Attracted by ESSEC’s world-class education and entrepreneurship focus, Nithikasri Ravi took a leap of faith, transitioning from her science-focused high school background to pursue business studies through the Global Bachelor of Business Administration (GBBA) program.

Now based at ESSEC’s Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore, she embodies the power of following one’s dreams and embracing new opportunities.

After her internship at BMW, Nithikasri is set to expand her horizons further with an exchange program at NTU and an upcoming internship at Renault Nissan.

As a finalist in the ESSEC X SUSS Create4Good Hackathon, Nithikasri continues to seize every opportunity to make an impact. Read more about her inspiring journey here.

You came from a science background in high school. What made you decide to pursue a business degree?

Growing up in India, I always envisioned myself in a white coat or following the conventional path of medicine.

While science fascinated me, my growing passion for innovation and entrepreneurship led me to pursue something I could truly call my own: business studies.

Making this transition felt like learning a new language. I struggled initially, but quickly realized that business is more than just numbers—it’s about leadership, resilience, and storytelling.

Each challenge became an opportunity for growth, and over time, I found my voice, confidence, and passion for entrepreneurship.

Why did you choose ESSEC’s Global BBA, specifically its Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore?

ESSEC’s Global BBA stood out for its world-class education, hands-on learning, and real-world exposure.

The program’s flexibility has allowed me to explore many opportunities, from exchange programs to real-world projects, which have been truly eye-opening!

I chose Singapore because I was drawn to this global business hub to expand my perspective on international markets and innovation.

Though smaller than Cergy, the Singapore campus offered a close-knit environment that allowed me to build deep, meaningful relationships with peers and professors while providing numerous opportunities to network and grow.

You’ve landed an internship with BMW. Could you share more about this experience?

I’ve always been passionate about automobiles, so securing an internship at BMW—one of the world’s top automotive giants—was a dream come true.

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.

Recalling my experience, the defining moment in my internship was assisting in a 10-day employee strike, during which I experienced navigating negotiations in a global setting.

This experience reinforced my belief that business is about people, leadership, and innovation. ESSEC prepared me to tackle challenges confidently, and this internship proved the impact of that foundation.

So, what’s next in your ESSEC journey?

I will continue my ESSEC journey in the upcoming semester with an exchange at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

With Singapore as a hub for sustainability and entrepreneurship, NTU’s focus on innovation, green technologies, and real-world business impact perfectly aligns with my passion for entrepreneurship and sustainable business models.

This exchange will allow me to gain fresh perspectives, enhance my skills, and develop a deeper understanding of global business challenges.

In addition, I’ll soon be starting a one-month social field experience, where I’ll work with a non-profit organization to contribute to the community.

Afterward, I will pursue my interest in the automobile industry through an HR internship at Renault Nissan over the next three months.

I’m excited about these opportunities and can’t wait to continue pushing myself.

ESSEC isn’t just about academics—it’s about building connections and gaining experiences that set me up for lifelong success.