“EDHEC was my reach-school"
WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND PRIOR TO EDHEC?
I’m from just outside of Washington DC, but I studied at the University of South Carolina. I hold a triple major in Marketing, International Business, and Management, and I have learned French as well. During my studies and after graduation, I interned as a Marketing Strategist and in Digital Sales at Lionsgate Entertainment. Two years ago, following the footsteps of my mother who lived in France for five years, I arrived in France. I taught English in a high school in Chartres and also, in a Parisian business preparatory school. My aim is to stay in France upon graduation.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE EDHEC?
I had talked to my French friends and they had told me that EDHEC is one of the best schools in France and in Europe. Besides word-of-mouth, I watched EDHEC’s YouTube videos and got a good feeling about the school and also of Professor Guergana Guintecheva, who is very kind and supportive.
I wanted to further develop my marketing skills, learn how business is done in Europe, and go beyond what I had learned as an undergrad.
I also liked the curriculum of the MSc in Marketing Management. The first semester is dedicated to FMCGs and the second to our specialisation. I picked the concentration Entertainment & Services.
HOW HAS BEEN YOUR JOURNEY AT EDHEC SO FAR?
I love it! I love the campus and I enjoy Lille a lot. There is so much going on in Lille - many amazing restaurants and boutiques. Plus, the architecture is very beautiful and unique. I live near the Musée des Beaux-Arts and I love walking past it, especially at night when it’s all lit up.
The Career Centre activities have been great. We really get many opportunities to network. In addition to the fairs, I participated in the Assessment Day, did the TI&CD, got a one-on-one meeting with a professional, and met Alumni who told us about their day-to-day routine. I’m looking forward to the EDHEC Job Forum in Paris in January 2020.
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM AMERICAN EDUCATION?
It’s very diverse. There are many international students and you learn to work efficiently as a team in this multicultural environment. The classes are very engaging, we don’t just study theory. It’s very practical. They set us up for success afterwards!
WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY OF EDHEC SO FAR?
On the first day of class, I sat next to a French girl who has become my best friend! And also, the Welcome week organised by the International Students Office was a lot of fun. We participated in a scavenger hunt on the campus. It was a very nice bonding experience.
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE COMING STEPS? WHAT ARE YOUR JOB ASPIRATIONS?
I would like to work in marketing strategy to develop and sell products that are sustainable and meet consumers’ needs and objectives. I would love to work on a global scale as well. My dream is to eventually become an International Marketing Manager.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FUTURE ABROAD STUDENTS?
Practice your French! Yes, classes at EDHEC are taught in English, but you will need French for your daily life, such as setting up the electricity in your flat or going to the supermarket. And it’s essential to speak, if like me, you want to stay and work. And keep an open mind.
HAVE YOU BROUGHT SOMETHING SPECIAL FROM THE USA WITH YOU?
Whenever I go back to the USA, I bring back some things that are harder to find here or more expensive, like peanut butter and Buffalo sauce. And of course, I have keepsakes from my family and friends.
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