Before joining the 2024 class of the MBA in International Management at ESCP, Jà©rà´me was a distinguished member of the French Army. From strategic planning of missions abroad, to hoping to work as a manager, his professional and academic journey serves as an inspiration for everyone looking to start a (radically) new career. But how does a former officer adapt to the classroom? Jà©rà´me shares with us his experience and insights so far.
Hello Jà©rà´me, can you tell us a little bit about your academic and professional background?
I hold a master’s degree in international relations and a diploma from the French Military Academy of Saint-Cyr, the institution responsible for training future leaders of the French Army.
Moreover, I professionally served as an officer in the French Army before transitioning to the MBA. have spent 6 years in a military unit specialising in reconnaissance in armoured vehicles. My daily job consisted of managing and leading soldiers, and overseeing mission preparations and executions in both France and crisis areas abroad.
Jerome (second from right) presenting with fellow classmates
Why did you choose ESCP’s MBA in International Management programme?
As the operational phase of my military career was concluding, I contemplated embarking on a new adventure and transitioning from the Army to the business world. Before pursuing a new job, I wanted to immerse myself in this new environment and acquire the fundamentals that would ease my career transition. Opting for an MBA seemed the most relevant choice for my goal of becoming a manager.
I specifically chose the ESCP MBA programme for three key reasons: its reputation and competitive ranking, its international dimension allowing students to study in 5 different European cities, and the flexibility of its 10-month format, with the option to attend online if needed. The ESCP MBA is the only one, to my mind, that offers this kind of flexibility, perfectly meeting the needs of professionals who cannot afford to pause work for an extended period, or may have to deal with personal constraints.
How did you adjust from the military to the MBA classroom environment?
Surprisingly, the transition from the military to the MBA classroom environment wasn’t that hard. Firstly, I studied a lot before and after joining the Army, so I am quite used to classrooms. Secondly, contrary to stereotypes, I believe military officers draw strength from their adaptability and the ability to navigate new environments or unexpected situations. I can now affirm that the MBA classroom environment is far less demanding than my past experiences. Thirdly, and most importantly, I mentally prepared myself in advance to successfully « demilitarise » my way of thinking and behaving.
What do you plan to do after your MBA?
While I am still in the process of doing research and networking to refine my career project, I am now quite sure that I would like to work in a sector closely related to renewable energies in France.
What advice do you have for other veterans interested in pursuing an MBA?
I would advise them to have confidence in their ability to adapt and succeed in this type of programme, even though the initial cultural shock may be significant. Additionally, I suggest they prepare to renounce their previous status, particularly for officers accustomed to commanding. Finally, I would encourage them to reach out to me directly because I am best positioned to understand their expectations and doubts!
