For Sude Petek Yavaş, a fourth-year Global BBA student at ESSEC Business School, her academic journey has come full circle.

Originally from Turkey, Sude began her studies at the Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore and is now preparing to graduate from the very place where it all started. Over the past four years, she has seized every opportunity—from an internship at Mercedes-Benz Singapore to an academic exchange at Singapore Management University (SMU)—gaining invaluable insights into business, culture, and herself.

In this article, Sude reflects on her transformative experience at ESSEC and shares how she’s now looking ahead with confidence, ready to take the next step in her international career.

What initially drew you to ESSEC, and what made you decide to study at the Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore?

Coming from Turkey, I was looking for a university that not only offered academic excellence but also a global outlook. ESSEC stood out for its strong international reputation and its truly multicultural curriculum. I was particularly drawn to the Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore because of the unique opportunity it offers to explore the dynamic Asian economy while living in a city where East meets West. This blend of cultures and perspectives has helped me grow both professionally and personally, preparing me to thrive in international environments.

Looking ahead to graduation, what kind of career are you hoping to pursue?

I’m excited to pursue a career that’s fast-paced, strategic, and client-facing—where I can tackle real-world business challenges, work across industries, and contribute meaningfully to global teams. Through my internships at Mercedes-Benz, a global leader in the automotive industry, and Aroca, where I’m currently a consultant intern, I discovered my interest in roles that push me to think critically, solve problems, and adapt to new situations. I’m looking for roles where I can continue to grow by collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

You interned at Mercedes-Benz—can you tell us more about that experience?

I interned at Mercedes-Benz in e-commerce project management, where I worked on digital initiatives across several international markets. It was incredibly rewarding to be involved in cross-border projects and to see how global strategies are tailored to local needs. Although I applied for the role independently, my coursework at ESSEC—especially in project management—gave me the confidence and skills I needed to succeed. Being involved in extracurricular activities also helped me develop strong interpersonal and organizational skills, which made the transition into the corporate world much smoother.

You also embarked on an exchange at SMU. What did you take away from that experience?

My exchange at SMU was a highlight of my academic journey. The experience exposed me to a new learning environment where discussion, debate, and creativity were deeply encouraged. I enjoyed the academic challenge and the chance to meet students from all over the world. More importantly, it was a time of deep personal growth. I had to adapt quickly, connect with new people, and reflect on my long-term goals, all of which contributed significantly to my development both as a student and as a future professional.

You’ve spent much of your ESSEC journey in Singapore, from your exchange program to your internship experience. What do you like most about the city, and how did you find the transition to life in Singapore?

Transitioning from Turkey to Singapore was both exciting and transformative. While there were certainly moments of adjustment, Singapore’s multicultural environment and welcoming community made the process easier than I expected. I quickly came to appreciate the city’s efficiency, safety, and diversity.

My advice to future students is to stay open and curious. Living abroad pushes you out of your comfort zone, but that’s where the most meaningful growth happens. Embrace every challenge and opportunity—this experience will shape your worldview and open doors you never imagined.