ESSEC APAC offers a unique environment for international students to cultivate their personal and professional growth. Beyond academic achievements, business school provides invaluable opportunities for self-discovery and skill development. This series explores essential organizational tools, highlights the habits of highly effective international students, identifies the often-overlooked soft skills acquired during the ESSEC experience, and offers actionable strategies for building a personal brand even before graduation. Discover how to maximize your time at ESSEC APAC and lay a strong foundation for future success.

• 5 Tools That Helped Me Stay Organized at ESSEC
• 8 Habits of Highly Effective International Students
• 8 Soft Skills You’ll Build Without Realizing It at ESSEC
• 10 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand While in Business School

5 Tools That Helped Me Stay Organized at ESSEC

Juggling multiple deadlines, group projects, and job applications? These tools make it all manageable.

1. Google Calendar – Still the gold standard for scheduling
2. Notion – Organize your life, notes, and career tracker
3. Trello or Asana – Best for group task planning
4. Grammarly – Save yourself from late-night writing errors
5. Forest App – Helps you focus and take proper breaks

8 Habits of Highly Effective International Students

What do thriving ESSEC students have in common? Here are the habits that help them make the most of the experience.

1. They plan, but stay flexible
2. say yes to new people and places
3. They manage their money
4. They reflect on their growth
5. They ask questions—lots of them
6. They stay connected to home
7. They support their peers
8. They take care of themselves too

8 Soft Skills You’ll Build Without Realizing It at ESSEC

Beyond lectures and grades, here are the skills you’ll naturally develop through life on campus.

1. Cross-cultural communication
2. Public speaking and pitching
3. Teamwork under pressure
4. Time and energy management
5. Active listening
6. Adaptability
7. Giving and receiving feedback
8. Networking that feels authentic

10 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand While in Business School

You don’t need to wait until graduation to stand out. Here’s how ESSEC students start building their professional brand early.

1. Optimize your LinkedIn profile
2. Post your reflections from events or classes
3. Speak up in class discussions and panels
4. Volunteer to host or moderate webinars
5. Join (or start) a student club
6. Attend industry networking sessions
7. Ask for feedback—and apply it
8. Start a side project or blog
9. Represent ESSEC at competitions or conferences
10. Support your peers—you’ll build your reputation as a connector