Barbara began her career in the Navy; Pedro started his as an engineer. Innovative by nature, both were drawn by EMLYON Business School’s strength in entrepreneurship
Barbara Souza learned about the MBA program at while studying French in Lyon; Pedro Souza (no relation) found out about it while at an MBA event in Paris.With its solid reputation for entrepreneurship, both swiftly recognized that the program perfectly suited the professional pathways they had set out for themselves.
EMLYON has a formidable standing when it comes to the E word—entrepreneurship. Its business incubator has supported around 1,350 projects and created 11,000 jobs, while 85% of companies formed there are over five years old.
Both Barbara and Pedro demonstrated a flair for innovation prior to their MBAs, but the program enabled them to consolidate this mindset for the corporate world.
“My main objective coming to EMLYON was to completely redirect my career from an extremely technical background to the entrepreneurial world,” says Barbara who joined the Navy at 19 to study Nautical Sciences in Rio de Janeiro, and later became a merchant navy officer for Maersk, a leader in the shipping industry.
Life as a seafarer was difficult, and so Barbara decided to develop her own business as a fine art painter creating feminine figures out of old nautical charts.
“Creativity is something that I bring to everything I do, so going into marketing and innovation was a natural choice,” she explains.
“Studying marketing and new venture management at EMLYON is helping me know better how to tackle problems with inventive ideas. It helps me understand more about human behavior and how to adjust my ideas to what’s expected from customers, or to a need that customers don't even realize they have.”
Barbara is currently working as an MBA consultant for a hotel company, Golden Tulip. She notes that the integrated knowledge and analytical thinking process she’s developed at EMLYON is helping her in her current role.
“I find myself facing a lot complex problems, immense amounts of data, and it feels somewhat natural to process, analyze and create ideas in a limited time frame. This is a very important skill to have in the corporate world of today.”
For Barbara, the career support offered at was “efficient, detailed, and impeccably programmed to fit our schedules, needs and ambitions.” She adds that “we learn very well how to build a meaningful network, how to express ourselves, which is something that creates value and makes us stand out.”
Pedro began his career as an engineer, taking up product development roles in multinational corporations such as Whirlpool. His interest pivoted towards strategy and he decided to pursue an MBA.
“I decided to look for an international MBA degree to further boost my development,” says Pedro, explaining that EMLYON's “entrepreneurial soul” drew him to the school. He currently works as an external consultant supporting a project for an enterprise investing in startups.
“I have had the opportunity to experience the practical results from the theory I’ve learned in class,” he says.
As for the city itself, both Barbara and Pedro were enamored by its charm. For Pedro, is perfectly located midway between the South of France and Paris, and right next to the Alps.
Barbara explains how the city’s culture and gastronomic scene left her in love with Lyon.
“Leaving Brazil to come to France, and especially Lyon, has changed my way of perceiving things,” she says. “Lyon is a highly international place; we hear different languages everywhere. Whoever has the chance to study here, has the opportunity to be intensively exposed to diversity, which is amazing.
“There are also so many restaurants and gastronomic events in Lyon—one needs to be really prepared to put on the extra pounds!
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.
