Why Study A Business Masters in France at ESCE International Business School

France is one of the top destinations for international business students in Europe. Over the last five years, the number of international students at French business schools has more than doubled, totalling 55,000 students. But why do applicants target a business Masters in France?

Part of the appeal is the presence of numerous international companies in the country, particularly in business districts such as La Défense in Paris and Part-Dieu in Lyon. Companies headquartered in France range from titans of the insurance industry, such as AXA, to French luxury brands like LVMH and Hermès International.

France is also a world leader in foreign investment. Last year, the country topped the global ranking in the number of international investments, for the sixth year in a row. In particular, France stands out for investment in AI innovation, which will be of interest to future business students.

One destination for international students pursuing a business Masters in France is ESCE International Business School. Based in Paris, students on the MSc programmes at ESCE benefit from proximity to top companies, as well as lucrative internship opportunities.

What makes Business Masters Programmes at ESCE Paris International Business School Stand Out?

At ESCE, students can choose from five MSc specialisations.

• MSc in International Business Development
• MSc in International Corporate Finance
• MSc in International Marketing
• MSc in Global Supply Chain Management
• MSc in Technology Management & International Entrepreneurship

But what makes these programmes unique?

Practical learning

ESCE prioritises hands-on work during its MSc degrees. The school has contacts with over 10,000 companies, providing students with the opportunity to work on real-world consulting projects throughout their degree.

“We had several projects that involved working on actual business cases,” says a recent graduate of the MSc in International Business Development, who came from Chile to study at ESCE.

“One I remember well involved analysing a real company and coming up with a full business solution as part of a final group project. We also did a project with a professor from Microsoft, which was great – we even got to visit their offices,” he added.

The focus of these learning projects isn’t just getting to grips with a specific business topic – for example, sales, marketing, or finance. Instead, these projects enable students to train their overall business knowledge and leadership skills.

“[These projects] really help you get into the mindset of how companies and professionals operate, which is super valuable later on,” adds the graduate.

100% English taught

For many prospective Master’s students, the opportunity to study business abroad but on an English-language degree is a bonus. Companies whose employees speak English can see a 10-15% increase in efficiency, so it’s no surprise that many companies now seek graduates with proficiency in the language, even in countries where it’s the second or even third-most spoken language.

At ESCE, all courses are taught in English. However, as part of the MSc programmes, ESCE offers a language course specifically for international students entitled French for Specific Purposes (FSP). This course is focused on the language skills required to integrate into a French-speaking corporate environment, equipping students from outside France with the linguistic tools to thrive in their future career in France.

Additionally, with group learning a core part of each MSc programme, international and domestic students alike have the opportunity to develop their language skills through frequent communication.

International Student Community

ESCE has been awarded the ‘Bienvenue en France/Welcome to France’ label from Campus France, which is only given to institutions that demonstrate a welcoming environment for international students.

In this year’s edition of the QS Master’s Rankings: Management, ESCE ranks seventh in the world for diversity, a rating that evaluates the percentage of female students and faculty members, the percentage of international faculty, and the international makeup of each programme’s cohort.

“Overall, it was a good vibe – pretty international, and the professors had real experience in business, which I appreciated. The application process was fast, straightforward, and really welcoming for international students,” the MSc graduate said.

Data Science training

While companies may prioritise soft skills like problem-solving and communication among their new hires, 40% of corporate recruiters say that data analysis is a valuable skill for graduates.

Data science training is incorporated into every MSc programme at ESCE. Students follow training provided by DataScientest, which equips them with skills in data analysis, cybersecurity, and programming in Python.

Strategic location in Paris

It’s not just that ESCE is located in Paris that should appeal to students seeking a business Masters in France. The school’s campus is in the La Défense business district, which is home to over 500 companies, 75% of which have their corporate headquarters in the area.

Students on MSc programmes at ESCE participate in compulsory 6-month internships, either in France or abroad. Being located close to companies such as Amazon, Deloitte, Dior, and EY can make networking and finding internships easier.

“The fact that the campus is in La Défense is a big advantage,” says the MSc in International Business Development graduate. “[It’s] super accessible, close to a lot of business hubs.”

Conclusion

At ESCE, you’ll benefit from a top location, an international environment, and strategic partnerships with companies, all of which increase your chances of securing a top graduate job in business.

“At the end of the day, how much you get out of it depends a lot on how much you put in – especially when it comes to internships or networking. But in terms of getting exposure to real-world cases and being taught by people who are actually working in business, it’s a strong programme,” notes the MSc graduate.

“Having actual business owners come to class and share their stories gave everything more context and made it feel more real. I think those kinds of experiences often get overlooked in academic settings, but they were really valuable.”