How to get the most out of your MBA

If you’re gearing up to kick off your MBA studies later this year, you’re probably already buzzing with excitement. So many new opportunities and experiences await you, and you can almost taste your future success after graduation. The business world is your oyster!

Before you leap in, however, we’ve come up with a few tips to help you make the most of what can be an overwhelming experience. After all, why do an MBA at all unless you’re committed to getting the most out of it?

• Know exactly what you want to get out of your MBA.

There are many different reasons why people do an MBA. These can range from wanting to change careers, to wanting to speed up your career progression, to wanting to earn a higher salary. Whatever your particular motivations for pursuing an MBA are, keep them front of mind and clearly communicate them to your lecturers and career counsellors. The clearer you are on what you want out of your MBA, the easier it is for the school to help you achieve your goals.

• Make as many connections as humanly possible.

Remember, one of the biggest benefits of any MBA program is the opportunity to grow your network of business connections. Don’t be shy: introduce yourself to as many of your classmates and lecturers as you can. Take full advantage of field trips, internships, and networking events by getting to know the people around you. Strike up a conversation, have tea, go for beers, trade email addresses, and follow up. The people you connect with during your MBA could well be your future business partners or investors.

International MBA programs offer even better networking opportunities, so make a point of connecting with classmates from a range of different backgrounds. Your interpersonal skills—and your future career—will benefit from a global network of multicultural connections.

• If you’re doing your MBA abroad, take some time out to explore.

Why do an MBA abroad if you’re not going to bother exploring and enjoying your new surroundings? International MBA programs are based in some of the most exciting and interesting cities on the planet. Yes, time in the classroom is important, but allow yourself the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of the country you’re in. Booking sightseeing tours or weekend trips with your classmates is also a great way to bond and really cement those invaluable connections.

• Invest your time wisely.

The years you spend doing your MBA are going to busy—no doubt about that. There’s so much to squeeze in: field trips, lectures, projects, networking events, job searching, and student clubs. The best way to avoid overwhelm is to become a time management pro, so plan out how much time you need to dedicate to each activity in advance. That said, don’t be too hard on yourself. All work and no play is a foolproof recipe for premature burnout. Make sure you factor in downtime for socialising and self-care.

If you’re still on the hunt for the right MBA program for you, download our whitepaper How to find the perfect MBA In it, we unpack four key factors you need to take into account when choosing an MBA program. We cover the importance of answering the question ‘why do an MBA?’, picking a prime location, deciding on a major, and weighing up the costs.

Should you do an MBA?

‘Why pursue an MBA?’ ‘Will an MBA help me achieve my business goals?’ ‘Will I be able to juggle school, work, and family commitments?’ ‘Is it really worth it?’ ‘Is an MBA right for me?’

If these questions are circling around in your head and keeping you up at night, don’t worry: you’re not alone. The decision to pursue an MBA is a serious one, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, an MBA isn’t necessarily the best option for everyone.

Why pursue an MBA in the first place?

The most important question you need to ask yourself is why you want to do an MBA. In other words, what do you hope to get out of the degree? There are many good reasons (and a few not-so-good reasons) for wanting to pursue an MBA. We explore a few below:

An MBA is an excellent choice if you’re looking to switch careers.

If your primary reason for wanting to pursue an MBA is to change your career, you’re on the right track. MBA programs are designed to equip candidates with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully transition from one field or industry to another. For starters, the combined theoretical and practical aspects of a respected MBA program give graduates a competitive edge that makes them attractive to recruiters and potential employers. In addition, the interpersonal aspect of an MBA program arms candidates with great people skills, making them outstanding leaders and fantastic team-players. Another way that an MBA can help you smoothly switch careers is through the valuable network of professional connections you’ll make as you move through the program.

If you’re an aspiring career switcher, choose an MBA program that offers a specialisation in the field you plan to move into. For example, if you want to move to luxury brand management, find a program that allows you to major in this discipline specifically.

The right MBA can help you accelerate your career.

Another good answer to the question ‘Why pursue an MBA?’ is to fast-track your career. The management know-how and leadership skills you’ll walk away with will put you in the spotlight for promotions to executive positions. It’s important to pick an MBA program that offers personalised, one-on-one career guidance and professional coaching to help you map your path up the career ladder. Career-related events, such as networking opportunities and recruitment events, can likewise help you forge the business connections you need to advance in your career.

Want to grow your professional network? An MBA is just the ticket.

Ever heard the saying, ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know’? The best business schools know that there’s a grain of truth in this, which is why the best MBAs aren’t just about gaining new skills and knowledge; they’re also about growing your professional network. Pick a business school that boasts an impressive list of strategic partners and has solid links to industry heavyweights. Your classmates represent a world of opportunity and possibility, so look for a program that has a diverse student body. Who knows? You might meet the co-founder of your next start-up in class.

