If you’re an ESSEC Asia-Pacific student trying to land top internships or full-time roles in Asia, the competition is fierce. But the opportunities are real. Ask ESSEC Global Bachelor of Business Administration (GBBA) students like Yumi Mahoux-Nakamura and Isabelle Wijaya, who landed internships at L’OCCITANE, Parfums Christian Dior and LVMH. Their stories show us what recruiters are looking for and how ESSEC students can stand out.

1. Network like it’s your job

Yumi secured her data internship at Parfums Christian Dior after a supply chain internship at LVMH because she proactively connected with the team. Recruiters appreciate candidates who show initiative and build genuine relationships.

Pro tip: Follow up with past internship mentors and ask them to stay involved. Your next role may come from a simple check-in message.

2. Say yes before you’re ready

Many students hesitate to apply for roles unless they match the job description perfectly. But both Yumi and Isabelle proved otherwise.

Yumi transitioned from retail to supply chain to data, even without prior experience in logistics or analytics. Isabelle took on end-to-end marketing responsibilities during her internship at L’OCCITANE, managing PR, social, and trade efforts.

Pro tip: Recruiters don’t expect perfection. They want someone who learns fast and adapts even quicker. Apply anyway.

3. Double down on international exposure

Both Yumi and Isabelle chose ESSEC’s Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore. They went on to earn double degrees: Yumi with Keio University and Isabelle with City University of Hong Kong. Why does this matter?

In Asia, international exposure signals cultural fluency and flexibility – two things global employers love.

Pro tip: Use your multicultural experiences as proof points in interviews. Talk about how they’ve shaped your thinking and working style.

4. Show who you really are

Yumi makes it clear. Don’t fake your way through interviews. “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. And I want them to hire me, not a version of me I made up for the interview.”

Recruiters value authenticity, especially for roles in high-touch industries like luxury or marketing, where personality and team fit are just as important as skills.

Pro tip: Prepare stories that show your real character – how you lead, solve problems, and work under pressure.

5. Use ESSEC’s career resources

Career fairs. Alumni mixers. Hackathons. Case competitions. ESSEC students aren’t just told to build experience, they’re expected to. Isabelle credits ESSEC for giving her the confidence and knowledge to thrive in her internship. Yumi says LVMH trusted her because she came from ESSEC.

Pro tip: Don’t just attend events. Show up purposefully, have questions ready, and follow up with people you meet. You’re not networking; you’re relationship-building.

What recruiters in Asia really want isn’t just grades or school names. They want adaptable, proactive, and authentic young professionals who do more than they say.

And at ESSEC, you have the training and the track record to be exactly that.