Aurélien Meunier landed a new job at Legrand in East Africa after an MBA at France’s EMLYON Business School
Aurélien Meunier decided to pursue a full-time MBA at France’s EMLYON Business School to stay relevant in a changing workplace.After completing his MBA with a specialization in entrepreneurship, he became general manager at Legrand in East Africa. Legrand – a global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures – identified Aurélien as the strongest candidate to lead the company into East Africa and set up a new subsidiary.
Utilizing what he’s learned on his MBA, he’s taken full advantage of an intrapreneur role within the company, and helped them establish a presence across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
BusinessBecause caught up with Aurélien to find out more.
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
I had been following a steady career path at Legrand as a sales rep and was promoted after three years to a sales manager. However, I realized that the business environment was changing, but what about me?
I was still using the same selling techniques, marketing tools and management style. At that moment, I felt a need for more knowledge and self-development. I realized that my way of managing my career was very passive.
I was giving the best I had to show what I was capable of and reach the next step, but I wasn’t creating opportunities. I was waiting for an offer to come. This was not at all in tune with my personality and I decided to change it. Doing an MBA appeared to be the solution I was looking for.
Why did you choose EMLYON?
Three elements helped me choose EMLYON. First was the entrepreneurial spirit of the program. I had the feeling that learning more about been an entrepreneur was key to success and today I’m 100 % convinced of that.
I was also highly drawn by the international dimension of the program. All of my career up until then had been in France and I needed to bring an international dimension to my resume. Choosing the EMLYON MBA and joining a very diverse cohort was the best way to do this.
Finally, when I presented my application to the EMLYON team, I received accurate advice and strong support. This is a very important dimension when you have to take such an important decision.
How did the job at Legrand come about?
Building a subsidiary abroad requires specific knowledge and mind-set. Although candidates are always numerous for that kind of position, the management was looking for a specific profile and someone with a strong entrepreneurial nature and competencies.
The EMLYON brand and the quality of the international MBA were recognized by Legrand’s directors. My degree and my specialization in new venture were definitely an asset. It also appears that the very decision to do an international MBA was valued itself. The fact that I stepped out of my comfort zone and decide to invest in my career was highly appreciated. In the end, is there any better proof of an entrepreneurial mind-set?
How else have you profited from your EMLYON MBA experience?
There is no doubt that the tools and technics we learned are invaluable for decision making and help me a lot. Dealing with business development, international logistics, legal structure and financial issues all at the same time requires knowledge and know how.
This being said, I’m convinced that the value of the EMLYON program is in self-development and the experience gained by working with international team members on challenging projects. As an example, I worked for a month on a project for Club Med with MBA teammates from Morocco, Salvador, Canada, China and Mexico. During this, you learn how to deal with different cultures and nationalities.
You also learn your own assets and pitfalls when it comes to decision making and leadership. Thinking about it now, these experiences are probably the part of the program that helps me the most on a daily basis.
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.