If you’ve already got a few years’ work experience under your belt, you’re probably a good candidate.

While there are exceptions to the rule, MBA programs are generally best suited to candidates who already have a few years’ work experience behind them. This is because people with a good dose of prior work experience understand how business works in the real world. They also tend to have a better idea of what they want out of an MBA program—and their future careers.

Wondering about the not-so-good reasons we mentioned earlier? Think carefully about doing an MBA if your primary reasons sound anything like the following:

• You’re at a loose end and you’re not really sure what your next career move should be;
• You’re looking for a program with a solely academic focus and minimal practical business management training;
• You’re doing it because you ‘think you should’ or to please a family member.

If you’re sure about pursuing an MBA, the next step is hunting down the perfect one for you. Download our whitepaper How to find the perfect MBA for guidance on how to make the best decision.

If you’re interested in doing an MBA at ESSEC, download our Global MBA brochure or chat to a current student about what it’s like to pursue an MBA at ESSEC

Interview of Nicola Lukovicsová, Global MBA student in Luxury Brand Management major

“I wanted to shift my career into more senior role within Luxury and I thought that with an amazing networking opportunities that ESSEC provides and with more theoretical knowledge thanks to the lectures I would have more opportunities to do so.” Nicola 
from Czech Republic

Could you introduce your background? 

This year I am the youngest member of our class. I am a young professional at the early stage of my career even though I already have a 6-year working experience. I have studied International and Diplomatic studies at the University of Economics in Prague and I have also spent a semester abroad at Science Po, Paris as part of my ERASMUS programme.

I have started my career very early, at the age of 19, right after I joined University od Economics in Prague. I always loved to connect what I studied in school theoretically with practical knowledge. That´s why I have joined Mrs. Eliška Hašková Coolidge, a former White House Official (Coolidge Consulting Services) and worked as her Personal Assistant and Office Manager. The company was dedicated to promoting ethics and etiquette and conducting prestigious courses on The Art and Management of Social Skills, Diplomatic and Business Protocol. I have been responsible for organizing and supervising all the administrative activities, acquiring clients, database systems, communication and PR and digital strategy. We conducted many courses for Business and Private sector as well as Government, EU and more recently also Children and Teenagers. Many times we´ve also organized special courses for Luxury brands on Social Manners and Customer Service.

During my 5-years career with Mrs. Coolidge I have delved much deeper into the luxury sector and I found this industry fascinating. That is also why, right after my graduation, I have applied to ESSEC Luxury programme. Nontheless, I needed to gain more experience within Luxury and in a bigger team to profit the most from the programme. For this particular reason, I have spent a wonderful year (from 2015 to 2016) in Louis Vuitton, Prague as a Client Advisor specialized in Leather Goods, specifically High-end leather and Exotics. This experienced was key for me in order to confirm my interest in Luxury and to understand better the Luxury industry from the very bottom line, where most of the business is actually done.

Why did you decide to join an MBA, and why ESSEC?

I have discovered this programme thanks to my father when I was 16 years old. He has suggested to keep this programme in mind for the future after I graduate from the University. At this age I was convinced I´d be a Diplomat. But for various reasons, after graduation from University of Economics in Prague I decided to change my career track and switch into Luxury. The programme came to my mind instantly and after some additional research I have decided to join ESSEC. I was impressed by the history of the programme and the degree of professional connections that ESSEC has. It is one of the leading business schools in France and for me as an European it was very sound.

I wanted to shift my career into more senior role within Luxury and I thought that with an amazing networking opportunities that ESSEC provides and with more theoretical knowledge thanks to the lectures I would have more opportunities to do so.

I also realized I wanted to do this programme when I am still young in order not to get out of the studying rhythm but at the same time still have working experience to back up my studies. The school initially told me to apply at the age of 28 or 29 but I was really happy that they have finally accepted me at the age of 25 under the condition of the Retail experience.

What do you hope to achieve throughout the year and what are your professional goals after the MBA?

Throughout the year, I hope to gain an even deeper insight into the Luxury Sector. I am very grateful that the school offers more tracks (Fashion & Accessories, Perfumes & Cosmetics, Wines & Spirits and Jewellery & Watches). It is a great opportunity to think out of the box of the industry we are most specialized in and to discover something different or to get inspired by other industries.

I also hope to become part of the large ESSEC MBA in Luxury Alumni and Friends network. Such exposure is vital for better understanding of the industry in practice, passing the knowledge, critical discussion and of course also helpful for your prospective job search.

After graduation, I would love to accelerate my career in Managerial Retail positions or in Communications, Business Development or Training as I really love to transmit the knowledge of the products to clients but also friends and I like to be in the field and in contact with real customers.

What’s your best experience in this program by far? And what would you like to change in the future?

