In today’s competitive job market, theoretical knowledge alone isn’t enough to stand out. Employers increasingly seek graduates who can hit the ground running with practical experience and proven skills. ESSEC Business School’s Master in Management (MiM) program addresses this need through its innovative learning-by-doing approach.

At the heart of this practical education are the consulting projects offered exclusively at ESSEC’s Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore: the Junior Consultant Experience (JCE) and the Asian Strategy Consulting Project (ASCP).

For many students, these consulting projects represent turning points in their educational journey; moments when abstract concepts transform into tangible skills and career paths begin to take shape. The experiences enhance their resumes and fundamentally change how they approach business problems.

Real Companies, Real Challenges

The consulting projects partner with respectable Asian firms, including multinational corporations, local enterprises, and innovative startups. Students have worked on pressing business challenges with companies like Club Med, Sodexo, Accor Hotels, LVMH’s Parfums Christian Dior, and Bolloré Logistics.

Yuchen Wu, an ESSEC MiM graduate, found the experience invaluable for his professional development. “During the JCE, we learned the basics of consulting, like gathering the necessary information and generating insights. I found this a valuable challenge that helped my development tremendously,” Yuchen shares.

The structured yet open-ended nature of the projects pushes students to think critically while providing a supportive framework.

The projects aren’t simulations—companies implement student recommendations, making the stakes real. Students must deliver actionable insights under the guidance of faculty and industry mentors who provide feedback throughout the process.

Developing Transferable Skills

Whether students pursue consulting careers or not, the projects cultivate widely applicable professional skills. The competencies developed serve graduates across industries, from problem-solving and critical thinking to team collaboration and client communication.

Yesho Gupta, who completed the JCE in 2021 before moving into roles at ENGIE and Botify, gained insights that continue to benefit his career.

“I learned the importance of using industry parallels to develop new innovative solutions. It is important not just to restrict research to the industry in focus but to look into related or similar industries to seek leverage for solutions,” he explains.

Many participants also highlight how the experience builds confidence in professional settings. Presenting findings to executives and defending recommendations helps students develop poise under pressure—an essential quality for future business leaders.

Creating Career Pathways

For many students, the consulting projects clarify career directions and open doors to employment opportunities. Companies often identify talent through these projects, leading to internships and job offers.

The hands-on experience gives graduates a competitive edge when interviewing. Rather than speaking hypothetically about their capabilities, they can provide concrete examples of business problems they’ve solved. This practical experience is particularly valuable for students with limited prior work history.

“I also realized the importance of developing easy, practical solutions that have the potential to create a large impact,” Yesho reflects on his JCE experience, noting that these skills have served him well throughout his career. The ability to distill complex problems into implementable solutions remains valuable regardless of industry or function.

The consulting projects embody ESSEC’s commitment to practical education that prepares students for business realities.

By working on real challenges with actual companies, students develop the confidence, skills, and experience to excel in their careers, transforming from students into business professionals before graduation.