You want to go to a business school, but don't know which one to choose? Here's some advice on how to find your way around the labels and other accreditations that count.
There are over 200 business schools in France, 37 of which belong to the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles (CGE) and award a state-recognized diploma, conferring the grade de Licence state recognition (Bachelor degree - Bac+3) and the grade de Master state recognition (Master degree - Bac+5).
These 37 schools are reputed to be the best and most sought-after by companies. They all guarantee an excellent employment rate on graduation, and rapid career progression.
Choosing one of the 37 "Grande École de Commerce" means choosing excellence by joining one of the best schools in France (and among the best in the world).
Other labels can help you make the right choice: visa and grade are French accreditations issued by the French government, guaranteeing the seriousness of the program, the teaching staff and the recognition of the diploma.
International labels such as EFMD, AACSB and EQUIS play the same role on the international market. The more labels a school has, the better the international recognition of its diploma.
A key criterion for those looking for a career outside France.
For example, Esdes Business School is a French business school located in Lyon and belong to the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles. All its program are recognized by the state and the school is AACSB accredited. Also, its Master in Management program is EFMD accredited!
There you can find 100% English-taught programs that welcome hundred of international student each year!
What will you learn? At what pace? How will you learn? These are the key questions to ask yourself. The answers can be found in the school's program. How much of it will be distance learning? Are you ready for e-learning? Do you prefer classroom teaching? In lecture halls with hundreds of students? Or in small groups of 30 to 40 students?
How much of the program can be individualized? How many courses will you be able to choose from in addition to management fundamentals to create your unique professional profile?
Who teaches the courses? Professionals or research professors? What languages are taught? Is it possible to take your entire course in English?
You'll need to scrutinize the websites and brochures of each program to answer all these questions... and find the program that's right for you!
Choosing a business school doesn't just mean choosing courses, but also the richness and diversity of student life. Find out about the quality of community life: how many associations exist? Do you have dedicated time to get involved? Is community life part of the curriculum?
You'll also have the opportunity to take one or more international trips, even as an international student. Alone or in a group, on exchange or as an intern... Remember to check that your favorite destinations are available through the school's partners. The duration and frequency of departures vary greatly from one school to another. Don't hesitate to ask!
A business school is often a network of loyal friends that you keep for a long time. That's why it's essential to meet and talk with the students in your program, as they are your future classmates. Each school has its own culture and atmosphere, from the most competitive to the most supportive. Feeling at home in your class and your school is your guarantee of success and personal fulfillment.
As you can see, there's no such thing as THE right school, only the one that's right for YOU! The one that's made for you, to help you succeed in your professional and personal life! Before choosing a Grande École de Commerce, you need to identify what's essential to you, what's most important to you. You need to choose the place that's right for you! A campus, a meeting, a city can all be decisive factors. Trust yourself and listen to yourself.
As a last resort, rankings can help you decide between 2 schools of your choice. But be warned: the journalists who produce them are not students of top business schools...