Thinking of studying an MBA? The new 2013 cohort at ESSEC have been put through their paces at a military-style boot camp. Find out why they are studying an MBA and what ESSEC can offer you!
As the new MBA cohorts across the globe begin their path to business leadership in September, we spoke to two ESSEC Business School students who were put through their paces at a French military-style boot camp last week. If you have ever considered Why MBA, then these new students should provide you with a glimpse into what it is like within your first two weeks at a top European b-school. ESSEC's MiM program was ranked 5th in the world in 2012 by the Financial Times and in 2011, ESSEC was the 8th-best b-school overall. Click here to see a full list of MBA Rankings.
ESSEC offer a Global MBA, an MBA in International Luxury Brand Management, an MBA in Hospitality Management and an Executive MBA program. With over 42,000 alumni worldwide and 90 different nationalities represented across campuses in Paris and Singapore, ESSEC is a popular choice for prospective MBAs who want to launch an international business career.
We spoke to two MBAs hoping to do just that. Claudia Pumarejo is part of the fresh-faced cohort who started studying last month, and was inspired to attend ESSEC for a career leap and international networking opportunities with a diverse class.
She thinks that ESSEC differs from other MBA programs because it offers a truly international learning experience. "I was inspired by the idea of living in Paris, such an iconic city, in the dreams and fantasies of many people," she said. "The fact that the school has a Campus in Singapore, that the program includes an international immersion project and a field trip, added to the International approach of it.
"I was attracted by the idea of the career leap, the networking and the opportunities available for MBA graduates. So far I am pleasantly satisfied about the quality of the professors and their advanced methods of teaching.
"I’m also very happy about the handpicked selection of the people in our class. Our classmates are all very capable and bright people. When I got here in France, I confirmed that the school is indeed very prestigious."
Claudia took part in a military-style boot camp with all the other new MBA students at St. Cyr - an elite military academy in France that runs a few short leadership training programs with certain grandes écoles in France. She "loved" the experience and wants to go into strategic positions after graduation.
"The military training camp was one of the special features of the MBA," she said. "I loved the organization, the structure and the experience as a whole. We did some activities intended to challenge us both physically and mentally. We were at the edge most of the time, testing our limits and getting to know ourselves and our classmates better in the process.
"I learnt about the gift of natural leadership. I want to get the tools to deal with planning and executing, to take on more strategic roles and better positions. Of course, I hope I can graduate with a lot of good fellows from my class and a good network."
Jonathan Seeyave was inspired to study at ESSEC to make the next step-up in his career. He just started on the Global MBA program and thinks his first week studying in France has been fulfilling. "I was very impressed with ESSEC's curriculum and its course content, travelling to study in different countries and working with companies in the international immersion project," he said.
"The staff and teachers have impressed me with their knowledge and organisation. They have made us feel comfortable and I feel the course is improving every year. If this is only the first week, I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the course."
Jonathan swapped a suit and tie for a camouflage uniform and tried his hand at combat training, building and rafting across a lake, and navigating through an obstacle course. He learnt the value of leadership.
"The military training camp in St Cyr was an intense experience. It is a course on leadership and it pushes people to their limits and beyond, in terms of physical and mental capabilities," he said.
"You learn a lot about your fellow students, about yourself and how working together can make the impossible happen. While at ESSEC I want to gain knowledge, experience, friends, being part of the ESSEC philosophy and last but not least, get a job!"
To find out more about ESSEC Business School and their MBA programs, visit their page by clicking here.
Student Reviews
The best intercultural university
There are more than 50 nationality in the grade, so there are opportunities to interact with people from all around the world. In terms of academics, the BBA course offers diverse courses for the 1st
Creativity, adaptability and entrepreneurship
The Master in Management program at the ESSEC Business School allows the students to choose their courses accordingly to their preferences and their professional targets. We can also go through international exchange and take part in internships with companies that are also partners with the school. The school is also next to the city of Paris.
Top business school in France
Doing PhD in essec took some time, to be precise about five years. But the experience was very good and cost effective too. There are opportunities for the student for teaching assistantship and that helps both financially and in career. In the final year I could manage to teach marketing to M1 students and this helped shape my career
Great college
The program is well suited for early professionals with an engineering degree preferably or a degree in economics. I would suggest taking the ceasure irrespective of the experience level as it helps you take your time to adjust to the job market.
Good school in France
I am currently enrolled in M2 in Essec business school. I am specialising in marketing management. The Grande Ecole programme is valued in France and my school ranks very high up. There are a lot of opportunities for internships and CDD.
The program curriculum
BBA program. The program is really practical and useful, provide us many international opportunities. Like internship and humanitarian experience, and the flexibility is also really cool, we can choose different campus and tracks as we want.
International Course
This school is very international and business oriented. Highly recognized by the companies The campus has been renovated and is very functional and modern from now on. Excellent atmosphere. Reputation of essec is a plus
Friends, Career opportunities.
The program I did gave me the opportunity to start in Singapore. I got the chance to know all the students that started there and we bonded and made some friends for life. The career opportunities that ESSEC also gave me were unbelievable.
Practical and useful
I think the best thing about Essec is that it's not focusing on academics rather it emphasizes on future job mindset and professional experiences..
The classes are interesting and we have plenty of workshops attributing to different sectors..
The campus is very nice with a good cafe and wonderful library.
The only problem is the location of the campus. It's quite far from Paris.
Amazing experience! Must try
I think its a very amazing school with great and experienced faculty. Also the alumni network is very solid and useful. The school has a great balance of studies and work experience which is really essential for a student.
GBBA: Diverse, Enriching, and Career-Boosting
My experience at ESSEC Business School has been outstanding. The Global BBA program offers a rich academic curriculum and diverse learning opportunities. I appreciated the chance to study on different campuses, including an international exchange, which broadened my perspective. The social environment is culturally diverse and vibrant, enhancing both my personal and professional growth. The administration is attentive, constantly offering new academic and student life opportunities. The campus facilities and classrooms are excellent. I highly recommend ESSEC for its excellence, global exposure, and career opportunities.
ESSEC BS BBA REVIEW
The English track BBA program at ESSEC is simply exceptional. Courses are taught by internationally renowned professors who are experts in their field. The subjects taught cover a wide range of disciplines from marketing to finance, strategy and entrepreneurship. The English track is a major asset because it allows you to develop perfect mastery of professional English, essential in today's globalized business world. Some students love student life at Essec, which is one of the best in France, but it all depends on taste.
Great program, incredible school
I love almost everything about this school, from the student life to the academic program and the opportunities it provides.
I'm currently at the Paris campus, in Cergy, and I'm really enjoying it.
The BBA program is very rich and diversified, you can start with geopolitics and then finance, what I mean is that there's a great balance between the subjects in this program.
I was also lucky enough to spend a semester at the Singapore campus, and I loved that experience on the other side of the world.
ESSEC is also known for its dynamic and rich student life, with access to several parties a week and the various associations within the school.
If I could recommend just one school, it would be this one - I'm 100% satisfied.
Great experience
First of all, what I appreciate the most is the academic environment. The courses are extremely stimulating and are taught by high-level professors, often experts in their field. The diversity of subjects offered, ranging from marketing to finance, including entrepreneurship, allows you to acquire a complete and versatile education. The group projects, although sometimes stressful, are also an opportunity to learn to work in a team, which is essential in the professional world. One area that I feel could be improved is the management of student events. Although many activities are organized, I have noticed that some events can lack organization or communication, which can frustrate those who want to get involved. Better coordination between the different student associations and the administration could really improve the overall experience.
