The journey to a successful international career often requires more than academic knowledge—it demands a global mindset, cross-cultural competence, and strategic thinking capabilities.

This transformation is both intentional and profound for students of ESSEC’s Master in Strategy & Management of International Business (SMIB) program at the Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore.

Whether pivoting from law to strategy, chemical engineering to consulting, or civil engineering to business, SMIB students leverage the program’s global orientation and hands-on approach to reinvent their professional identities.

Career Pivots: From Diverse Backgrounds to Strategy Experts

The SMIB program attracts students from varied academic and professional backgrounds who share a common ambition: to excel in global business.

Mara Mittelman, a French student who transitioned from law to strategy, represents this transformative journey. With a double degree in International Business and Law from IÉSEG School of Management and a Master’s in Management from McGill University, she chose ESSEC to further specialize in strategy.

“I was determined to join a prestigious institution known for its excellence in strategy and management,” shares Mara. “While strategy and management are the core focus, we also dive into finance, data analysis, and negotiation, ensuring a well-rounded education.”

Gong Ke‘s transition was even more dramatic—from chemical engineering to international business. Originally from China, she did not have an international education, and she viewed the SMIB program as “a platform to step outside your comfort zone and build a global mindset that lasts a lifetime.”

The program’s rigorous curriculum and consulting focus gave her the tools to make this professional leap effectively.

Developing a Truly Global Perspective

SMIB students unanimously highlight the program’s international exposure as transformative. Jiaying Jin, who pivoted from civil engineering to strategy consulting, brings experience from four countries to her SMIB journey.

“The small cohort size and international diversity made it stand out to me. I wanted a space where meaningful exchange of ideas could happen—not just between professor and student, but peer to peer,” explains Jiaying. This environment has enabled her to translate her analytical engineering mindset into business strategy skills.

The global orientation extends beyond classroom diversity. Students develop the cultural fluency necessary for international careers through international study trips, consulting projects with multinational companies, and exchange opportunities.

Mara’s journey from ESSEC’s Cergy campus to Singapore exemplifies this mobility, allowing her to “cultivate a global mindset and cultural adaptability.”

From Classroom to Consulting: Real-World Application

What distinguishes SMIB graduates in the job market is their ability to apply strategic thinking to real business challenges—a skill honed through the program’s emphasis on practical experience.

Jiaying highlights how classroom learning translates to professional settings: “The professors push us to think critically, often using simulation games and role-play scenarios. One class had us analyze a complex issue from different stakeholder perspectives—an eye-opening experience that completely changed how I approach strategy.”

The program’s consulting focus prepares students for careers in strategy. Gong, whose previous experience includes working with Bain & Company, values how the “case-based approach, paired with intensive team projects and real-world applications, has helped me build hard and soft skills. It’s about learning to collaborate, present, and solve real business problems under pressure.”

This preparation extends beyond graduation. Mara, who gained experience as a consultant in financial consulting and sports strategy (including projects for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games), reflects: “This experience helped me refine my ability to work under pressure and create structured solutions.”

Strategic Advice for Prospective Students

For prospective students considering SMIB, the message from current students is clear: embrace the program’s global dimension, leverage its corporate connections, and approach your education strategically.

As Mara advises, “This program is designed for students who want to work in an international environment. The diverse cohort and opportunities to study abroad make it a transformative experience.”

Through the SMIB program, students reinvent themselves as global business leaders ready to tackle complex challenges across industries and borders.