Angel Tello decided to pursue his MBA with a single goal in mind: to become an entrepreneur. He had already gone down the path of being an employee. He wanted to break out of his comfort zone.Keen to continue his professional development, he saw an MBA at France’s EMLYON Business School as a worthwhile investment in himself and a vital source of business education. Stepping into the world of entrepreneurship, he believed the MBA would help to minimize the risks.
He graduated in 2016 and embraced the adventure of being an entrepreneur, establishing his company Innovation Management Digital Solutions (IMDS), which introduces tech innovations to management structures.
Currently operating with a team of eight, he’s optimistic about the future supported by his sound MBA skills, alumni network and opportunities ahead.
How did the idea for IMDS come about?
There was a temptation to go back into the job market I was running away from after my MBA. I had better salary expectations, a nice diploma, good job offers, but this was all focused on doing what the boss asks you to do, without questioning it.
I wanted to do something different and, with IMDS, we started by challenging the status quo. Doing the same things in the same way is taking a risk in today’s world where everything is connected. The complexity of the cloud, security risks, information access, the uberization of work, and the fierce competition means staying still will lead to failure.
By observing the different trends in technology and market needs, I moved through my network of contacts, interviewing different people from different sectors, markets, and stakeholders. I experimented with three projects and applied to them the methodology: ‘What I want to do’, ‘What am I able to do’, and ‘What I may do’. Asking myself the ‘Why’ first.
Through this, IMDS was born to give innovation in management and digital web service needs.
How has your MBA helped you as an entrepreneur in the tech industry?
The MBA gave me the practical skills, methods, frameworks, tools and know how on how to put together the business jigsaw puzzle. It changed my mind-set, from focusing on a product to the whole system.
Essentially, it allowed me to understand the difference between simply doing one task better than the competition and establishing an entire system that consistently delivered high results.
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA at EMLYON?
EMLYON has a strong focus on entrepreneurship and a dedicated specialized new ventures course which appealed to me.
The learning trips to different countries were also a big draw, along with the highly diverse cohort. There were 23 different nationalities in my class, which was a blessing. The MBA also has a wide range of elective courses which tailored to my needs. As nothing is mandatory or fixed, there’s a freedom to learn.
Finally, the international exchange opportunity to Queens University in Kingston, Canada really triggered my decision.
What advice do you have for anyone considering an MBA?
Don’t be scared. There will be an entire cohort you can count on and they will count on you too. You will learn from them as well as they will learn from you, and many will become friends for life. Everybody comes for different reasons and you must be ready to get out of the comfort zone to get the best experience.
This is not only a ‘pay the tuition fee and that’s it’ situation. The EMLYON MBA is an unforgettable experience. So, be open, learn and enjoy this adventure.
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.
