Eloise Dean has recently graduated from ESCP Business School. She is currently pursuing her studies at the prestigious Imperial College Business School in London, deepening her knowledge about sustainable business management.
Unlike many of her very international cohort, she was born in England and lived there throughout most of her life. This is the main reason why she chose the Bachelor in Management (BSc): to fully immerse herself in the multiculturalism of the world around her and find the professional field where to make the most of her energy and determination.
Choosing a graduate program just out of high school, and starting to plan your future accordingly, can be quite a daunting task. How did you approach this phase, and how did you come to choose ESCP Business School for your education?
I always knew that I wanted to study management. Although, for a long time, I struggled to find the right course. I always have sought-after experiences that would challenge me, and I wanted a bachelor’s degree to reflect that.
Once I discovered ESCP Business School and its bachelor program, I immediately thought there was no alternative. I had looked at many other business schools and universities. Still, ESCP was the only business school with campuses all over Europe and offers the opportunity to spend each year in a different country.
I knew that understanding different cultures, practices, and languages is extremely valuable in today’s globalised environment. For these reasons, there was no better place for me to start my international career than to experience it first hand at ESCP.
As you have already mentioned, the Bachelor in Management (BSc) offers the unparalleled opportunity to live the study experience in three culturally very different cities. Which path did you choose, and what were the main difficulties you encountered?
My track was Paris, Turin, and Berlin. Studying in Paris was a dream come true. The city is beautiful and so culturally rich. I cannot believe that even after one year of exploring, I still want to go back as there are so many museums and monuments left to visit. However, Paris is a busy city and really non-stop. Therefore, it was nice to have a break from the bustle the following year in Turin.
Initially, I was a little hesitant about going to Turin, as I had not even heard of the city before. Nevertheless, it was probably one of my favourite years.
Turin was incredible, and Italy is really well connected by trains. It was possible to visit Milan, the mountains, and the riviera, all within a couple of hours of travel from Turin. Of course, indulging in the local delicacies was also enjoyable.
During the Spring Semester, ESCP organised a trip to Barolo (a village in the Piedmont wine area that produces top Italian wines, ed.). There, we could try the local wines and learn about the history of vinification.
What shocked me the most about the Italian culture was the relaxed attitude to time management. Despite this, I quickly learned that not all cultures had the same attitude when I arrived just three minutes late for my first lecture in Berlin.
Unfortunately, my time in Berlin was cut short due to the pandemic, and many classmates had to fly home early. Nonetheless, it was still a fantastic year. It was great to live there in a time when so many unique and exciting technology startups were launching. Thanks to the events organised by ESCP, we got to hear their experiences first-hand.
The main challenges I faced were finding accommodation, especially in some cases when I was not fluent in the local languages. Thankfully, the ESCP Team is really helpful, it guides you through the whole process, and helps you to find the best deals.
Another peculiarity of the Bachelor is its Curriculum, which combines managerial courses with the liberal arts. If you had to highlight a module or activity that has most caught your interest, which would it be and why?
One of the things I loved most about the programme is that you really do have a ‘taste’ of every aspect of management, from Financial Reporting to Behavioural Psychology and even Coding.
I thought this was great because it allowed each student to find his individual strengths and passions. Many of my friends discovered completely new fields during classes, in which they are now pursuing their careers.
For me, this module was Corporate Social Responsibility, which took place in the last year of our degree. It was interesting to apply everything we had learned over the past three years and look at it from a different standpoint. It also raised some interesting issues, which I hope my classmates will incorporate into their careers’ management styles.
Also, to complete your Bachelor, you need to carry out 21 weeks of internship as a minimum. Which I think was fantastic, because you are required to spend your summers interning. Having industry experience at three different companies before graduating allowed me to understand how paramount company culture is. It also helped me develop my preferences about the type of company and industry I would like to work in.
Having the opportunity to experience numerous business contexts up close is also a great way to reflect on your plans for the future. How did you choose the direction to give to your career, and where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I am now studying Climate Change, Management, and Finance at Imperial College Business School in London. I chose this institution and course because I wanted to build upon my knowledge and experience of sustainable management and specialise in one of the biggest problems the world is facing today.
Climate change is something that affects all business decisions and operations. Regulations, policies, and targets are constantly changing, making it an exciting field to work in. My personal mission will be to help businesses understand that profits and sustainable practices can come hand in hand. From my experience, it seems as though many companies see it as one or the other.
I hope my generation will exploit the rapid advances in technology and innovation to find new decarbonization pathways and ultimately reach net zero. In 5 years, I see myself working alongside international corporations, enabling them to develop adaptation and resiliency responses to climate change.
The Bachelor in Management (BSc) has shaped me as a person more than any other experience in my life. It is a challenge to move to a new country, especially if you don’t speak the local language, with students who you do not know. However, this has made me resilient and adaptable.
If I had to give advice to those who are about to start this life-changing adventure, it would be this: “once inside the incredible ESCP universe, take part in all projects and events, be involved, take the initiative. It will be the best decision of your life.”
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