EDHEC’s Master in Management Expands with a Data-Driven Focus
EDHEC Business School is renowned for its robust Master in Management (MiM) program, which allows students to pursue career-defining specializations in Finance, Business Management, and Global Economic Transformation and Technology.
Come September, EDHEC will open an innovative fourth track: Data Science and AI for Business.
Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at EDHEC Tristan-Pierre Maury, who leads the new track, explains that it meets the demands of the rapidly evolving digital landscape. “All Industries, all jobs are currently being heavily impacted by the technological revolution. They are all impacted especially by the generative AI component.” (02:18)
The track’s curriculum will cultivate well-rounded professionals who can analyze data and leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to solve real-world business problems. It empowers students to think like data scientists but act like strategic business leaders.
“Our belief at EDHEC is that the combination of technical and manager skills is extremely important,” Dean Maury says. “If you plan to become a great manager, a leader with a vision, with the capacity to anticipate the trends in the market and what the impact of AI will be in the future, you need both of them.” (05:56)
The program emphasizes the practical application of the skills gained through project-based learning and partnerships with leading corporations. Graduates will possess the theoretical knowledge and the hands-on experience to make an immediate impact.
A Distinct Educational Experience
EDHEC is one of Europe’s best business schools thanks in large part to the top faculty they bring to their programs. Course professors are experts in their academic disciplines and possess extensive experience in the business world. (07:56)
Thus, students in the Master in Management – Data Science & AI for Business track gain exposure to both the theoretical underpinnings of data science and AI and their practical applications within the business context.
The Data Science & AI for Business track is a comprehensive three-year program with two academic years and one gap year to gain professional experience.
According to Dean Maury, while other programs may be shorter, “only the last year of the program is really focused on data or business analytics, or AI … Just one year of specialization in data is not enough if you really want to be able to cope with this tech revolution.” (04:07)
This extended format allows for a deep dive into technical subjects such as machine learning and coding while ensuring a solid foundation in business fundamentals and management skills.
Year 1: Building the Foundation
The first year lays the groundwork, equipping students with a solid understanding of the core principles of business management, data science, machine learning algorithms, and AI. Students will also learn to code in Python and how technology can progress sustainably.
The foundation is so solid that even students without any coding experience can expect to be expert programmers upon graduation.
“The program, in terms of coding, will be very, very intensive,” Dean Maury promises. “Candidates can expect to be completely fluent in Python and with other programming languages of their choice at the end of the program.” (07:11)
This initial phase ensures all students have a common knowledge base before progressing to their work experience and specializations.
Year 2: Professional Immersion & Refining Your Focus
The second year provides invaluable real-world experience through two 6-month internships. This “gap year” allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge professionally, working on real-world projects within leading companies.
Honing their technical skills, students refine their career goals and interests within the vast field of data science and AI.
Year 3: Specialization & Mastery
In the pivotal final year, students return to EDHEC’s campuses to specialize in a specific area with an MSc that aligns with their career aspirations. The MSc in Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence and the MSc in Marketing Analytics are available on the Lille campus for students looking to integrate data-driven strategies into their careers.
Meanwhile, the MSc in Financial Engineering offered at the Nice campus is for students who want to master complex financial theories.
Additionally, students can also specialize in Data Science or the Internet of Things through EDHEC’s partnership with EURECOM.
Each specialization equips graduates with the advanced knowledge and targeted skills necessary to excel in their chosen fields.
Preparing for a Diverse Range of Careers
Depending on their chosen specializations, MiM – Data Science & AI for Business track graduates can anticipate careers across sectors with equally diverse roles, such as data scientists, digital media analysts, AI consultants, and more.
“All industries are impacted by the data revolution, so we intend to keep this track general, opening up career opportunities in many different fields,” Dean Maury explains. (09:54)
Anyone interested in a career in this evolving field can apply regardless of their academic background. What applicants need is passion and motivation for AI. It’s about being eager to understand and leverage AI to make informed predictions about its future business impacts. (11:18)
EDHEC’s new Data Science and AI for Business track promises to be a transformative addition to their academic offerings. By fostering a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and practical experience, the program prepares graduates to lead the charge in a world where data is the new currency of success.
To take the first step towards your data-driven future, contact an EDHEC ambassador. They can provide valuable insights and share their firsthand experiences with the MiM program.