ESDES Blog for a sustainable development

How Esdes prepares you for the real business world

Written by Yulianna Poroshyna | Mar 20, 2025 12:00:00 PM

Yulianna Poroshyna is an international student who came to France, at Esdes Business School to study in our Bachelor in Business. This is her vision of studying at our school.

When I first joined Esdes, I expected to learn about business through textbooks and lectures. Studying at Esdes is more than just attending lectures and passing exams, it’s about gaining real-world experience, developing professional skills, and preparing for a meaningful career. From humanitarian projects like Solicity to networking with business professionals, Esdes offers multiple opportunities for students to grow beyond the classroom. Here’s how my first-year experience has shaped my understanding of the business world and what makes this school unique.

 

Solicity: Esdes humanitarian mission

One of the most unique aspects of Esdes in the first year is Solicity, a mission-driven project that allows students to engage in humanitarian work. Whether in Lyon, elsewhere in France, or abroad, this program teaches us how business can be a force for good. It’s not just about theory. It’s about applying our knowledge to make a real difference in society.

When I first heard about Solicity, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But after meeting students from the previous year who shared their experiences, I realized how impactful this program is. Some students helped local NGOs with fundraising, while others traveled abroad to assist in sustainable development projects. This initiative gives us a chance to apply business skills to real-world problems while fostering social responsibility.

One of my friends put it perfectly: "At first, I thought business was all about profit, but Solicity showed me that impact matters just as much."

 

A step-by-step process with real support for international students

Unlike some other business schools, Esdes introduces internships in the second year rather than the first. While I don’t have an internship yet, I appreciate that Esdes gradually prepares us for this step by offering networking opportunities, career meetings, and professional workshops. By the time we start looking for internships, we’ll already have a strong foundation in business concepts. To know more, you can follow the link https://www.esdes.fr/en/welcome/about-esdes/professionalization/internships/

Esdes also provides additional classes for students who need extra help. Whether it’s refining our business English or strengthening our finance skills, these classes ensure that no student falls behind. It’s reassuring to know that support is available whenever we need it.

 

One second-year student told me, "Last year, I was struggling with accounting, but the additional workshops helped me catch up. Now, I actually enjoy the subject!"

 

From professors to group project: a real world learning experience

Another major advantage of Esdes is learning from professors who have real-world experience. Many of them have worked in global corporations, startups, or consulting firms before becoming educators. This means they don’t just teach us theories; they share personal insights, real examples, and valuable industry knowledge.

I had a professor who spent years in international trade, and the way he explained global market strategies was fascinating. Instead of just reading about international business, we discussed current trade policies, emerging markets, and geopolitical impacts on business decisions. Learning from professionals who have been in the field makes a huge difference in understanding how things truly work.

I remember one group project where we had to create a business expansion strategy for a well-known brand. My team spent hours researching market trends, customer behavior, and financial forecasts—it was intense but incredibly rewarding. When we presented our findings, our professor gave feedback as if we were real business professionals pitching to investors.

At Esdes, we’re encouraged to connect with companies on our own, but we’re never alone in the process. Professors, many of whom have real-world business experience, are always available to guide us. They share their professional networks, offer advice, and sometimes even recommend students for positions.

While we don’t have official company visits, our classes are filled with real-world case studies and business simulations. Professors often use their own experiences to explain concepts, making lessons more engaging and practical. For example, one of my marketing professors once described a challenge they faced while working for an international brand, and we had to come up with solutions as if we were the consulting team. It felt like a real job assignment!

One of my classmates joked, "Esdes doesn’t take us to companies, but it brings the business world into our classrooms!"

 

In conclusion

Esdes isn’t just about academics—it’s about preparing us for the real world. Whether through Solicity, professional guidance from professors, or networking opportunities, everything is designed to help us develop practical skills. Even in the first year, I already feel more confident about my future career.

I have not completed my first year, but I’m already excited about what’s ahead. Next year, I’ll have my first internship, and I know Esdes will support me in finding the right opportunity. I’ve already started building connections, learning from experienced professionals, and gaining a deeper understanding of the business world.

One thing is clear, studying at Esdes is not just about getting a degree. It’s about growing as a professional, making meaningful connections, and preparing to succeed in the global business environment.

Esdes provides a solid foundation for students who want to apply their knowledge, make an impact, and connect with the professional world. From humanitarian projects like Solicity to real-world business lessons, the school ensures that we’re not just learning—we’re experiencing what it truly means to be a part of the business world. And I can’t wait for what’s next!