Where are they now? Interview with Richard Huynh class of 2014

1. What were you doing before the MBA and why did you decide to come to the ESSEC MBA program? 

I was working in PSA Peugeot Citroën in Shanghai as an Export Manager. I decided to come to ESSEC Business School because it is a very well-known and highly regarded school in France. I also wanted to return to France as I am French, and coming to ESSEC gave me the opportunity to network and to find a job. 

2. Please describe your career path since graduation. What is your current position?

After graduation I was hired as a Supply Chain Manager at Lidl, a global discount supermarket chain. There are two parts to my job; I work with various warehouses ensuring that their logistical systems are optimized and I also work on global projects such as new software installation in all warehouses across France where I have the opportunity to work across many departments. 

3. What in particular in the Global MBA helped you prepare for your career path or qualify you for your current position?

I found my current position thanks to the MBA at ESSEC by meeting my current employer at an ESSEC Career Fair. Throughout my year as a student, I also had 10 interviews for 10 different companies which I got through fairs, professors, conferences and the alumni network. We have many of opportunities to network and meet recruiters so if you are proactive and put yourself out there you will meet the right people. 

Before the MBA I was also very nervous presenting in front people. Along with fellow classmates, I participated in the HULT challenge, which is a global MBA competition where you work on a project against other business schools. This competition took me to Shanghai where we made it to the regional finals top 4 of the region. After all the required presentations, I lost my fear of speaking in front of large audiences!

4. What is your best memory from your time in the ESSEC MBA program? 

I would have to say the term that we spent in Singapore. We all stayed in the same hotel, spent all day and night together and really got to know each other. The classes were very interesting and met many companies. As the classes weren’t too intense, we had time to go to conference, network and meet alumni. I managed to get 2 job interviews from this trip. The 5 weeks were very well organized. The goal of the MBA is to get a job and the time in Singapore really helped us work towards that.

5. What advice would you give to current students in the program?

Don’t wait to start your job hunt! Start to network as soon as possible. Talk with professors, the people who run conferences and anyone you meet along the way. You don’t have to talk about working for them straight away, just start a conversation.