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A Complete Guide to ESSEC MBA Program
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Are you looking to boost your career with a top-tier MBA program? ESSEC Business School might be the perfect choice for you. ESSEC Business School, renowned for its excellence in business education, offers a world-class MBA program designed for ambitious professionals. With campuses in France and Singapore, ESSEC has consistently ranked among the top business schools globally.

This MBA program caters to experienced professionals and career changers, providing a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Whether you’re considering full-time MBA in France or exploring options at ESSEC Singapore, this guide will help you understand what makes the MBA stand out in the competitive world of business education.

Program Structure and Curriculum for ESSEC Business School

The ESSEC MBA program offers a flexible and comprehensive learning experience tailored to meet diverse career goals. Let’s break down the structure and curriculum of the ESSEC Business School MBA:

Program TypeDurationLocation
Full-time MBA12 monthsESSEC France (Paris)
Global MBA12 monthsESSEC Singapore
Executive MBA18 months (part-time)ESSEC France or ESSEC Singapore
ESSEC Business School

Core Curriculum:

The MBA curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in key business areas. Here’s an overview of the core modules:

  1. Finance and Accounting
  2. Marketing and Strategy
  3. Operations and Supply Chain Management
  4. Leadership and Organizational Behavior
  5. Business Ethics and Sustainability
  6. Digital Transformation and Innovation

Specialization Tracks:
The Business School offers various specialization options to align with students’ career aspirations:

  • Luxury Brand Management
  • Strategy and Digital Leadership
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Finance
  • Hospitality Management (in partnership with ESSEC’s renowned MIM program)

Key Program Features:

  • 500+ hours of core courses
  • 200+ elective options
  • 3 international study trips
  • 1 live consulting project with a real company

The ESSEC MBA program stands out for its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. With a focus on experiential learning, the curriculum integrates case studies, simulations, and real-world projects to prepare students for leadership roles in global business environments.

Admissions Process and Requirements

Gaining admission to this MBA program is a competitive process that evaluates candidates holistically. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the requirements and application steps for aspiring ESSEC Business School MBA students:

RequirementDetails
Academic BackgroundBachelor’s degree or equivalent
Minimum GPA3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
Work ExperienceMinimum 3 years, average 6 years
GMAT/GREGMAT: 600+ (average 680)
GRE: Equivalent scores accepted
English ProficiencyTOEFL: 100+ (iBT)
IELTS: 7.0+
Application Fee€180
Admissions Process and Requirements for ESSEC

Application Steps for ESSEC MBA:

  1. Online Application: Complete the official Business School application form.
  2. Document Submission:
  • Official transcripts
  • GMAT/GRE scores
  • English proficiency test results
  • Current resume/CV
  • Two professional references
  1. Essays: Write two required essays (topics provided in the application)
  2. Video Interview: Complete a pre-recorded video interview
  3. Personal Interview: If shortlisted, attend an in-person or virtual interview with the admissions committee

Key Application Deadlines (for 2025 intake):

  • Round 1: November 30, 2024
  • Round 2: January 31, 2025
  • Round 3: March 31, 2025
  • Round 4: May 31, 2025 (if places available)

The MBA admissions process is designed to identify candidates who will contribute to the diverse and dynamic learning environment. The admissions committee looks for applicants with strong academic backgrounds, relevant work experience, and the potential to become global business leaders.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The MBA program emphasizes experiential learning, offering numerous opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of key components:

International Immersion Trips:

  • 3 week-long trips to global business hubs
  • Past destinations: Silicon Valley, Shanghai, Singapore
  • 85% of students participate in at least one trip

Consulting Projects:

  • 8-week live consulting project with partner companies
  • 50+ partner companies, including multinationals and startups
  • 92% of students report improved problem-solving skills

Company Visits:

  • 20+ company visits per year
  • Sectors include finance, technology, luxury goods, and more
  • 75% of visits result in networking opportunities for students

Leadership Development:

  • 40 hours of personalized coaching
  • 15 leadership workshops throughout the program
  • 88% of students report increased confidence in leadership abilities

Entrepreneurship Incubator:

  • Access to Ventures incubator
  • €4.5 million raised by MBA startups in the last 5 years
  • 30% of MBA students engage in entrepreneurial projects

These experiential learning opportunities at Business School provide MBA students with practical skills and a global perspective, enhancing their overall learning experience.

Career Advancement and Alumni Network

Career Advancement and Alumni Network

The ESSEC MBA program is designed to accelerate career growth and provide access to a powerful global network. Here’s a detailed look at career outcomes and alumni connections:

Career MetricData
Employment Rate (3 months post-graduation)92%
Average Salary Increase70%
Career Switchers (industry or function)65%
International Placements40%
Alumni Network Size62,000+
Countries with Alumni Chapters100+

Career Support Services:

  1. Personal Career Advisors: Each student is assigned a dedicated advisor
  2. Career Workshops: 30+ workshops covering resume writing, interviewing, and networking
  3. Company Presentations: 50+ companies visit campus annually
  4. Career Fair: Annual event with 120+ participating companies
  5. Alumni Mentorship Program: 500+ alumni mentors available

Top Recruiting Industries:

  • Consulting: 30%
  • Technology: 25%
  • Financial Services: 20%
  • Consumer Goods: 15%
  • Other (including Entrepreneurship): 10%

Notable ESSEC MBA Alumni Positions:

  • CEOs of Fortune 500 companies: 12
  • Founders of successful startups: 50+
  • C-level executives in multinational corporations: 200+

The alumni network is active and engaged, offering lifelong learning opportunities, networking events, and career support for graduates throughout their professional journey.

