Elie Maalouli relocated from Canada to kick-start his career at EMLYON Business School
“Doing an MBA in France is like taking a year-long honeymoon in your dream destination,” says Elie Maalouli, an MBA student at EMLYON Business School.Enchanted by the French style de vie - the work-life balance, the opportunities for careers, entrepreneurship, and, of course, the food - Elie relocated from Canada to pursue an MBA in Lyon. Born and raised in North America, with middle eastern roots, he sees an MBA in France as the perfect launch-pad to take his career to the global stage.
A trained engineer, Elie has had a passion for entrepreneurship from a young age. At school, he undercut the vending machines to sell drinks to his friends. At university, he started a small venture manufacturing and selling longboards.
Elie graduates from EMLYON early next year, and has already received two job offers. But in the future, he wants to start his own business. With an MBA from one of France’s most innovation-focused schools, he’s well-placed to do so.
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA in France?
I have always been fascinated by business. The purpose of doing an MBA was to gain a new understanding of doing business in an international context. A few years ago I backpacked in France. I fell in love with all the towns and villages I visited, as well as the people. I enjoyed that trip so much, that I felt that I needed to go back.
The best things about life in France are the work-life balance, the sense of adventure when traveling through the country, the ability to embrace your passion, and being able to get a fresh baguettes and croissants every morning from your favorite bakery!
Plus, some of the top European business schools are in France, and there are many international companies and startups competing in this ever-growing international market.
What stood out about EMLYON in particular?
EMLYON offered an International Strategy specialization that really interested me. There’s opportunity for international exchange, there’s huge diversity within the cohort, and the class size (43 students) is small, creating a more personal relationship between the cohort and the professors.
Lyon is also a very well-located city; a few hours from Paris, Switzerland, Italy, the Mediterranean and the Alps.
What should applicants think about when deciding to do an MBA?
Have a rough vision of where you want to be and what you want to accomplish with the MBA. I hoped to work in France, for this reason I focused on French schools.
Companies will not necessarily recognize your previous educational institution, or your previous employer, if they are not from the same country.
How have you profited from your MBA experience so far?
I have traveled the world without needing to leave Lyon. We have 23 nationalities in our cohort. I couldn't ask for a better cultural integration experience than that!
I also did an international exchange at Lancaster School of Management in the UK. And the class had a mandatory trip to Finland where we took a course on the Nordic way of business at the University of Oulu and worked on a project at the Alto design factory in Helsinki.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to start off working for a company, but in the long term I hope to work for myself. My mind is filled with all sorts of new venture ideas, from opening a cafe chain to starting a consulting firm specializing in international business development.
How will the EMLYON MBA help you achieve your goals?
EMLYON's program has not only opened my eyes to what you can do as an entrepreneur, it’s given me the tools to develop my ideas and one day make them reality.
We’ve had a ‘new ventures’ class where we created a feasibility study for an idea that we will later present to a jury of actual investors and entrepreneurs who have gone through the process before.
It’s given me a strong theoretical and practical base to create new business, lead a team, and adapt myself to work in a multicultural environment.
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.
