The ESSEC Master in Strategy & Management of International Business (SMIB) program differs from a Master in Business Administration in two main ways: First, it does not require years of experience, and second, it is far more affordable.

At the same time, it affords graduates a qualification for career transition and career growth—and for those who choose the ESSEC Asia-Pacific campus, the knowledge needed to build their careers in the region.

Here are three ways how:

1 | An In-Depth Understanding of Asia

Singapore’s location in the heart of Asia and its reputation as a business hub make it an excellent place for students to see first-hand how Asian companies function and acquire crucial soft skills.

This cultural knowledge is enhanced in the classroom, where courses are taught with the Asian context in mind and during the annual study trip to a country in the region.

Student Ambassador Howie Chia, whose cohort visited Thailand for their study trip, shares that visiting local companies and meeting professionals overseas was precious to him.

Particularly memorable was when the class took a trip to the Thai Government Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to understand how Thailand intends to attract more foreign investment.

“It really opened my eyes to how businesses are conducted differently in different cultures, which I believe will be useful in my future career,” he says.

2 | Insights from Career Day

Besides a comprehensive suite of career service workshops, SMIB students at ESSEC Asia-Pacific also have an annual Career Day where SMIB alumni return to share about their career pathways, what working in their roles is like, and the advice they have to find success.

“Unlike any regular career fairs I have attended, this event provided inspiration and hope for the whole class as we were hearing from individuals who have gone through the same experiences as us and have succeeded in their careers or personal lives. It made us relate to them even more,” SMIB student Emilie Henon recalls.

She adds that the experience was encouraging and inspiring, and “whether these connections lead to new job opportunities, collaborations, mentorship or more, they are invaluable for future personal and professional growth!”

3 | Exposure to Real-World Challenges

Finally, SMIB students at ESSEC’s Singapore campus have the added advantage of working directly with companies in Asia through the Asian Strategy Challenge (ASC).

This gives them the exclusive opportunity to serve as consultants for ESSEC’s corporate partners, engaging in all aspects of consultant work from research to analysis to action.

The experience is vastly different from an internship, Pauline Glover from the class of 2020 explains. “As an intern, you’re primarily involved in the company’s operations.

Your manager will rope you in for strategic work if you’re fortunate. The ASC gave us that perfect opportunity and a voice to share our views,” she says.

For her, the benefits went beyond knowledge of Asia. The network she developed with the client and her team’s stellar performance at the presentation led to a job offer at Christian Dior, where she still works.