New MBA students at French business schools spell out their first impressions of campus life and offer an honest opinion on their MBA programs so far.
In the first of a series, Isha Agarwal meets MBA students who have just started their degrees to gather their first impressions of business school. First up: France.Business school campuses are springing back to life as a fresh intake of students start their MBA degrees. There is excitement in the air; nerves are on end. But there are also great expectations.
The most recent MBA students have entered a new phase – or should I say, have gone back to an old one: school – and some of their surroundings will be unfamiliar.
However despite a fear of the unknown, the students of France are generally quite pleased with their first few days of their MBA programs, and are deeply impressed with the diversity of their classmates.
“The first days are a mix of excitement for being a full-time student once again, and meeting very interesting and highly talented people. [But] you also feel... Nervous and stressed,” says Gladis Trejo, a new MBA student at HEC Paris, based just south of the French capital.
Gladis adds: "In less than one week your networking skills have unexpectedly shaped up [and] you have met everyone in the program."
Chahndra Dal Pont of Grenoble Ecole de Management agrees. She says: “I think we’re all a bit nervous not knowing what to expect. I was quickly charmed by my classmates’ warmth and intelligence – a very nice surprise. The team-building activity we did and wine tasting evening we had were great ways to get to know one another.”
The business schools as well as classmates have a huge part to play in helping students settle down. While dinners, drinks and club events do form a huge part of the student initiation experience, it is the specific team building activities organised by faculty that leave the greatest impact on students.
“Our leadership camp at St Cyr, [the] French military school, was definitely nothing like we had thought of,” says Saket S.Pandit from ESSEC Business School.
For Rahul Aggarwal, even the course structure at ESSEC helps establish a collaborative, dynamic and engaging atmosphere: “The course is well planned and structured for emerging business leaders. It’s only been three weeks and we have already tried our hands at venturing into [the] restaurant business, [and] planning strategies to build rafts and bridges at St Cyr.”
EMLYON Business School organised a boot-camp week that saw students working together in teams for the first time. It not only gave students a chance to display their teamworking skills, but also provided them with a chance to explore Lyon, the school’s base location, in small groups.
MBAs from each group shared their experiences with the other teams, according to Bozhidar Draganov and Julian Arias, both new MBA students. Bozhidar seemed impressed with his first few days at ESSEC: “I am also very impressed by the level of commitment by the university to help secure the right employment for us, even before graduation."
Part-time students are also benefitting from a supportive atmosphere. Jerome Ducasse, a part-time student at HEC Paris, arrived on campus in last January, but he still maintains active involvement with the community through participation in club activities and events.
He also advises new MBA students to do the same, regardless of the course. “Start networking now. Contact alumni, go to alumni events in Paris, gather information: all this takes a lot of time, [but] will be very useful to,,, Get a job at the end,” he says. “Do not hesitate to ask for help or advice [from] other students or HEC staff. Most are happy to help.”
Transitioning back to student life may not be plain sailing, but schools are doing what they can to help their students feel a sense of belonging from day one.
From networking events and activities that cater to everyone’s comfort zones to unparalleled careers support; these French business schools are trying to create a community. And it is this community that makes a business school what it is – a place to test one’s abilities, and to grow and develop in unparalleled ways.
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.
