Aaron Hoyles wants to kick-start a career in consulting with an MBA from EMLYON Business School.The ambitious American started out his career working as a submarine nuclear power technician in the US Navy. For almost a decade Aaron worked aboard the USS Albuquerque, based on the US east coast and deployed on operations throughout the Atlantic.
Eager for a new challenge and taking advantage of the post-9/11 GI Bill which helps fund the post-service education of US military personnel, Aaron moved on from the navy to take a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at DePaul University in Chicago.
The pause for reflection proved fruitful and the multitalented engineer joined the Allstate insurance corporation soon after, rotating through several positions on its leadership development program before landing a management consultant role at the company’s Chicago headquarters.
It was during his time at Allstate that Aaron realized an MBA was the essential ingredient necessary to advance his career goals.
What are your career plans?
I really enjoyed my pre-MBA experience in consulting so I’m pursuing opportunities that will bring me similar challenges.
I want flexibility in my next role here in Europe and I think consulting allows you to go in many directions.
What stands out from you experience working on a submarine in the US Navy?
It’s really another world!
You’re crammed into a very small space with about 130 people for months at a time so you have to learn how to live in that environment while performing at your peak.
The work was very challenging and when you’re not operating the reactor plant you have constant security training. We actually received extra training in order to deal with the sleep deprivation caused by the long hours of security training!
How did your experience prepare you for a career in business?
The strongest connection is my ability to keep a clear head under extreme pressure and the lessons I’ve learned from providing leadership in a high-stakes environment.
Why do you think so many engineers go on to take MBAs?
A background in engineering lends itself to creativity and adaptability in problem solving which is a good fit for the rigors of business school.
An MBA provides a great way for engineers to broaden their perspectives.
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA at EMLYON?
An MBA was the right avenue to develop myself further; to gain a formal business education and to move my career beyond the US.
EMLYON has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best MBA programs in Europe. Its diversity and its culture of innovation and entrepreneurship really attracted me.
How have you profited from your MBA experience so far?
We focus a lot on the how and why of what we do.
“Un-learning” cultural biases and programmed, automatic responses to problems has been an extremely important part of my MBA experience.
How has your experience living and working in France compared with that in the US?
Business culture in France is more formal and things don’t move as fast. At the same time, people take great pride in their professions and are very happy to share their experiences.
Life in France has been good to me but it’s been challenging in ways that I didn’t expect. It took two months to find a barber that knew how to cut my type of hair!
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.
