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ESSEC MBA

Dhruvin Jain

Dhruvin Jain

Dec 17, 2024

16 mins read

ESSEC MBA

ESSEC MBA Review: A Comprehensive Guide to Global Business Education

Are you considering an MBA that combines academic rigor with global exposure? Let’s explore the ESSEC MBA, one of Europe’s most prestigious programs.

Founded in 1907, ESSEC Business School is a pioneer in international education, consistently ranked among the top business schools worldwide. With campuses in France, Singapore, and Morocco, ESSEC offers students unparalleled access to global networks and opportunities.

The ESSEC MBA stands out for its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Through experiential learning, cutting-edge electives, and personalized career support, it prepares future business leaders to excel in dynamic industries.

And let’s not forget—studying in France adds another layer of appeal! France isn’t just about art and culture; it’s a global business hub with industries like luxury, tech, and finance thriving here. Combine this with the beauty of Paris, and you have a dream destination for business education.

ESSEC MBA Class Profile

Curious about who your classmates will be? Let’s dive into the ESSEC MBA class demographics.

A Snapshot of Diversity:

  • Cohort Size: ~50-60 students (small and highly interactive classes).
  • Nationalities Represented: 90%+ international students from over 20 countries.
  • Gender Diversity: 40% women on average, fostering inclusivity.

Academic and Professional Highlights:

Criteria

Details

Average GMAT Score650-700
Work Experience6-8 years (range: 3-10 years)
Industries RepresentedConsulting, Finance, Tech, Healthcare

The ESSEC MBA class profile reflects a global and multi-disciplinary talent pool. Students come from diverse academic backgrounds like engineering, business, and liberal arts, adding a rich perspective to discussions.

What’s even better? ESSEC’s intimate cohort size ensures that you’ll build deep relationships and benefit from highly personalized learning.

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ESSEC MBA Rankings

Rankings are often a deciding factor when choosing an MBA program. So, how does the ESSEC MBA measure up globally and in Europe? Let’s take a look.

ESSEC MBA’s Global and European Rankings:

Ranking Body

Ranking Position

Financial Times (2023)Top 10 in Europe, Top 40 Worldwide
QS Global MBA RankingsTop 20 in Europe, Top 60 Globally
The EconomistTop 15 European MBAs

These stellar rankings highlight ESSEC’s strengths in areas like entrepreneurshipalumni career outcomes, and academic excellence. Alumni frequently report rapid career progression, thanks to ESSEC’s robust network and personalized career services.

What’s even more impressive? ESSEC’s consistent ranking as a leader in innovation and luxury brand management. These fields are major draws for students interested in unique, high-growth industries.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements for ESSEC MBA

Are you wondering if you meet the criteria for the ESSEC MBA? Let’s break it down step by step.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Academic Background:
    • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution.
  2. Work Experience:
    • Minimum of 3 years of professional experience; most admitted students have 6-8 years.
  3. GMAT/GRE Scores:
    • Average GMAT score: 650-700 (GRE scores are also accepted).
  4. Language Proficiency:
    • TOEFL/IELTS scores for non-native English speakers:
      • TOEFL: 95+
      • IELTS: 7.0+

Application Components

Ready to apply? Here’s what you’ll need:

Required Documents:

  • Resume: Highlight leadership roles, achievements, and career progression.
  • Essays: Typically, you’ll answer 2-3 questions about your career goals and motivations.
  • Recommendation Letters: At least two professional recommendations from supervisors or mentors.
  • Application Form: A detailed form outlining your academic and professional history.

Pro Tips for a Standout Application:

  • Tailor your essays to reflect why ESSEC MBA is the perfect fit for your goals.
  • Showcase your international experience and leadership potential.
  • Use your recommendations to highlight specific instances where you excelled.

Program and Curriculum of ESSEC Global MBA

The ESSEC Global MBA offers a dynamic and innovative curriculum designed to equip students with the skills to excel in global business. The program emphasizes leadership, innovation, and experiential learning, ensuring graduates are ready to tackle complex challenges in any industry.

Key Features of the Core Curriculum:

  • Global Business Fundamentals: Courses in finance, marketing, operations, and strategy with an international perspective.
  • Leadership Development: Workshops, seminars, and coaching sessions focused on honing leadership and decision-making skills.
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A strong focus on emerging technologies, startups, and disruptive business models.

What’s great about the ESSEC MBA is its flexibility. The program allows students to customize their learning paths, offering a balance between foundational courses and tailored electives that align with individual career aspirations.

Specializations and Tracks

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a finance guru, or a luxury brand aficionado, the ESSEC MBA has something for you.

Popular Specializations:

Specialization

Key Focus Areas

Digital TransformationEmerging technologies, digital strategy, and innovation management.
FinanceCorporate finance, investment banking, and financial technologies.
Luxury Brand ManagementMarketing strategies, retail, and the global luxury industry.

