These testimonials were taken at the end of the students' academic year, after classes ended and before starting internships
Kristoffer W Giertsen, MSc International Marketing & Business Development 2011-12, from Norway
"After two years of study at Skema Business School, I am certain that I chose the right school. Skema is a unique place. The other students, the professors and the general environment have helped me achieve the goals I had before coming here.
The professors are up-to-date and use relevant cases. They prepare us for professional working life, taking the teaching a big step further than in our previous studies. In addition to the solid academic theory we have worked through, the thing that has given me the most are all the presentations and the interactive teaching methods.
Skema has also been very helpful in assisting us when needed.
I find that future employees consider Skema as an educational institution with gratuates who posess the required knowledge for a broad spectre of positions. With an MSc in International Marketing and Business Development there are many opportunities that lie ahead.
I am currently interviewing with companies in the Far East, seeking a career within corporate communication. Skema has a well-developed careers centre with many opportunities that has helped me get in contact with these companies."
Maria Yudina, MSc International Marketing & Business Development 2011-12, from Russia
"I’ve gained the confidence I need to make the future a success.
In the MSc, practical marketing was accompanied by a solid conceptual background, making my way of thinking more flexible and adaptable.
Teamwork challenged me to further develop personal qualities, define my weaknesses and take initiative. SKEMA’s collaboration with multinational and local businesses gave student teams plenty of real marketing projects, not theoretical ones!
The multicultural environment at SKEMA cannot be fully understood and felt without immersing oneself in it. The opportunity to go beyond borders and get to know different cultures at work and recreation has been precious for me.
My internship in a yacht charter company in nearby Antibes continues the international experience for me. I coordinate the company’s communication agency on the creation of an annual charter catalogue, assist during open days and manage the company's website and external association sites. Furthermore, I’m getting the opportunity to deal with clients. I’m also passionate about the service the company provides. It’s ideal for me!"
Felipe De la Torre Garcia, MSc International Marketing & Business Development 2010-11, from Colombia
"Before doing the MSc IMBD, I worked in L´Oreal in supply chain and marketing in Colombia.
This year, I have developed my personal network with people from all over the world that became my friends in a short period of time and with whom I also expect to do business in the near future.
The courses we had have helped me to understand not only how marketing works through multiple case studies from different companies in various sectors, but also how to create value and resolve problems.
This master has also allowed me to develop my soft skills: team-working with different cultures, communication, and interpersonal competencies.
I’ve signed a contract with Amadeus. I’ll work for them as a business development analyst. It’s perfect."
Kim Gillick, MSc International Marketing & Business Development 2010-11, from Ireland
"At SKEMA, the need to be able to contribute practically to marketing is put at the forefront. This was important for me as I hope to be in a position of responsibility when I join the working world. Now, I have the practical tools to do that.
I have met big companies here. Proctor & Gamble, Microsoft, and Skype to name a few. I worked on projects for two of those companies; that gave me the confidence to work on real projects competently. These experiences are relevant in my marketing career, and good for my CV and discussion in job interviews.
I have met some fantastic people from all over the world, had some wonderful times and, of course, enjoyed the climate!
I got an online marketing job back home in Dublin. I start as soon as I get home in June. It’s a start-up so they've kind of warned me I'll be working a lot!”
Alvaro Baldizan, MSc International Marketing & Business Development 2010-11, from Spain
"It has been a very educational and enriching experience.
Deciding to do a master was not an easy task. Having been in the hotel sector for the past seven years and travelled the world made me realise that I was missing something to add to my sales and marketing experience and of course to my CV.
The SKEMA MSc IMBD was the right choice for me. I have learned a lot of new concepts, and new techniques. Moreover I have been able to experience the real identity of this business school, which is the true multicultural environment that makes it one of the leading business schools in the world.
I'm now employed by Amadeus as a product manager for the hotel sector. This confirms that SKEMA was the right choice. I am happy that it is giving me the opportunity to experience a new field, that of hi-tech services in marketing for hotels."
Ngoc-Nga Tran Vu, MSc International Marketing & Business Development 2009-10, from Vietnam
"The classes have been highly participative with a lot of group work; this made the learning more interactive and effective.
We used a lot of case studies too. The case studies were useful for giving us the practical side of things, as well as showing us what kind of day to day problems / solutions we can come across in the world of work.
This MSc has really expanded my knowledge in marketing, and strategy.
I would recommend coming to live here, on the French Riviera. The weather’s excellent. And after school we can go to the beach for a walk or whatever."
Wade Jansen, MSc International Marketing & Business Development 2009-10, from USA
"Overall the experience was great.
Before coming to SKEMA, I already had five years of work experience, but the MSc International Marketing and Business Development (IM & BD) provided me with a new perspective on the subject matter that I hadn't experienced previously.
The teaching method here is very interactive, which stimulates discussion and gave us opportunities to lead group presentations on subjects of our liking.
I also liked how an emphasis was placed on working closely with a very international group of students. This gives you perspectives on the various work styles of people from different cultural backgrounds.
This has been an experience that I’m going to remember fondly. "
Monica Cañipa, MSc International Marketing & Business Development 2009-10, from Mexico
"This MSc has given me a real specialisation; everything was related to marketing, communication, and sales.
I’ve been struck by the international environment here. In class, and in group work, there’s always someone who has a different point of view. People say: “It’s not like that in my country…” This gives us a truly international education.
I’ve learned an enormous amount this year: the theory and the practical application of that theory to the professional world.
We’ve also had a lot of networking opportunities offered: we’ve had classes with, and met, managers from P&G, Nestlé, Monaco Telecom and many other companies.
I liked the job-interview preparation event that took place in February. That was very useful. We did simulation job interviews with HR professionals and then got feedback on the spot. Usually, at an interview, you never get more than a “yes” or a “no” regarding your performance. This event, however, allowed us to get real feedback on our strong points and weak points at interview; because of this, I’ll do better at interviews now.
The negotiation contest I attended in Normandy was great too. We met managers from lots of different companies. I have a job opportunity as a result; I may not take it up though because I have other internship opportunities at the moment.
This is the last week of studies here. I must confess: I’m very sad about it. We’re at the end of such an excellent and happy year."
Bunboly Heng, MSc International Marketing & Business Development 2009-10, from Cambodia
"I came to do an MSc here because SKEMA Business School is one of the best in Europe.
The MSc has been great, the experience has been fantastic. It’s been very flexible for me, personalised to suit me.
One of the things that has struck me –as a student from Asia– is the interaction with the teachers. In Cambodia, no one ever disagrees with the teacher. Here, though, that kind of thing is normal. It’s amazing, we can have debates and disagreements with the teachers if we have a different point of view, it’s actually encouraged. This interactivity helps the learning process.
The method of teaching is very practical. The application of theory is always given priority. This makes us ready for the real world of work.
We’ve learned how to work in groups, very multi-cultural groups. In some of the teams I’ve been in there have been four or five different nationalities. This can make it hard because everyone’s style of working is different –the different backgrounds can even be the cause of conflict– but this actually enriches the learning experience.
I’m in a multi-national group at the moment; we’re working on a book-launching project. We’re designing the whole process including how to distribute the book globally.
This is a beautiful place to live. I’ve actually seen snow for the first time! The city of Nice is beautiful too.
People here are really friendly; I’m always getting into conversations with people in the street and in shops.
Also, there are a lot of other foreigners here too. I like that; it makes me feel not alone: I’m just the same as a lot of other people here. I’ve even been able to buy all the Asian food I’m used to from back home. There are lots of Asian restaurants, as well as Asian supermarkets so I can cook the same food as I eat in Cambodia."