|
 Michel Mouawad
ESSEC MBA, ESSEC Business School
University previously attended Ecole Supérieure d'Ingénieurs de Beyrouth (St Joseph University ? Lebanon), Lebanon
Degree obtained BEng in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Country of origin Lebanon
Age 25 years
Career history
After his civil engineering studies, Michel Mouawad seriously considered pursuing an MBA programme abroad in order to learn the principles of management and business administration.
When it came to choosing my business school,
I used many criteria: location, reputation, the alumni network, international exposure and the quality of courses.
Meeting the criteria
I found that ESSEC had the best mix of these five criteria:
- Location: ESSEC is only 30 minutes away from one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris. I had the choice to stay at the campus for studies and research, and, when the time comes, enjoy the nightlife of Paris.
- Reputation: ESSEC has always been one of the top three business schools in France, and it is accredited by AACSB and EQUIS.
- Alumni network: I spoke with some ESSEC graduates and found out that they have a very developed alumni network, allowing them to have contacts in almost all major firms worldwide.
- International exposure: There are so many international students at ESSEC. When I lived at the ESSEC dorms, it reminded me of the film, l'Auberge Espagnole, because my neighbours had different backgrounds and came from all around the world.
- Quality of courses: I can choose between courses taught in French or English, covering all aspects of business and management. The teachers are well known, have a lot of respect for their students and are always ready to advise them on their future career.
The curriculum
The MBA programme is divided between 7 core courses and 14 electives. The core courses give a general idea of all the aspects of business administration (finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, computing, economics and business law), while it is up to the student to choose 14 elective courses from more than 200, depending on his interests, future plans and career. The academic year is divided into four trimesters, and it is up to me to decide whether
I prefer to go to school or have an internship in each trimester.
Work experience
In order to graduate, ESSEC students have to prove they have 18 months' work experience, which can be done before, during or after the academic period.
Specialisation
I chose to major in finance while at the same time making sure that two courses in each trimester were general, mainly dealing with marketing and management. What I liked the most was the 'teamwork' experience, with its good and bad times, since, in most of the courses, the class is divided into separate groups interacting with each other.
Multicultural teamwork
The social aspect of the ESSEC MBA programme is also of major importance. You meet brilliant students from different countries and build a network of relationships all over the world.
I was also Vice-President of 'ESSEC Liban',
an association for Lebanese and international ESSEC students interested in Lebanon, organising many successful events with the help of other ESSEC associations.
I must add that the ESSEC administration is very dynamic, always providing new exchange agreements with top international MBA schools, as well as seeking internships and career opportunities for its students with major French and international firms. At the same time, they are open to suggestions and new ideas, and are always willing to give their students the time and attention they need.
After the MBA
Personally, I am seeking a career in investment banking while currently in an eight-month internship with Mergers and Acquisitions at BNP Paribas. Being an ESSEC student helped me secure such an important internship, thanks to both the solid academic background in finance and the network of connections ESSEC has to offer.
The ESSEC MBA has been a truly unique experience, with so much to learn both academically and personally. ESSEC provides its students with an international exposure to the business world, so it is no surprise that many top international students believe it is a school well worth entrusting with their careers. 'At the same time, they are open to suggestions and new ideas, and are always willing to give their students the time and attention they need.'
|