Student Life and Campus

The ESSEC MBA program offers a vibrant and diverse student experience, both on the France campus and at Singapore. Let’s explore the key aspects of student life:

Student Body MetricsData
Average Class Size60 students
International Students85%
Average Age29 years
Gender Ratio40% female, 60% male
Countries Represented25+ per cohort
Student Life and Campus at ESSEC

Campus Facilities:

ESSEC France (Cergy-Pontoise):

  • 16-hectare eco-friendly campus
  • 50,000 m² of academic space
  • 1,000-seat auditorium
  • 70 amphitheaters and lecture halls
  • 24/7 access to the Learning Center with 60,000+ resources

ESSEC Singapore:

  • 6,500 m² state-of-the-art campus
  • Centrally located in Nepal Hill
  • 6 lecture theaters
  • 10 classrooms
  • 1 multifunction hall

Student Clubs and Activities:

  • 20+ professional clubs (e.g., Consulting Club, Finance Club)
  • 15+ cultural and social clubs
  • 10+ sports teams
  • 5 annual student-led conferences

Housing Options:

  • On-campus residence halls (ESSEC France): 1,000+ rooms
  • Off-campus apartments: Partnerships with 50+ local real estate agencies
  • ESSEC Singapore: Assistance in finding accommodation near campus

The ESSEC MBA program fosters a close-knit community where students from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, network, and grow. Whether you choose to study at ESSEC Business School in France or opt for the ESSEC Singapore experience, you’ll be part of a dynamic and supportive environment that enhances your MBA journey.

Conclusion

The ESSEC MBA program offers a transformative experience for aspiring global business leaders, combining academic excellence with practical skills and a powerful international network. With ESSEC Business School’s top 5 ranking in Europe and the MBA program’s #1 position in France for career progression, students can expect exceptional outcomes. The program boasts a 92% employment rate within 3 months of graduation and an average 70% salary increase. The ESSEC MBA’s focus on innovation is evident in the €4.5 million raised by MBA startups in the last 5 years. With 85% international students representing 25+ nationalities per cohort, the program provides a truly global perspective.

mcq

The ESSEC MBA program typically offers four application rounds for each intake. For the 2024 intake, the deadlines are as follows: Round 1 is November 30, 2023; Round 2 is January 31, 2024; Round 3 is March 31, 2024; and Round 4, if places are still available, is May 31, 2024. It's advisable to apply in earlier rounds for better chances of admission and scholarship opportunities.
Yes, the ESSEC MBA program is fully delivered in English, catering to an international student body. This applies to both the full-time MBA at ESSEC France and the Global MBA at ESSEC Singapore. All courses, materials, and communications are in English, ensuring that students from diverse linguistic backgrounds can fully participate in and benefit from the program.
The average work experience of students admitted to the ESSEC MBA program is approximately 6 years. While the minimum requirement is 3 years of professional experience, the program values diversity in work backgrounds. The cohort typically includes professionals from various industries and functions, ranging from those with 3-4 years of experience to some with over 10 years in their fields.
Yes, international students can apply for financial aid at ESSEC Business School. The school offers various scholarships based on merit, diversity, and specific criteria. These include academic excellence scholarships, women in leadership scholarships, and country-specific scholarships. Additionally, ESSEC has partnerships with various financial institutions that offer loans to international students. It's recommended to explore these options early in your application process and discuss them with the admissions team.
For students attending the ESSEC MBA program in France, there are on-campus residence halls with over 1,000 rooms available. These offer a convenient and immersive campus experience. For those who prefer off-campus living, ESSEC has partnerships with more than 50 local real estate agencies to assist in finding suitable accommodation. For students at ESSEC Singapore, while there isn't on-campus housing, the school provides assistance in finding accommodation near the campus. In both locations, the MBA office can provide guidance and resources to help students secure comfortable living arrangements that fit their preferences and budget.

By Kevin Rajan Singh

Kevin R. Singh, an alumnus of St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi, has dedicated his career to guiding over 3,000 students toward admission to some of the world's most prestigious institutions. His expertise spans placements in top colleges such as HEC Paris, LBS, LSE, Carnegie Mellon, UIUC, Duke, and NTU, for degrees ranging from MSc Finance and MBA to MiM and MS in Computer Science. Read Full Bio

Kevin's journey to founding Al-Connect stemmed from a desire to bring integrity and transparency to the study-abroad consulting industry. He witnessed countless students being misled each year by large players in the field—companies that prioritized profits over students, often taking on more clients than they could effectively support. Worse, many firms operate with hidden agendas, pushing unsuspecting students toward Tier 2 and Tier 3 colleges through undisclosed partnerships, despite initial promises of top-tier opportunities.

Determined to change the narrative, Kevin built Al-Connect to be a student-first platform. His mission is not just to help students secure admission to their dream colleges but also to ensure they feel genuinely satisfied and confident about their choices. Al-Connect thrives on honesty, personalized guidance, and a commitment to every student’s success—values that Kevin believes are non-negotiable in this journey.

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