In today’s competitive global job market, practical experience has become as crucial as academic knowledge. ESSEC Business School’s Global Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program exemplifies this reality through its learning-by-doing approach, strategically integrating professional immersion throughout the four-year curriculum.

By graduation, Global BBA students would have accumulated 10 to 16 months of real-world work experience, beginning as early as their first year. This progressive approach to professional development sets ESSEC graduates apart in the global talent marketplace.

Building Foundations Through Social Impact

The journey begins in Year 1 with a one-month “Social Field Experience,” where students immerse themselves in educational or social environments. This initial exposure extends beyond traditional business settings, fostering a deeper understanding of the impact on communities and social responsibility.

“It was an eye-opening experience to spend a month in Kathmandu, Nepal, teaching underprivileged women English. Looking back, this experience broadened my perspective and strengthened my commitment to driving positive change,” shares Cyril Garreau, a Global BBA student who completed his social field project at Shree Shradha Women’s School.

For many students, this first professional experience proves transformative, challenging preconceptions and developing crucial soft skills such as adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and empathy—attributes increasingly valued by employers across various industries.

Gaining Operational Expertise

In Year 2, students advance to a three-month “Operational Experience” within corporate settings. These internships typically involve roles in international client relations, financial control, or operational marketing, providing students with valuable exposure to fundamental business functions.

“I gained hands-on experience at BMW in learning and development, recruitment, industrial relations, and compliance management. Studying at ESSEC equipped me with the analytical skills, global mindset, and strategic thinking needed to excel,” explains Nithikasri Ravi, who transitioned from a science background to pursue business studies through the Global BBA program.

These mid-program internships serve as critical junctures where students can apply classroom theory to real-world situations, testing their knowledge while building professional networks and industry-specific competencies.

Mastering Management in the Final Years

As students progress toward graduation, the professional immersion becomes significantly deeper. In their final years, Global BBA students have the option to choose between a six-month managerial internship or a year-long apprenticeship, assuming increasingly strategic roles with substantial responsibilities.

“As part of BlackRock’s financial markets advisory team, I advise central banks and financial institutions. My work includes enhancing macro-stress testing for a Middle Eastern central bank and working on a reconstruction fund for post-war Ukraine,” says Yufei Zhou, a Global BBA graduate who now works at BlackRock’s London office after completing her master’s at London Business School.

These advanced professional experiences allow students to refine their career objectives, develop specialized expertise, and often secure post-graduation employment offers before completing their studies.

Global Perspective Through International Mobility

What truly distinguishes ESSEC’s Global BBA program is its emphasis on global mobility. Students can move between the French, Singapore, and Morocco campuses, and this is complemented by exchange opportunities with over 188 leading partner institutions worldwide.

“The IBEA program offered a unique multi-country study across continents, providing unparalleled global exposure and cultural immersion, preparing students for international business challenges,” reflects Yufei, her experience with the International Business Education Alliance as part of the Global BBA program.

The ESSEC Advantage

Beyond structured internships, ESSEC provides robust career development resources, including workshops, networking events, and personalized guidance.

“ESSEC’s Global BBA offers international exposure and career resources like workshops for LinkedIn optimization and interview skills. Learning from professors with top company experience is also valuable for career development,” notes Cyril Garreau.

ESSEC’s Global BBA provides a transformative journey from academic theory to professional mastery for ambitious students seeking a business education that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. It prepares graduates for their first job and lifelong career success in our increasingly interconnected world.