Ranjay Goyal, an international MBA student at ESSEC Business School in Paris, shares his journey of embracing challenges and broadening his horizons. Explore his motivations behind pursuing an MBA and moving to Europe and tips for a smooth transition.
European institutions, like ESSEC Business School, have reputations recognized the world over. In 2020, 1.46 million international students pursued tertiary education in Europe, seeking professional growth and cultural enrichment. The choice to study abroad is often driven by a desire to achieve personal goals, improving one’s overall well-being.
ESSEC Global MBA (GMBA) students, like Ranjay Goyal, find that their time in Europe expands their skills and advances their careers.
“I was more indulged in the subjects in which I thought I was weak, and that was my main goal of [pursuing an] MBA, to build that entire spectrum of knowledge so that I can work end to end,” Ranjay explains. (09:18)
The allure of a particular country, academic institution, or city plays a key role in influencing prospective students’ decisions regarding pursuing higher education abroad. This is a strategic step, as research shows that studying abroad enhances employment prospects by 17%.
While ESSEC is located in France, the GMBA familiarizes students with the broader European ecosystem. Two field trips to visit important cities and companies are tailored for the two majors during the ten-month ESSEC MBA program.
Ranjay tells us about his field trips to Amsterdam and London.
“It was a huge benefit to us to get to interact with the companies, have our CVs put in, and especially when there are opportunities coming in the future, they already know us since we have interacted with them. It’s an easier way to get in,” he says. (13:25)
It also benefits GMBA graduates to have an impressive alumni network to tap into. The ESSEC’s graduates hold prominent positions with industry giants like Unilever, Danone, HP, and Jimmy Choo. Alumni are found in companies around the world in part because the global aspect of ESSEC’s MBA is also present in its cohort.
“We have around 17 nationalities in our cohort, and ironically, we are just 40 people. So, it was a huge, diversified crowd amongst us and a whole new experience,” Ranjay says. (05:37)
Simply living abroad improves self-awareness. Yet, to get the most out of a study abroad experience, students need to integrate into the local culture to an extent. The introduction to French culture is something ESSEC doesn’t take lightly.
“ESSEC has a very rooted connection to the French culture,” Ranjay explains. “They do make sure that each student in their cohort actually experiences the French culture. As soon as we get in, the first day is an introduction, the second day, we leave on a trip to Chablis. Chablis is one of the most famous places where more than half of the world’s wine is exported.
“We visit the gardens where the grapes are rooted. We visit the plants where wine is actually made, and that is kind of five days of complete group work, teamwork exercises being done, but also indulgence into the French culture. We bake pastries; we bake cakes.
“There are activities throughout the day, and since it’s in September, the weather is perfect. Apart from that, throughout the year, we do have a lot of wine and dine events.” (01:49)
As an international business school, ESSEC has dedicated a whole department to facilitating the international students enrolling in their courses. That effort goes a long way toward easing the transition for students like Ranjay coming from places like India.
Moving to Europe for an MBA is demanding, but the challenges are experienced differently by each individual. Preparation is key to overcoming these challenges, from language barriers to visa requirements.
While many who visit France find themselves at a disadvantage not speaking French, Ranjay doesn’t feel so limited. “Coming from India, not speaking French was challenging, but as Paris is multicultural, it still works,” he says. (03:43)
Still, for the full experience, he recommends making the effort to learn the language, ideally before starting the program. While taking French classes along with an MBA program is not easy, it is possible. (14:45)
Similarly, you should start the visa application process well in advance.
“Do make time for the visa application … People don’t get a visa in time because there are a lot of incoming students to France lately. So take due time to prepare for that.” Ranjay emphasizes. (16:04)
When considering an MBA in Europe, researching the visa requirements for international students can be daunting. However, school staff have gone through the process before and are there to help.
Moving to Europe for an MBA also presents opportunities for professional and personal discovery. It requires individuals to leave their comfort zones and navigate unfamiliar challenges. This process builds resilience, self-confidence, and an increased sense of independence.
For those stressing out about their MBA at the start Ranjay has a final piece of advice, “If you just take it easy, it all ends well,” he says with a smile. (15:46)
Reach out to Ranjay on the ambassador page to learn more about pursuing an MBA at ESSEC.
