Originally from France, Victoire Le Roy sought a unique and international education, and ESSEC’s Global Bachelor of Business Administration (GBBA) program proved to be the perfect fit.

Now based at the Singapore campus, she has fully immersed herself in student life here, taking on a leadership role as Communication Manager for the ESSEC Asia-Pacific Student Council, gaining hands-on experience through an internship at Clarins, and even completing the local half-marathon.

Preparing for an exciting exchange in Madrid, Victoire continues to push boundaries and embrace new challenges.

Read on as she shares her ESSEC journey, experiences living in Singapore, and advice for future students looking to study abroad.

Why did you choose to study at ESSEC?

After finishing high school in France, I knew I wanted something different.

Studying abroad was crucial—I wanted to immerse myself in new cultures, step outside my comfort zone, and develop a global mindset. ESSEC’s Global BBA program was the perfect fit, offering both the opportunity to study internationally and a prestigious education.

Since joining the Singapore campus, I’ve taken on the role of Communication Manager for the ESSEC Asia-Pacific Student Council. With a small, close-knit cohort, student life here is vibrant, and we share a strong sense of community.

Stepping into the unknown was initially daunting, but it proved to be the best way to build adaptability and resilience, which are essential in today’s world. And, of course, it’s been an enjoyable and rewarding journey!

You’ve recently completed an internship at Clarins, a multinational cosmetics company. Could you share more about your experience?

Of course! I recently completed my internship at Clarins as a marketing assistant in the retail travel sector.

I was involved in various tasks, including market analysis, researching competitors, and forecasting product demand.

My biggest project was developing a comprehensive Brand Book, where I collaborated with the French and Asia-Pacific teams to ensure brand consistency across all markets.

This experience gave me much more confidence in managing projects independently, anticipating team needs, and taking initiative.

On a personal level, adapting to that fast-paced international workplace enhanced my cross-cultural communication and organizational abilities.

It was challenging initially, but I became more proactive and confident about contributing ideas as time progressed.

What are you looking forward to in your exchange program?

For my exchange, I’m heading to Madrid to study at Instituto Católico de Administración y Dirección de Empresas (ICADE)!

I’m eager to immerse myself in Spanish culture, speak the language daily, and experience life in a new city.

It’s an opportunity to break away from my routine, explore a different academic environment, and expand my perspective by meeting diverse new peers.

Adding a European experience to my educational journey will significantly enhance my global perspective and boost my competitiveness for the future.

How has living abroad shaped you beyond academics?

Living in Singapore has made me significantly more independent. My curiosity has intensified, and I’m constantly seeking new experiences.

My friends and I have made the most of our time here—we seize every opportunity to travel, try new things, and challenge ourselves.

One of the most rewarding challenges we undertook was completing the Singapore Half Marathon.

Training together, supporting each other, and crossing that finish line as a team taught us valuable lessons about discipline and perseverance.

The experiences I’ve gained outside the classroom have been equally valid as my formal studies—perhaps even more transformative in some ways.

They’ve fundamentally shaped my approach to challenges.

What advice would you give to future students considering ESSEC?

Always embrace new challenges! Business isn’t just about theoretical knowledge; it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, seizing opportunities, and learning through real-world experiences.

ESSEC provides the platform, but it’s entirely up to you to make something extraordinary from it.