ESDES
3 min.
4 July 2022
1/ Labels, guarantee of quality
There are more than 200 business schools in France, of which 37 belong to the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles (CGE) and award a state-recognized diploma, conferring the "Grade de Master" (Official master's degree).
These 37 schools are reputed to be the best and most prized by companies. They all guarantee an excellent employment rate upon graduation, and rapid career progression.
Choosing one of the 37 Business Schools is choosing excellence by integrating one of the best schools in France (which are among the best in the world).
Other labels can guide you in your choices: the visa and the degree which are French accreditations delivered by the State and which guarantee the seriousness of the program, the faculty and the recognition of the degree.
International labels: EFMD, AACSB, EQUIS play the same role on the international market. The more labels a school has, the better the recognition of its diploma on the international market.
A criterion of choice for those who wish to pursue a career outside of France.
2/ The programs
What will you learn? At what pace? How will you learn? These are key questions to ask yourself. The answers can be found in the school's program. What is the remote learning component? Are you ready for e-learning? Do you prefer classroom courses? In a lecture auditorium with several hundred students? Or in small groups of 30 to 40 students?
How much of the program is individualized? How many courses will you be able to choose from in addition to the management fundamentals to create your unique professional profile?
Who teaches the courses? Professionals or research professors? What are the learning languages? Is it possible to study in English?
It is necessary to examine the websites and brochures of each program to answer all these questions... and find the program that suits you!
3/ The experiences
Choosing a business school is not only about choosing courses, but also about the richness and diversity of student life. Ask about the quality of the associative life: how many associations exist? Do you have the time to get involved? Is associative life part of the pedagogical curriculum?
You will also have the opportunity to go on one or more international trips. Alone or in a group, as an exchange or internship... 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. Do not hesitate to ask!
4/ The atmosphere
A business school is often a network of loyal friends that you keep for a long time. It is therefore essential to meet the students in the program, to exchange with them, because they are your future classmates. Each school has its own culture and atmosphere, from the most competitive to the most supportive. Feeling good about your class and your school is a guarantee of success and fulfillment.
5/ Your project
As you will understand, there is no such thing as THE right school, but rather the one that suits YOU! The one that is made for you, to help you succeed in your professional life project... and why not personally! Before choosing a business school, you must first identify what is essential for you, what is most important to you. You must choose the place that suits you! A campus, a meeting, a city can be decisive elements. Trust yourself and listen to yourself.
As a last resort, rankings can help you decide between two schools of your choice. But be careful, the journalists who produce them are not students of top business schools...
