What does success after graduation look like? For many ESSEC Asia-Pacific Global Bachelor of Business Administration (GBBA) students, it’s not just about landing a job. It’s about crafting a career that spans borders, industries, and passions. Two standout student examples—Yufei Zhou and Matteo Keller—offer a glimpse into what’s possible with the right mindset, support, and education. Here is how they landed opportunities at BlackRock, Microsoft and more.

From Shanghai to London: Yufei’s Global Leap

Yufei Zhou’s journey from China to BlackRock in London is a textbook case of global career readiness. After joining the GBBA program in 2015, she participated in the International Business Education Alliance (IBEA), which took her across five countries—Singapore, France, Brazil, Germany, and the U.S.—in four years.

This wasn’t just a travel opportunity. It was a business and cultural immersion. From managing a student investment fund in the U.S. to learning about precision and rigor in Germany, Yufei picked up more than academic credits. She developed a toolkit of adaptability, cultural fluency, and curiosity—skills that prepared her for a role advising central banks and financial institutions at BlackRock.

Her advice to future GBBA students? “Don’t just focus on academic excellence. Stay curious about the world.”

Balancing School and Startups: Matteo’s Entrepreneurial Path

Meanwhile, Matteo Keller has been forging a different kind of path. As a current GBBA Student Ambassador, Matteo has juggled school with multiple internships and even co-founded a sustainable packaging startup in Switzerland. He’s worked at Porsche Asia-Pacific and OTSAW Swisslog Healthcare Robotics—all while staying on the Dean’s List.

Matteo credits ESSEC for building his communication, research, and time management skills, which are essential for thriving in corporate and entrepreneurial settings. His part-time internship became a full-time opportunity by maintaining strong relationships and proving his value. A key lesson he learned:

“Be honest with your manager, ask questions when needed, but respect their time. Feedback—good or bad—is how you grow.”

Key Takeaways for Students in Asia

1. Global experience = Global mindset
   Yufei’s story shows how living and learning across cultures builds knowledge and long-term career resilience.
2. Start early, stay open
   Matteo’s career is still evolving, but his internships and entrepreneurial ventures have already laid a strong foundation.
3. Relationships matter
   Success post-graduation often comes from trust built during internships or school projects.
4. Use the right tools
   While platforms like LinkedIn are useful, Matteo recommends the ESSEC JobTeaser portal for roles tailored to students with less experience.

Whether your dream job is in finance, tech, or sustainability, ESSEC’s GBBA program equips students to land jobs and design careers with intention, purpose, and a global edge.