For Italian Alessandro Ibelli, EMLYON Business School's focus on international strategy perfectly suited his career goals
Alessandro Ibelli had always aspired to do an MBA—it was only a matter of selecting the right school. France’s —combining internationality and innovation—provided the ideal environment.For Alessandro, EMLYON's inclusion in The Financial Times' list of the world's top 100 business schools was a key factor that drew him there. But it was the school's focus on entrepreneurship and the diversity of its cohort that entrenched his decision.
"EMLYON's cohorts are small, yet represent over 20 nationalities," he says.
Alessandro worked in Italy and the US before business school. He sought to consolidate his understanding of business strategy within a global setting during his MBA, specializing in international strategy.
The international strategy track at EMLYON provides students with a grounding in how to maintain competitiveness in complex multinational firms, the challenges of implementing strategies across different political and regulatory contexts, and how to internationalize new entrepreneurial ventures.
At the same time, 's Entrepreneurial Leadership Project provided Alessandro with further insight into the formulation of business strategy. The scheme enables students to apply theory they have learnt within a practical business environment.
Alessandro undertook a nine-month consulting project with Salomon, a company known for producing winter sports gear and originating in a city close to the French Alps.
"Our group worked with the snowboard unit of the company,” Alessandro recalls. “Salomon is well known among skiers, but the aim of our project was to deliver recommendations on how they could increase their brand equity for snowboarders.
"The project involved investigating the behaviors of skiers and snowboarders, digging into government regulations, and learning about other products, technologies, and resorts.”
Alessandro, who completed his MBA in 2015, now works at the interface of strategy and international business in his role as global brand manager for cosmetic and pharmaceutical company, NAOS, which has a presence in over 100 countries worldwide.
Based in London, he’s required to oversee multiple departments, from sales, finance, and marketing to strategy, human resources, and logistics. He notes that the MBA equipped him to perform such key roles effectively, and enhanced his ability to coordinate an enterprise at a global scale.
"I like to join a company at the beginning of a specific project, build a team and strategy from scratch, and take to the project to the next level,” he says.
"I've been in London for three years now, in charge of the UK business unit of NAOS's premium brand, Institut Esthederm. I joined the unit basically alone, and year after year built a successful, young team."
Rich discussion stimulated by diverse perspectives nurtures the innovative nature of 's MBA program. And, in an increasingly interconnected world, such diversity prepares students for a truly global business landscape.
Despite having lived in cosmopolitan cities like London, Miami, and New York, Alessandro does not hesitate to stress Lyon's charm.
"The gastronomic scene, two rivers dividing the city, Vieux Lyon, and proximity to the Alps, distinguishes Lyon from anywhere else I've lived,” he says. “I loved it, and I hope to live there again one day."
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.
