Why MBAs are 'Going Global': The Global MBA

This article is sponsored by ESSEC Business School’s Global MBA program. Learn more about the program.

Today, business managers dreaming of going global navigate increasing turbulence. Once dynamic markets face declining growth, while previously ignored regions are ascendant. These sudden shifts can give chart watchers motion sickness. Preparation becomes the best way to prosper.

The old Boy Scout motto of “Be Prepared” could well be 2015’s theme. Both emerging and advanced economies have been shaken by a recent commodity glut. China endured well during the days of global recession. Yet now as its economy shifts from manufacturing to consumption, the country’s double-digit annual GDP has growth plummeted. Meanwhile, India has exceeded expectations as its economy becomes more diverse.

Professionals who can provide coherence in the midst of so much noise are valued more than ever. We spoke to two recent graduates of ESSEC Business School to find out why they chose to earn the school’s Global MBA and how this decision will benefit future employers.

The Global MBA solution

Founded over 100 years ago, ESSEC Business School operates two campuses in Paris and Singapore. During its one-year duration, Global MBA participants travel to a number of countries and work with a variety of companies on management issues (which is the why it’s called the Global MBA). “Students spend a term in Singapore, a week in an emerging market, and a month immersed in a project internationally,” the school’s website explains. “The first class ventured all over the world, working on projects in Egypt, Venezuela, Uruguay, the Philippines, South Africa, and India.”

The Global MBA is an intimate program, averaging less than 40 participants. One of them, Rajesh Ramanathan arrived in Paris from Pune, India. An electronics & telecommunication engineer, he earned his first master’s degree in financial management. After seven years working as a software architect in the information technology industry, he decided to pursue a Global MBA.

Hailing from a Chicago suburb, another graduate of the program, Matthew Werner studied political science and international relations at the University of Notre Dame. His interest in different cultures and languages along with a curiosity about intercultural communication and management issues is part of the reason he’s spent more than a dozen years in France.

Why did you decide to earn a Global MBA?

Rajesh Ramanathan: I was involved primarily in a technical role throughout my career. I was seeking a change into a role as a Project Manager or a Business Analyst, where I could be involved more in the business side of things, and leverage my prior technical expertise to help both the customer and my organization to achieve better results.

ESSEC's Global MBA offered a perfect mix of the components that I was looking for in an MBA program, with 11 nationalities in the class and a truly international experience on offer. It is also affordable, with scholarships based on your overall profile. It also has an incredible alumni network of over 45,000.

Matthew Werner: I felt like I was missing certain business fundamentals that could hold me back. I needed the theory and fundamentals taught in an MBA program to formalize my business knowledge. I also wanted to do an MBA program to get exposure to new areas of business that I did not work with on a regular basis in my previous job. 

How was the smaller class size an advantage? 

RR: The smaller class size meant that I was able to interact, learn and have a lasting impression on each of my classmates. I have made some lifelong friends in the Global MBA. A smaller cohort ensures that we get one-to-one attention from our professors, career counselors and during the various workshops.

MW: The smaller cohort was a major advantage because I was able to create strong links... I worked with every classmate on at least one project, which is a great way to get to know somebody. I was also surprised to discover that I possessed business acumen in areas that I was not aware of. 

Tell us about the Global MBA mentorship program

MW: The Global MBA team did a great job matching students with mentors who share similar career paths or aspirations. The personalized nature of the mentorship program reflects the administration's knowledge of each Global MBA student and their professional backgrounds and goals. With a larger cohort it would be harder to match each student with an appropriate mentor.

RR: At ESSEC, I found myself mentoring fellow students on some courses which I was good at like finance, accounting, economics etc. I was surprised at how well received these informal coaching sessions were. And some of them even egged me to pursue a career in teaching and academics!

Study in Singapore

Global MBA students study in Singapore for four weeks followed by a week of career coaching in the area, which offers tremendous opportunities. Future business managers may examine how a nation with few natural resources (but an ideal location) leveraged low taxes rates, and economic freedom to transform itself from an impoverished island backwater to international economic powerhouse. Singapore has ranked as Asia’s most livable cities, beating rival Hong Kong in air quality and topping the list in categories like ease of doing business and transportation.

What did you learn from studying in Singapore?

RR: I had a whale of a time during my two months at ESSEC's Singapore campus (February-March 2015). The Singapore term was memorable in terms of academics for a course called ‘Geopolitics in Asia’ conducted by Dr Cedomir Nestorovic, who I believe is one of the best professors to have ever taught me. Besides the courses, we also had a large number of company visits, and guest speakers.

MW: We had very unique company visits in Singapore that were relevant to the region, such as visiting Google and learning about their strategy in Asia and China in particular. We also visited a large Louis Vuitton store and learned about the changing profile of luxury customers. In parallel we visited the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, which is famous for its rooftop swimming pool that is perched atop three of the hotel's towers. This visit was an interesting look into the international luxury hospitality business.

Did you manage to take advantage of the city’s cultural opportunities?

RR: We spent many an evening at Clark Quay, sampling different cuisines, visiting incredible hotels like the Marina Bay Sands.  My advice to future students would be to come prepared to work hard and party harder in Singapore! And of course, bring along your shorts and swimwear to profit the most from the wonderful weather.

MW: One of my favorite places in Singapore was the Botanic Gardens. I used to go on morning runs in the gardens with several classmates before courses started. 

What's the best advice you received during your time at ESSEC? 

MW: I think some of the best advice that I received is that it is very important and valuable to get to know yourself, your core competencies, your career goals and what you enjoy doing in life. Once you have a better understanding of these elements you will be able to create a career path that will be rewarding professionally, but one that is also personalized to your interests and passions.

What would you recommend to upcoming students for the best MBA experience?

RR: I would say come with an open mind. You are going to work and interact with people who have cultures and upbringings completely different from yours, who speak a different language but who can be a treasure trove of knowledge. It is for you to open up, make the effort and interact with them and eventually benefit from this interaction. Lastly, I really do believe that the MBA year should be looked at as an year of  self-development and  experiential learning.

MW: My advice to upcoming students is to make sure to live every experience to the fullest and take advantage of every opportunity made available during the program. Make sure to participate in all of the career workshops, seminars and networking opportunities because these will be very important during your job search. The Global MBA team is extremely supportive and there for the students so make sure to take advantage of this precious resource. 

This article is sponsored by ESSEC Business School’s Global MBA program.