Definitely Factory visits and CEO Conferences. I must admit that the passion about Luxury brands comes from the quality and precision of the products and it is extremely motivating for us – future managers. It makes us realize how much work and planning stands behind one product and why Luxury products are so rare. It also helps us understand the difficulties with actual realization of a product and so many other aspects connected to it.

During the year, I also very much enjoyed real case studies where we had to come up with an idea and think about it in such a detail that it makes the idea absolutely consistent with the Brand. It challenges you and pushes your boundaries.

For people who are interested in Careers abroad, the Field Projects are crucial and very useful part of the programme where we get to know local specifics both in terms of the Business and in terms of Recruitment. It is also an amazing opportunity to put what we have studied in school into practical questions during the Conferences organized as part of the Field Trip.

In the future, it would be great if the school provided more courses on self-development and managerial skills at the very beginning of the school year. I think a lot of students who do not come from the Industry would also appreciate Pre-courses on History of Luxury Brands, Icons of Luxury Brands etc.

It might be also interesting to incorporate an internship in more Managerial position as a build-up on the Boutique Internship Week. It is vital to learn how to sell but I think it would be great to also see how to manage the floor, motivate your employees and develop a store strategy.

Additionally, I think there is never enough Factory visits – they are truly inspiring and the best source of first-hand information about the industry.

What advice would you give to someone who is applying to the program?

Know what you want to pursue in the future – even though it might change during the programme and it is perfectly fine as people evolve. Know your passion, what you want to do, why you are applying and what is your value added to Luxury.

Be passionate about Luxury, otherwise it would be a very difficult year for you. The knowledge is not key – you can easily keep up with it, but make sure you love this sector wholeheartedly.

Be prepared to think out of the box. Both in terms of work but also in terms of culture. The class is very diverse and this is the biggest value added of the programme. Be ready for culture-clashes. They will appear. Be opened to new experiences and new ideas and you will always overcome the problems.

Be self-confident yet humble. I was very scared before I came to this programme that as the youngest classmate I will lack knowledge or experience. It is not true. Everyone has his own history and path and everyone can add something valuable to the table. Do not judge anyone, you never know what they have gone through.

Have a positive attitude. Attitude is what makes the difference and what can make your year either amazing or disastrous. Help others, be a team player but don´t forget to hustle and be challenging - you want to be a future manager. Luxury is a very hard-working industry.

Go for it! Be able to make decisions and take risks but most of all, have fun and love what you are doing!

APPLY ONLINE

Five reasons to choose the ESSEC Global MBA

So, you’ve decided to get an MBA, congrats! Don’t pop the champagne just yet though. Deciding to pursue an MBA is just the beginning; the next step is deciding which business school and MBA program to apply for.

Which MBA you choose to pursue will depend on why you want to do an MBA in the first place. Maybe you’re looking to advance in your chosen field, or perhaps you’re planning to switch careers altogether. You might be interested in studying abroad, or you may prefer to stay in your home country. Whatever your particular reasons, the best MBA programs today include a strong international component designed to give candidates the skills they need to succeed in the global business arena.

Why get your MBA at ESSEC? Here are a few reasons why the ESSEC Global MBA is a top choice for ambitious professionals today.

1) A focus on international business skills.

Succeeding in the business world today—no matter your industry or specialisation—requires international know-how. Why get your MBA at all if you aren’t going to use it to expand your global network and sharpen your cross-cultural business skills? The ESSEC Global MBA has a truly international foundation, with a curriculum aimed at teaching candidates to think outside the box in a stimulating, multi-cultural context. Two campuses in France and Singapore, international field trips, and a diverse student body bolster the program’s international focus.

2) The opportunity to create connections across a diverse student body and an alumni network.

The ESSEC Global MBA student body is made up of 90% international students. This means that candidates are given the opportunity to forge a truly global network of connections through the program. What’s more, working alongside fellow candidates from different walks of life offers ESSEC students invaluable insights into overcoming the unique challenges of doing business across geographical and cultural barriers.

3) The ESSEC Global MBA boasts six exciting majors.

Whatever your dream job, the MBA has a specialisation to meet your requirements, including:

• Strategy & Management
• Finance
• Hospitality Management
• Luxury Brand Management
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation
• Digital Business

4) Choose between campuses in Paris and Singapore.

Candidates undertaking the Global MBA program can choose to begin the year at one of two campuses depending on the major. Immerse yourself in the French culture, cuisine, and language at our prestigious ESSEC France campus in Paris, or get a taste of the Asian way of doing business at our new Asia-Pacific ESSEC campus in the bustling, opportunity-rich city of Singapore. That’s not all: the MBA program includes international field trips and boots-on-the-ground immersion in real-world projects.

5) The ESSEC Global MBA is designed to accelerate your career.

