills in data science while maintaining a business-oriented approach. Thanks to the strong academic profile of this university I was able to secure an internship and full-time job at Amazon.
Top Business School fostering innovative entrepreneurs
EMLyon is one of the best business schools. The campuses, associations and courses offered provide the students with the best options to build the future they have chosen. The various opportunities to study and work abroad also offer a deeper understanding of the world, not only economy-wise but social, which helps the student become as well a better individual and not only a pre-formated business school student.
Emlyon campus in Paris
It has a great international community and you have access to many international tools, courses and professors. I had many networking events and workshops for students. Campus and some details of the program could have been improved or need to be bigger in order to have a better student life.
Entrepreneurship
Overall good content and good activities.
Lack of administration but still ok.
Good flexibility and liberty offered to the students. Finally, the amount of internship is also a good way to improve qualifications.
Good Reputation and International Business School
The course was not well adapted but it was up to the mark.
The professors are very well experienced and their experience comes in handy while working on assignments.
The facilities on the campus are top class. Truly professional. I really like spending time in the learning hub and using all the available resources.
Lyon is an amazing city. You will never get bored.
MSc International Hospitality Management
The best educational experience of my life so far!
It’s been full of exposure and great connections. From Lyon to London, Paris, Los Angeles and Las Vegas! Truly an exceptional way to discover the world of hospitality.
Real networking opportunities
- meeting new people, specially professionals during seminars or evening meeting at school.
- going abroad to study luxury
- being involved as an ambassador to promote the school and the program I was into (MSc LMM)
- having such a great professional core
white baccalaureate in the world of work
I really appreciated the MS SDAI as a whole. The teaching staff, the different subjects, the university exchange, TEM... I started my internship in a consulting firm having acquired a solid foundation. Downside for CentraleSupélec, which I found far too academic for a program such as this.
Great
Pretty great !
Emlyon business school is a top educational institution known for its outstanding academic programs, nurturing environment, and state-of-the-art facilities. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership in students.
