What’s It Like to Study At a Top European Business School?

Sponsored by EDHEC Business School

The business school curriculum is constantly adapting to reflect current business trends from around the world, which means new and innovative degree programs are becoming just as integral as ‘traditional’ degree programs, such as the MBA.

To find out what it’s like to study one of these specialized business master’s programs, we spoke with MSc in International Finance and Accounting student, Alberto Teodori, and MSc in Strategy, Consulting and Digital Transformation student, Alice Guédel. They shared with us the ins and outs of their academic journey at EDHEC Business School.

What has been your favorite aspect of your degree so far?

Alberto said: “The quality of teaching. The teachers are actually professionals who are still involved in the business world which gives you the chance to get insights from current trends and matters.”

Alice agreed, and said she considers the “various and complementary courses, while working on real business cases” to be her favorite aspect of her degree so far.

What aspects of your degree do you think will help you progress in professional opportunities after graduating?

Both Alberto and Alice believe studying modules that are current and up to date, as well as collaborating with those in the know, has provided them with a great springboard for the world of work after graduating.

“Being able to build a strong network through the associations, group projects and sports” is something Alice considers fundamental to helping her progress after graduating.

“Working directly with companies, meeting different companies, and discovering new jobs,” has also been useful, she added.

While Alberto told us: “All of the modules are perfectly in line with today’s field, and as these were continuously updated to include new emerging trends.”

What opportunities have you experienced at EDHEC Business School?

“The fintech course has been the most important opportunity as it provided me with the knowledge about financial technologies and helped me understand how today’s financial markets work,” said Alberto.

Business school isn’t just about the academic opportunities either. Alice told us she values the importance of studying a master’s degree that offers the chance to seek exciting career opportunities:

“I was able to find my first internship in private equity at Nixen Partners, and am now starting an end-of-studies internship in Venture Capital at Alven Capital.”

What clubs, societies or other non-academic activities have you been involved in whilst studying?

Whether it’s football, or the Finance Club, students are encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities, whatever their interests may be.

Alice has been a part of EDHEC’s football team for four years and has also worked as a key account manager for Le Chti, a French city guide: “This experience taught me many things such as negotiation, networking and adapting to others.”

What do you like the most about EDHEC Business School?

With five campuses located around the world, one of which sits comfortably on France’s south coast, it’s easy to see why students at EDHEC’s Nice campus enjoy their time studying here:

“Right after the beautiful weather which characterizes the Côte d'Azur, it has to be the education offered by the school. EDHEC is made up of motivated students coming from all over the world and, by being close to them, you are indirectly pushed to be determined like them and you can understand the importance of learning from other students’ work experiences,” said Alberto.

Alice meanwhile praised the school’s ability to prepare its students well for the future, as well as how having the opportunity to meet other people, such as students, professors, and external speakers “teaches you how to adapt to other people and work together”.

What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking of studying the same degree as you?

“I would suggest focusing on the fact the MSc in International Accounting and Finance doesn’t solely deal with accounting matters; rather, it offers courses such as mergers & acquisitions (M&A), corporate treasury management, and management control, all of which allow you to have the passport to work as financial analysts in all types of industries, including investment banking, corporate finance, and management consulting,” said Alberto.

Whereas Alice advised having an open mind about your future career prospects: “Stay open-minded on different professional opportunities instead of rushing into what everyone else does.”

This article was originally published on June 24th, 2019.