Choosing a path far from home, Cyril Garreau has fully embraced the opportunities ESSEC’s Global Bachelor of Business Administration (GBBA) program offers, pursuing diverse experiences across Singapore, France, Canada, and Nepal.

Cyril shares his insights from his impactful social field project at Shree Shradha Women’s School in Nepal to internships at prestigious organizations like the World Bank and Amundi.

He offers valuable advice for prospective students looking to make their mark in the world of finance, just as he has.

Your high school studies were based in Montreal, Canada. What made you join ESSEC’s Global BBA program, specifically its Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore, which was far from your comfort zone?

I chose ESSEC because of its campus locations and the opportunity to move between them. Although Singapore is far from home, I enjoy exploring new cultures, traveling, and meeting new people.

Through inter-campus mobility, I’ve already visited the two campuses in Singapore and France, and I plan to visit Morocco in my final semester.

ESSEC is also well-recognized in the finance industry. The brand’s value, combined with its extensive alumni network, provides a solid foundation for leveraging my degree into valuable professional experience.

Students must dedicate one month to a hands-on social field project as part of the program. Could you share more about your experience at Shree Shradha Women’s School in Nepal and how it personally influenced you?

It was an eye-opening experience to spend a month in Kathmandu, Nepal, teaching underprivileged women English. I had the opportunity to design a curriculum for students, many of whom could not read or write in English.

Despite challenges, such as monkeys roaming the school grounds, the kindness and warmth of the Nepalese people made the experience incredibly rewarding.

I realized that English is a crucial skill for business, and my efforts could help open doors to new opportunities for them.

Looking back, this experience broadened my perspective and strengthened my commitment to driving positive change.

Congratulations on your internship with the World Bank in Washington, DC! Could you share more about your upcoming role and your internship experiences?

Thank you! As an incoming Treasury Summer Intern at the World Bank, I’m excited to immerse myself in financial markets, sovereign debt management, and sustainable finance.

It’s a truly unique opportunity, and I look forward to learning how financial instruments contribute to economic stability and development.

Previously, I interned at Amundi, where I focused on private asset management, working primarily with pension funds and other institutional clients.

While the environment differs from the World Bank’s public-driven focus, I’m eager to apply the skills I gained and further develop in risk management, data analysis, and policy evaluation.

Overall, how has your experience at ESSEC been so far, and what advice would you give prospective students?

So far, I’ve completed two years at the Singapore campus and am now at ESSEC’s main campus in Cergy, preparing for my internship with the World Bank and a six-month exchange at Queen’s University in Canada.

Looking back on my journey, I can confidently say it has been exciting and rewarding.

Beyond the international exposure, I’ve gained valuable insights from the resources offered, including career workshops that helped me optimize my LinkedIn profile and master interview techniques.

As someone looking to develop myself in the finance industry, I appreciate having these resources and being taught by professors who have held executive roles at top companies, including Fortune 500 firms.

Their real-world perspectives have enriched our coursework, and I look to them as inspirations for my future.

If you’re interested in business, seek experiences beyond the classroom and take full advantage of the resources and opportunities at ESSEC.

The diverse environment will challenge you, broaden your perspective, and prepare you for a global career!