22-year-old Simran Hathiramani first stepped through the gates of ESSEC Asia-Pacific in 2018.

Today, she has made it to the coveted Dean’s List every semester and is about to complete her Global Bachelor of Business Administration (GBBA).

We speak to Simran and her father, Mukesh Hathiramani, about how ESSEC has made her who she is today.

Let’s circle back to 2018. What made ESSEC Asia-Pacific the ideal school?

Simran Hathiramani: I went with ESSEC primarily because of the program’s flexibility.

I’m exposed to a global experience, and I can choose to do it in Singapore or overseas for my internship.

I also chose ESSEC because I felt that the internships would give me an edge—the GBBA has three compulsory internships, so students have at least ten months of work experience.

That really gives you an added edge, right? When you have six months or more work experience than another student, a company is more likely to hire you.

Mukesh Hathiramani (Simran’s father): It was important that Simran would fit in and be happy.

It was also essential for her to pursue what she wanted so it would be meaningful for her. Honestly, it was entirely up to her; I think she found that place.

We were not worried about sending her overseas as we are broad-minded as parents.

We believe the children must see the natural world and figure things out for themselves, like commuting and electricity. Simran has excelled.

She definitely has. We’ve heard she’s gone above the compulsory three internships in ESSEC. What’s the secret?

Simran Hathiramani: Yeah, JP Morgan will be the ninth. When I went for my internships, I might work in the morning and come to school in the evening or vice versa.

It was intense because we had around 11 modules a semester.

But one of my friends would take the notes for one course, and we would share it, and then another would take the notes for another course, and we’d share that too.

It made studying simpler, and there was no secrecy or unhealthy competitiveness. We would help each other, and although we wanted to do well for ourselves, we were there for each other, too.

Mukesh Hathiramani: Simran is very ambitious. She knows how to work for something when she sets her mind on it.

I think she’s achieved this because of her hard work and the school’s guidance—the professors have been instrumental in shaping her.

Looking back at the last few years, do you have any wisdom for other students or parents?

Simran Hathiramani: 
I recommend not leaving things to chance and planning for your exchange and internships.

Network, so if you are applying to a company for a job, be sure to look up on LinkedIn if any ESSEC alumni are working there and reach out to them for a coffee chat.

But also, find balance and don’t take yourself so seriously. Have fun, make memories, travel, and leave your comfort zone.

Make full use of your opportunities because you only get one college life, so don’t waste it.

Mukesh Hathiramani: I’m short of words to describe Simran as a person today, but I think she can face any situation. She has surpassed all my expectations.

I am happy to tell other parents that ESSEC is a beautiful school. It’s got the right staff, guidance, and opportunities for your child to flourish.

For students, open up, be confident, and know that you can achieve anything you want if you set your mind. Singapore is a lovely place.