Laurent Berro finished the MBA at EM Lyon Business School in France this year.Two consultancy projects were a program highlight for the monetary policy analyst at Banque de France, the French central bank: one on the expansion of Amaris, a consulting firm based in Switzerland; the other at France 24, the Paris-based international news organization.
He also greatly valued the diversity of EM Lyon’s intimate cohort, and the global alumni network that has opened up career connections.
Previously, Laurent was a consultant at Consumers International, a non-profit federation of consumer rights groups, and a UK-registered charity. Before that he worked as a trader at Credit Agricole, the French investment bank.
His career also includes posts in securities services at Société Générale, another leading French bank, and as a salesman for AXA, the insurance group, focused on the Middle Eastern market.
What makes EM Lyon Business School unique?
During my first day at EM Lyon, I had the chance to participate and have an impact. As we are a small class — around 35 students — you get the chance to ask all your questions, and you get the chance to have all your questions answered.
I was surprised by the strength of EM Lyon’s training in entrepreneurship, from idea generation to the launch of your own company.
Did your first impressions match your expectations?
Of course. I was even more impressed than my expectations. Indeed, I didn’t know that the cohort was so diverse. We had so many different nationalities.
I was also positively surprised by the intensity of the program. You learn so much in such a short period. One year goes by very quickly.
What impact do you expect the MBA have on your career?
The MBA taught me how to work in teams and that is a very valuable asset for my future career. This will definitely have an impact on my future jobs.
I also learned how to develop strategy and developed analytical and consulting skills, which will definitely help me in future.
During the ELP project, run during the MBA, I established a team of three people and we gave consulting services to Amaris, a growing consultancy firm based in Geneva, by developing an overseas office expansion strategy for them.
This was a tremendous experience that helped me and my fellow classmates to more easily get into consulting. I’ve been living in London for six months now and my MBA from EM Lyon opened many doors and gave me the opportunity to interview — dozens of times — with major multinationals and consulting firms.
What tips do you have for career searching post-MBA?
Well, the best way to get an interview is to network. The broad alumni network of EM Lyon will allow you to meet with exceptional people all around the world. They will be helpful in getting you an interview.
I would recommend to an EM Lyon candidate to research about the global strategy of the firm they are interviewing with. Knowing the firm’s strategy is extremely important.
I would also recommend they look at the deals and partnerships they have done recently. How did this new partnership strengthen the company, for instance? That’s an important question.
How can applicants impress the Em Lyon admissions team?
To impress an admissions committee, it is important to be prepared for the interview. If it’s a Skype interview, choose a calm and nice place to be in. Try to communicate well and give concise responses about your background. The GMAT is only part of the application.
Your hobbies are also important — what do you like to do in you free time?
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.
