Cosmo Vollauschek, currently a third-year student of the Bachelor in Management (BSc) at ESCP Business School, embodies the incredible opportunities and skill-building experiences the programme offers its students.
Through a blend of academic challenges and a plethora of highly enriching extracurricular activities, Cosmo has been able to uncover and refine his passions, leading him to participate in the prestigious Les Rencontres Économiques in Aix-en-Provence. This milestone not only highlights his impressive resourcefulness but also vividly illustrates how a well-rounded education can inspire young talents to discover and fully embrace their true potential beyond the classroom.
Cosmo’s Path at ESCP: A Journey of Discovery and Growth
From the outset, Cosmo’s journey at ESCP was marked by a desire to gain international exposure and foster an entrepreneurial spirit. His BSc track, which included studies at the ESCP Campuses in London, Turin, and Paris, provided a unique platform to immerse himself in diverse cultures and academic environments. « I come from a multicultural background and wanted a track that could let me explore new cultures and learn new languages, » Cosmo recalls, reflecting on how these experiences were vital in shaping his academic and professional outlook.
In London, Cosmo benefited from a dynamic campus life, engaging faculty, and constant community events. Turin offered him a deep dive into Italian culture, where the everyday interactions”down to ordering a cappuccino”became learning experiences. Paris, however, was a pivotal stage, not just for reconnecting with his French heritage, but also for advancing his entrepreneurial ambitions. « Paris was about rediscovering my roots… and consolidating an entrepreneurial network across Europe, » he explains. Through these experiences, Cosmo was able to integrate and synthesise his learning from diverse environments, also helping him develop a strong sense of European identity and a deep connection to the broader community.
Cosmo’s academic journey was enriched by his active participation in various student societies, most notably the AGORA Student Union, where he played a key role in championing sustainability initiatives and advocating for governance reforms. Reflecting on his efforts, Cosmo shares, « We achieved incredible milestones, including working to establish ESG Committees across all ESCP campuses. » His leadership in these initiatives has broadened his practical skills and reinforced his commitment to driving meaningful change in organisational practices and responsible management.
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Les Rencontres Économiques: A Gateway to Global Perspectives
Cosmo’s participation in Les Rencontres Économiques in Aix-en-Provence undoubtedly marks a significant milestone in his journey. His initial interest in the forum was sparked by personal curiositys, but soon grew into a professional pursuit. Initially attending the forum as a young member of the audience, Cosmo was deeply impressed by the dynamic exchanges and high calibre of the discussions. This year, his involvement extended to co-developing public policy proposals put forward to the global leaders attending, available here. Reflecting on the experience, he notes, « The diversity of ideas and the openness of dialogue truly broadened my understanding of global challenges, » emphasising how the event significantly shaped his perspective as a future manager and leader.
The event provided Cosmo with an exclusive opportunity to engage with global leaders and thought pioneers. In fact, he describes the event as « incomparably more accessible » than others, with an atmosphere that allowed for open discourse and personal exchanges with eminent personalities from various sectors. The experience of sharing insights with figures such as Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, and Sanda Ojiambo, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, left a lasting impression on him. « The curiosity, open-mindedness, and attentiveness of all these leaders I met were by far their most remarkable traits, » Cosmo reflects, identifying these qualities as essential for effective leadership.
The key takeaways from the Rencontres have had a lasting influence on Cosmo’s vision of the kind of future he would like to contribute to. He left the event with a reinforced belief in the power of international collaboration and inclusive leadership. These insights, he believes, will play a crucial role in shaping his approach to future endeavours, as he aims to make a meaningful impact in the increasingly interconnected world of business.
The Road Ahead: Cosmo’s Vision for What’s Next
As Cosmo looks to the future, his experiences at ESCP and Les Rencontres Économiques have crystallised his aspirations. While his initial goal was to launch a career in the start-up world, his vision has since evolved to include personal projects in the nonprofit and public sectors. « One of my learnings has been that impact can be achieved in countless different ways, » he notes, expressing a newfound eagerness to explore these diverse paths, equipped with the broad skillset he has developed.
Cosmo’s plans are deeply influenced by the lessons he has learned through his studies and shaped by the multitude of experiences accumulated during these three years. The practical knowledge gained from ESCP’s rigorous academic curriculum, combined with several real-world insights, has equipped him with a holistic understanding of the complex world we all live in. « I return to my studies with a clearer picture of global risks and opportunities, » he says, confident that this new consciousness will enable him to invest his energy and passion in more pertinent and impactful ways.
To his peers, Cosmo offers sage advice: « The best trait anyone can have when embracing any opportunity is exactly the one I observed in the leaders I engaged with”being curious, open-minded, and attentive. » These qualities, he believes, are not only crucial for success in high-level economic forums but also for effective leadership and personal fulfilment in any field.
Cosmo Vollauschek’s journey at ESCP, culminating in his participation in Les Rencontres Économiques, vividly illustrates the unique and transformative nature of the Bachelor in Management (BSc) programme. Rather than simply following a conventional educational path, his experiences show how the programme encourages students to explore beyond the classroom, uncovering and honing their true passions. With a focus on international exposure, entrepreneurial spirit, and dynamic leadership, ESCP cultivates young talents like Cosmo, equipping them not just with knowledge, but with the tools and confidence to leave a meaningful mark on the world.
Ready to unlock the endless opportunities of a global, well-rounded academic journey in Management with ESCP Business School? Discover our Bachelor in Management (BSc) and begin shaping your future today.