The ESSEC Global MBA is ranked among the top seven MBAs in Europe for employability. Our 12-month intensive Global MBA combines world-class tuition and established industry partnerships to help students kick their careers into high gear. Ninety percent of ESSEC Global MBA students secure employment within four months of graduation and 84% of graduates successfully change job sectors, thanks to the school’s focus on networking and recruitment events, one-to-one career counselling, mentorship programs, and professional workshops.

We have surrounded ourselves with industry experts representing all the six majors. The Alliance of Strategic Partners, chaired by Mr. Pierre Nanterme, CEO of Accenture, provides advice on the corporate needs and trends, academic content, strategic partnerships, and access to corporate resources. The Alliance partners also serve as​ the program’s ambassadors to help establish strong relationships between the industry and Global MBA students. (lien

If you’re still not sure which MBA program is the right fit for you, download our whitepaper How to find the perfect MBA . In it, we look into the four most important things to keep in mind when choosing an MBA program.

The pros and cons of doing an MBA abroad

More and more young professionals today are choosing to pursue an MBA abroad.

On the surface, the trend isn’t surprising. In today’s super-connected business world, international business skills and cross-cultural know-how are non-negotiable for anyone looking to excel in their chosen field. What better way to sharpen your international business acumen than to pack your bags and pursue your studies on an international playing field?

The decision to pursue an MBA abroad shouldn’t be taken lightly, however. After all, completing an MBA program is a big commitment (with potentially even bigger dividends). It’s a good idea to weigh up the pros and cons before printing out your boarding pass.

First, let’s take a look at the pros:

• International travel is an enriching experience.

If you enjoy experiencing new cities, cuisines, and cultures, then you won’t need much convincing that doing an MBA abroad can be one of the most exciting and memorable things you’ll ever do. Business skills and an international network of contacts aren’t all you’ll get out of the deal; you’ll come away with life experience, a more open mind, and the sorts of memories you’ll be recounting around the dinner table for the rest of your life.

• Learn a new language.

The best way to learn a foreign language is to immerse yourself in it—and living and studying abroad will do just that. Having more than just one language in your repertoire makes you instantly more attractive to recruiters and employers, and gives you an obvious edge when it comes to doing international business.

• Get international exposure and experience.

By opting to do your MBA abroad at one of the top business schools in the world, you’ll learn the skills you need to successfully do business in a range of different countries and cultures. The result? You’ll walk out of the program a worldly-wise and incredibly versatile businessperson. Stepping out of your home country—and your comfort zone—also means you’ll gain access to new markets.

• Network with people from all over the world.

One of the most beneficial aspects of MBA programs with an international focus is student diversity. You’ll be living and learning alongside professionals from a wide range of nationalities, which means you’ll walk away with a truly global network of business contacts. More fundamentally, however, you stand to learn just as much from your classmates about international business as you do from your curriculum. Exposure to such a diverse range of people will furnish you with excellent people skills, giving you the enviable ability to do business with almost anyone in the world.

• Get your foot in the door of the country you wish to relocate to.

Looking to move? Doing your MBA abroad is an excellent way to start setting down roots in a foreign country. Living and studying in a foreign country means you’ll not only have the opportunity to make connections with local businesses on the ground, but you’ll also learn the language and come to understand the culture. What’s more, once you graduate, you’ll have the credibility of a business school potential employers recognise behind your name. If you’re an American professional hoping to relocate to France, for example, getting your MBA abroad at a top business school in Europe is an excellent way to make yourself more appealing to French employers.

There are potential drawbacks to jetting off to pursue an MBA away from your home turf:

• The costs all add up.

Of course, doing an MBA abroad comes with a sizeable price tag. While tuition fees may work out similar to those charged by business schools in your home country, you’ll also need to account for things like travel and living costs. That said, it’s wise to view the extra costs associated with doing an MBA abroad in the context of the incredible return on your investment you stand to gain. Put some time aside to thoroughly research the various financial aid and funding options available to you, as many of the top business schools in the world offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically for MBA candidates.

• Culture shock can leave you reeling.

Depending on how you look at it, experiencing culture shock can be as much a pro as a con. That’s because working through culture shock now means you’ll be primed to thrive in unfamiliar locations in future. Open-mindedness and adaptability can be learnt, and exposing yourself to new cultures while doing an MBA abroad is a sure-fire way to evolve into a more cosmopolitan businessperson. That said, culture shock can be difficult to deal with at first, so it’s a good idea to seek support if you find yourself struggling to find your feet while abroad.

Electing to do your MBA abroad gives you the pick of some of the top business schools in the world. Finding the right program for you, however, can seem like a daunting process. Where do you start? Download our whitepaper How to find the perfect MBA for a useful overview of the four key considerations to keep in mind when choosing an MBA program.