Master in Management: Insights and tips from an Alumna

Could you briefly explain why you chose to join EDHEC and the Master in Management, Business Management programme?

I chose to study in France and join EDHEC primarily to have a new career direction and expand my life experiences. Overall, French business schools are an excellent choice for students who wish to experience European culture or have the intention to work outside their home countries.
EDHEC's Master in Management, Business Management Track is inclusive and compatible with students' undergraduate backgrounds, facilitating transitions from a different field to business.

EDHEC's Master in Management is a three-year programme with one-year dedicated to internships allowing students to adapt to a new culture and plan their careers. The degree itself is highly recognised within France and internationally, making it a cost-effective option.

Additionally, France is a country that offers a great lifestyle, and this becomes even more apparent as you spend more time abroad.

How was your academic experience in the Master in Management programme?

At EDHEC, I personally felt that the academic atmosphere was more focused on encouraging practical application rather than emphasising heavy coursework. Overall, the Master in Management programme didn't burden students with excessive academic tasks, allowing them to have relatively ample free time to participate in various extracurricular activities. The practical experiences gained and the networking opportunities established during this time could become important resources for one's future career development.

How was your experience as an international student?

I really enjoyed my time in Lille. It is beautiful city, and you can even take one-day trips to Paris or Belgium on weekends. The only drawback is that the weather is not as good as in Nice; Lille tends to be a bit colder and cloudier. Overall, it is one of the major cities in France and has its own unique cultural characteristics, offering a wide range of exciting cultural and sports events.

Could you share your experience of studying abroad at Mannheim Business School in Germany during the final year of your Master in Management degree?

German business schools place significant emphasis on the academics. In comparison, French business schools tend to focus more on practical application, so the styles are somewhat different. Additionally, the study pressure at German schools is higher because when seeking jobs or internships, companies value your academic performance, and sometimes they even ask for your transcripts. 

I completed my graduation internship in Germany, where the internship experience differs from France. In France, a good internship is often seen as a pathway to permanent employment due to a probationary period mindset. In contrast, in Germany, the chances of permanent employment after an internship are lower. For those considering a local graduation internship post-exchange with European work aspirations, it’s crucial to research European work permits in advance for informed decision-making.

EDHEC's Master in Management programme awards a dual degree, one from a French Grande Ecole and the other being an MSc degree. Some exchange programmes may not grant the MSc degree, leaving you with only the Grande Ecole degree. If you mind this distinction, you should weigh the pros and cons. From my personal work experience in France, having a Grande Ecole degree alone is completely sufficient.

I highly recommend everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to go on an exchange programme, it's a great chance to explore and experience different cultures and environments. 

Can you briefly present the company you work for and your position?

Currently, I work as a Product Consultant at a small software company in France, and at the same time, I am working on my own entrepreneurial project with a few friends.

Did EDHEC help you in your job search process?

EDHEC organises several major job fairs every year, attracting many well-known French companies for recruitment. The alumni network of the school is strong, so it's essential to seize these opportunities and participate actively in these events.

Additionally, the school also offers a "Mentorship" programme, where you can be paired with alumni who graduated in previous years. This is a great channel to obtain internship or even job opportunities.

Do you have any career advice to share with students interested in your field?

For some students, they may already have a clear career plan before studying abroad, and in such cases, they should stick to their plan and work step by step towards their goals. However, for most students, including myself, might come to study abroad without a specific objective and are more in the exploration and experimentation stage. In such situations, I have a few pieces of advice:

Firstly, seize every opportunity to try things you are interested in: Whether it's selecting courses or seeking advice from seniors, try to obtain information from all possible sources to expose yourself to the areas and industries you find fascinating. By doing so, you can set your goals early on. The Career Centre at EDHEC not only provides practical guidance (e.g., resume writing advice, tips for applying to specific industries) but also offers valuable insights into career planning.

Secondly, for students who aspire to work internationally, it's essential to understand the basic rules of the job market and assess your personal strengths and weaknesses. Then, focus on enhancing your weaker areas or leveraging your strengths. For example, if you have a background in marketing or business management and wish to work in France, the language requirements from companies will differ compared to those seeking candidates in finance or more technical positions. If you want to pursue a marketing career, you may need to significantly improve your language proficiency or explore other advantages you possess. Don't think our international student status as a disadvantage; if you choose the right direction, it can be a significant advantage.

All the above advice is based on having a clear goal and a well-defined self-concept, so I recommend taking the time to clarify your thoughts in these areas to better target your efforts.