Magesh Rengaswamy, an Indian engineer, will use his MBA in Europe to transition into an entrepreneurial career in the energy sector.
Magesh Rengaswamy is studying a full-time, one-year MBA at EMLYON Business School, a leading European institute based in France.An engineer by background, he spent former years working for various engineering firms, but is confident that many skills gleaned from a technical career can be transferred to business and management.
When he graduates, he wants to use his MBA to work in the energy sector. But longer-term, he is one of a growing number of business school students who want to pursue entrepreneurship as a career path – which is a key component of the EMLYON International MBA program.
You already had a successful career. Why did you decide to put your career on hold and begin an MBA?
I have five years’ experience in the energy industry, and even though my strong engineering background seemed promising for my future ambitions, I realized the importance of undergoing a formal business school education to strengthen my entrepreneurial skill-sets and to fast-track my professional career.
In order to build high-performance organizations in the future, I realized the importance of strengthening my capabilities in finance, marketing and strategic policies, to gain entrepreneurial knowledge in order to initiate and run business in different countries, with varied cultural backgrounds.
Has the transition from engineering to business and management been difficult?
Since I have considerable industry exposure, it’s quite easy to pick up topics related to operations management. On the other hand, I am currently focused more on areas like finance, marketing and strategic management.
But with eminent professors and interactive class sessions, the overall transition has proven to be enriching.
What made you choose EMLYON Business School?
EMLYON’s one-year International MBA program has a strong focus on entrepreneurship, with a nine-month-long entrepreneurial leadership project (ELP).
Furthermore, there is an option to specialize in functions, or by industry, or by firm type. The small MBA cohort size, with diverse backgrounds, is also a key advantage.
And considering my past industry exposure, I prefered an intensive one-year MBA.
What is an average day at business school like?
Each course last an average of four to six days, with classes beginning at 8:30AM and finishing at 4:30PM. Depending on the course objective, we are subjected to team work, as well as interactive sessions and individual or group assignments, followed by presentations.
Nearly 40% of the time in class is spent by sharing experiences and opinions, through interactive discussions between professors and students.
Which aspects of the MBA have you found most valuable so far?
Working on the nine-month-long ELP, dealing with a real company, is valuable.
Furthermore, sharing my own work experiences while learning from others is exceptionally enriching.
As part of the international business regulatory organizations course, we went on a one-day trip to Geneva [Switzerland] and visited the World Trade Organization’s headquarters, and the United Nations. We had a two-hour-long interactions with high-level WTO officials.
What career path do you hope to follow upon graduation, and how does an MBA fit into that?
Upon graduation, I will hold a commanding managerial position in a reputed energy firm, authorized to deal with commercial and technical aspects of project implementation.
In the long-term, I will build my own energy organizations that are capable of delivering quality services to customers. I consider an MBA to be right decision, to gain knowledge and develop networks, in order to fast-track my professional career.
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.
