The Master in Management (MIM) program at ESSEC Business School is one of the top-ranked programs in the world. What makes it so special? To learn more about the program and the school, we spoke to Felix Papier, Dean of Pre-Experience Programs and Academic Director of the Master in Management (MIM) at ESSEC Business School. He told us how the school’s alumni network is such a valuable resource for its graduates.
When ESSEC Business School says it’s international, it really means it.
It’s one of a small number of business schools worldwide that has campuses across three different continents. It’s a unique offering for students, who can choose to study in either France, Singapore, or Morocco.
It’s one of the reasons why ESSEC is one of the top business schools in Europe. Another reason is the school’s prestigious Master in Management (MIM) program, which was most recently ranked 6th in the world by the Financial Times. To find out more about the MIM we spoke to the program’s Academic Director, Felix Papier. He explains that MIM students can take full advantage of ESSEC’s international presence.
Master in Management (MIM) “students can choose to start the program on our campus in France, near Paris, or on our [Asia-Pacific] campus in Singapore. As soon as they [complete the first part of] the program, they can move on to different campuses, including ESSEC Africa in Rabat, Morocco.” (00:18)
For EU nationals, the tuition fees for the ESSEC MIM are €37,200 for the full two years of the program. For non-EU citizens, those fees rise slightly to €43,200. Felix also says that you should budget around €1,000 per month in living costs – whether you’re studying in France or Singapore.
To help students fund their studies, ESSEC has an apprenticeship program that is open to all students, regardless of nationality. Those who secure an apprenticeship will not only have their tuition fees paid for, but will also receive a salary.
“Specific to ESSEC, we have the possibility for a MIM student to do an apprenticeship,” he elaborates. “An apprenticeship means that for a duration of two years, you are working in a company for 40% of your time, and 60% of your time is spent here at ESSEC.” (02:52)
He adds, “There is a French law [that states] the company has to pay your tuition fees and you as a student also receive a salary. Today around 25% of our MIM program are apprentices, so it’s really something that students use a lot.” (03:29)
Felix explains that the apprenticeship scheme has benefits besides the financial aspect, namely the opportunity to get your foot on the career ladder and start growing your professional network from a young age.
“There’s also the possibility to discover the company, to create a professional network in the sector the company is in,” he says. “Our apprentices are in a variety of different companies – from top consulting companies like Boston Consulting Group to IBM and Google.” (03:50)
Despite these unique initiatives, ESSEC does share common ground with other business schools in one area: the industries that its graduates end up in.
“As is probably the case with many other business schools, our largest sectors that our graduates work in are consulting and finance,” Felix explains. “Together they make up 50-60% of the jobs that our graduates start working after graduation.” (05:02)
The remaining ESSEC MIM graduates work in a variety of different industries, including the IT, digital, and pharmaceutical sectors. Felix also says that entrepreneurship is a big part of the offering at ESSEC. He cites the success of the school’s business incubator, ESSEC Ventures, as proof of this.
“The ESSEC Ventures incubator that is open for our students has created more than 400 companies in the last few years,” he tells us. “Many have survived more than five years after the students graduate [and gone on to] become much more visible in their sector.” (06:00)
What do these industries translate to in terms of salary? According to Felix, the MIM can provide an immediate boost to your salary – and it’s likely to keep growing in the years after you graduate from ESSEC.
“The average salary right after graduation is €55,000. Then three years after graduation that increases to €93,000. Of course, it depends on the sector. Some sectors and some functions will typically lead to higher salaries than others,” he says. (12:04)
Perhaps the biggest benefit of being an ESSEC student is your lifelong membership to its alumni association. It gives students the chance to connect with other ESSEC alumni all over the world. The best bit? You’re a member from the first day you walk through the doors at ESSEC.
“As an ESSEC student, from the first day you join the school, you’ll become a member of the ESSEC Alumni Association. It includes a mentoring program, where every MIM student, based on career interests, can be mentored by an ESSEC alum,” Felix adds. (09:01)
Thanks to its presence across three continents, ESSEC has an alumni network that is truly global. By studying at ESSEC, you’re joining a network that will provide you with support and career opportunities for life. Skills, experience, and knowledge are important – but it’s difficult to put a price on the value of a network like that.