 

 

 

 

 

Students can mix and match electives or select a track to dive deep into their area of interest. This personalized approach ensures that you graduate with both breadth and depth in your expertise.

International Modules and Global Exposure

In a world driven by globalization, ESSEC MBA students gain hands-on international experience through various modules.

Key International Opportunities:

  • Study Trips: Immersive visits to global business hubs like Singapore, Dubai, or New York, interacting with industry leaders.
  • Exchange Programs: Collaborations with top institutions worldwide, offering exposure to different academic and cultural settings.
  • Dual-Degree Programs: Options to earn an additional degree from a partner university, doubling the value of your MBA.

These experiences don’t just look good on your resume—they give you the tools to thrive in multicultural environments and understand global markets.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The ESSEC Global MBA takes learning beyond the classroom, ensuring students gain real-world experience and industry insights. Here’s how:

Hands-On Opportunities:

  1. Consulting Projects: Work with leading companies to solve real business challenges.
    • Industries include luxury, tech, finance, and sustainability.
    • Gain valuable exposure to strategic problem-solving.
  2. Internships: ESSEC’s strong corporate ties open doors to internships in top-tier companies.
    • A chance to apply your skills in a professional setting while expanding your network.
  3. Collaboration with Industry Leaders:
    • Engage with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and industry experts through guest lectures, workshops, and events.

Access to the French and Global Business Ecosystem:

France is home to many multinational corporations, especially in luxury, finance, and technology. Being at ESSEC means:

  • Proximity to global headquarters of top companies like L’Oréal, Renault, and BNP Paribas.
  • Networking opportunities with professionals and alumni who are industry leaders.

This experiential focus ensures ESSEC MBA graduates are job-ready, with a network and portfolio that stand out in the global market.

Want help with your study abroad journey?

Fees and Financing for ESSEC MBA

Financing an MBA is a big decision, and understanding the costs is essential. Here’s what you need to know about the ESSEC MBA tuition fees and financing options.

Tuition Fees:

Category

Fees

Domestic StudentsApprox. €49,000
International StudentsApprox. €49,000

The fees cover tuition, course materials, and access to career services but do not include living expenses, which vary based on your location and lifestyle.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

To ease the financial burden, ESSEC offers several funding options:

  • Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to candidates with exceptional academic and professional achievements.
  • Diversity Scholarships: Encouraging inclusivity, these support candidates from underrepresented regions or groups.
  • Need-Based Financial Aid: For students demonstrating financial need.

Financial Planning Tips for Studying in France:

  1. Budget Smartly: Estimate your total costs, including housing (~€1,200/month in Paris), transport, and meals.
  2. Part-Time Jobs: France allows international students to work up to 20 hours/week.
  3. Education Loans: Explore low-interest options through French banks or international loan providers.

With proper planning and the available financial aid, your dream of pursuing the ESSEC MBA can become a reality.

Employment and Career Outcomes Post-ESSEC MBA

When it comes to ROI, the ESSEC MBA delivers outstanding career outcomes. Graduates enter top industries, secure high-paying roles, and benefit from ESSEC's strong alumni network.

Placement Statistics:

Metric

Details

Employment Rate (3 months post-graduation)90%+
Average Salary (Base)€95,000–€105,000
Top Hiring IndustriesConsulting, Finance, Tech, Luxury

Companies Hiring ESSEC MBA Graduates:

  • Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bain
  • Finance: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Société Générale
  • Tech: Google, Amazon, Microsoft
  • Luxury and Consumer Goods: LVMH, Chanel, Procter & Gamble

Roles Pursued by Graduates:

  • Strategy Consultant
  • Product Manager
  • Financial Analyst
  • Marketing Manager in Luxury

Career Services and Alumni Network:

  • Career Support:
    • Personalized coaching for resume building, mock interviews, and career planning.
    • Exclusive access to networking events with industry leaders.
  • Global Alumni Network:
    • Over 62,000 alumni in 100+ countries.
    • Lifelong mentorship opportunities and job connections.

ESSEC ensures students not only land their dream jobs but also have the tools to grow their careers long-term.

ESSEC MBA Application Process: Essays and Interviews

The application process for the ESSEC MBA is a crucial opportunity to showcase your potential. It involves essays, interviews, and supporting documents to evaluate your fit with the program.

Essays

Essays are a significant part of the application and give the admissions team insight into your personality, career goals, and values.

Why Essays Matter:

Admissions officers want to understand:

  1. Your Leadership Potential: How have you demonstrated leadership in your career?
  2. Your Career Aspirations: Why do you want an MBA, and how will ESSEC help achieve your goals?
  3. Your Personal Values: What drives you as a professional and individual?

