From Paris to London: How the Apprenticeship Track Paved the Way for a Cross-Border Career

In 2022, Yiqing Ma graduated from EDHEC’s Master in Management – Business Management Track. During her studies, she chose the Apprenticeship Track and worked at Aon’s Paris office throughout the programme.

After two years of full-time work, Yiqing successfully transferred internally to Aon’s London office to continue her professional journey. In this interview, she shares her academic experience at EDHEC, how the apprenticeship model helped shape her career, and the decisions that led her from Paris to London.

Can you briefly introduce yourself?

I studied at EDHEC from 2019 to 2022, pursuing a dual degree in the Master in Management (MiM) and the MSc in Strategy and OrganiSation Consulting. I opted for the Apprenticeship Track, which allowed me to alternate between school and work.

Currently, I’m based in London, working as a Capital Advisory Associate at Aon. My role focuses on capital optimisation projects for insurance companies.
 

How did you find your current job?

In my first year of the MiM programme, I leveraged EDHEC’s alumni network to secure an apprenticeship opportunity at Aon’s Paris office. After two years of full-time work, I transitioned internally to the London office.
 

Which aspect of your EDHEC experience helped your career the most?

The Apprenticeship Track was incredibly valuable for me. With a schedule of three weeks at work and one week at school each month, I was able to apply business and management theories in a real corporate setting. It was a truly immersive experience that also taught me things no textbook ever could.

One of the most memorable parts of my time at EDHEC was studying and building friendships with classmates from diverse cultural backgrounds. Additionally, EDHEC’s alumni network is not only extensive but also remarkably generous and supportive.

Did EDHEC prepare you well for your current role?

Absolutely. EDHEC’s international learning environment gave me the confidence and ability to work with people from different cultures—an essential skill when working abroad.
 

What was the biggest challenge during your job search, and how did you overcome it?

Making choices and trade-offs.
When multiple opportunities arise, it’s important to stay enthusiastic about the unknown while listening to your inner voice. Choosing the position that truly fits you requires self-reflection and courage.
 

Does your current job align with the career goals you had during your studies?

Back then, I was looking for a role that combined business strategy with a certain degree of industry-specific expertise. Although I didn’t initially expect to enter the insurance sector, my current role is highly aligned with the vision I had for myself.
 

What advice would you give to fellow Chinese students currently seeking internships or jobs?

Stay confident and believe in your abilities. Don’t rely solely on mass applications—make use of the EDHEC alumni network to gain insights into your target companies and industries, or even to secure referrals.

Networking is becoming more and more important throughout one’s career. Whether it’s for promotions or job changes, your professional reputation and connections can open doors.
Finally, communication and interpersonal understanding are vital—not just in interviews where you must gain a stranger’s trust quickly, but also in daily work, whether it’s reporting, asking questions, or negotiating with colleagues and clients.