Tips for Crafting Compelling Essays:

  1. Start Early: Give yourself ample time to reflect and revise.
  2. Be Authentic: Share your real motivations, challenges, and successes.
  3. Be Specific: Use concrete examples from your professional and personal life to highlight key attributes.
  4. Align with ESSEC’s Values: Highlight your alignment with the school’s focus on innovation, global leadership, and diversity.

Interview Questions

Once your essays impress the admissions team, you’ll move to the interview stage. The ESSEC MBA interview is an opportunity to showcase your personality, motivations, and leadership skills.

Commonly Asked Questions:

  1. Behavioral Questions:
    • “Can you describe a time when you led a team through a challenge?”
    • “What is your greatest professional achievement, and why?”
  2. Situational Questions:
    • “How would you handle a conflict within a multicultural team?”
    • “If you had to make a tough business decision with limited information, how would you proceed?”
  3. Case-Based Questions:
    • “How would you launch a product in a new market?”
    • “Evaluate the profitability of a new business opportunity.”

Preparation Strategies:

  1. Understand ESSEC’s Values: Tailor your responses to reflect leadership, innovation, and global awareness.
  2. Practice the STAR Method: For behavioral questions, structure your answers by explaining the SituationTaskAction, and Result.
  3. Mock Interviews: Practice with friends or mentors to get comfortable with spontaneous responses.
  4. Research Industry Trends: Stay informed about your target industry to excel in case-based discussions.

Executive MBA at ESSEC Business School

The ESSEC Executive MBA (EMBA) caters to experienced professionals looking to elevate their careers and broaden their leadership impact.

Overview of the Program:

The ESSEC EMBA is tailored for mid-to-senior-level managers who want to enhance their strategic thinking and global business expertise without pausing their careers.

Key Features:

  • Flexible Formats: Options for weekend or modular schedules, accommodating working professionals.
  • Leadership Development: Programs include personalized coaching and advanced leadership workshops.
  • Global Exposure: Participants engage in international residencies and projects to gain insights into global markets.

With its focus on real-world application and executive coaching, the ESSEC EMBA ensures leaders are equipped to drive change in their organizations.

What Makes ESSEC MBA Unique?

So, what sets the ESSEC MBA apart from other programs?

1. Leadership and Innovation Focus:

The ESSEC MBA emphasizes not just learning but applying leadership and innovation skills. Students tackle real-world challenges through consulting projects and entrepreneurial ventures.

2. Prestigious Network:

With access to 62,000+ alumni worldwide and partnerships with top companies, ESSEC offers unparalleled networking opportunities.

3. Specialization in Niche Fields:

From luxury brand management to digital transformation, ESSEC provides pathways to thrive in niche, high-growth industries.

4. Global Reach:

With campuses in France, Singapore, and Morocco, plus international study trips, ESSEC ensures a truly global business education.

These unique elements make ESSEC a standout choice for ambitious professionals ready to lead on a global scale.

Want help with your study abroad journey?

Conclusion

The ESSEC MBA combines academic excellence with a global outlook, making it an ideal choice for aspiring business leaders. Its strengths include:

  • Global Exposure: International modules, multicultural classrooms, and global partnerships.
  • Leadership and Innovation: A curriculum designed to develop forward-thinking leaders.
  • Career Outcomes: High employment rates, strong alumni network, and opportunities in top global industries.

If you’re ready to embark on a transformative journey that blends academics with real-world experience, the ESSEC MBA could be the stepping stone to your global career ambitions. Explore the program, and take the first step toward your future!

FAQs
1. What are the fees for the ESSEC MBA program?
The tuition fees for the ESSEC Global MBA are approximately €49,000, applicable to both domestic and international students. Additional costs for living expenses, travel, and study materials should also be planned.
2. What is the average GMAT score for ESSEC MBA admissions?
The average GMAT score for admitted ESSEC MBA students ranges from 650 to 700. Strong professional experience and leadership potential can also strengthen your application.
3. What is the acceptance rate for ESSEC MBA?
The acceptance rate for the ESSEC MBA is estimated at around 25-30%, reflecting its selective nature. Admissions prioritize well-rounded candidates with leadership potential and global perspectives.
4. What industries hire ESSEC MBA graduates?
Graduates secure roles in top industries, including: Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bain Finance: Goldman Sachs, Société Générale Tech: Amazon, Google, Microsoft Luxury: LVMH, Chanel, L’Oréal
5. What is unique about the ESSEC Executive MBA compared to the Global MBA?
The ESSEC Executive MBA (EMBA) targets experienced professionals with flexible schedules and leadership coaching, while the Global MBA caters to mid-career professionals focusing on foundational and specialized business knowledge.
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Dhruvin Jain
Dhruvin Jain

Articles: 20

Dhruvin Jain is the co-founder of MastersBuddy, a tech-first platform that has helped over 2500 students find and apply to top master’s programs globally. He is a master’s graduate from IE Business School, and is passionate about education, technology, and entrepreneurship.

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