How I Got Into ESSEC Business School For Master’s in Management (MiM)?

Hey! Who are you, what are you currently doing and what is your background?

My name is Namay Sharma, and I am currently studying at ESSEC Business School, pursuing the Grand École – Masters in Management program. Before joining ESSEC, I completed my BBA Honors in Finance from Christ University in Bangalore, where I graduated with a GPA of 9.42/10. My academic background in finance has provided me with a strong foundation in analytical and financial concepts.

Prior to starting my master’s, I gained around a year of work experience. I interned during the summer at the C.K Birla Group, which allowed me to get a taste of the corporate world. After graduating, I worked for about a year as a Founder’s Associate at PipeRoot Analytics. In this role, I was involved in diverse tasks that included working directly with the leadership team, managing operations, and gaining exposure to various aspects of the business.

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How did you decide that you wanted to pursue an MS in France?

After spending a year at PipeRoot Analytics, where I worked across both technical and client-facing roles in tech and data science, I developed a strong interest in product and project management, as well as strategy roles focused on technology. However, I quickly realized that I lacked the specific skills, industry knowledge, and opportunities needed to transition into these areas. A master’s degree became the logical solution to fill these gaps, providing the education and credentials necessary to pursue my desired career path.

I chose to pursue a Master in Management (MiM) because it offers a broad and flexible curriculum. The MiM program at ESSEC, in particular, appealed to me because of its general track, which allows students to explore various fields before deciding on a specialization. This flexibility was key in helping me further clarify my career focus in the tech sector. Additionally, ESSEC’s program offers the opportunity to participate in the Accenture Chair, a six-month consulting project that provides invaluable hands-on experience in tech strategy and management. This blend of academic flexibility and practical exposure aligned perfectly with my goal of pivoting into tech management and strategy.

France was an appealing destination for several reasons. It offers strong post-graduation work opportunities through favorable visa policies, making it easier for international students to secure jobs in Europe. Additionally, France’s apprenticeship programs allow students to gain industry experience while studying, which adds a practical edge to the academic journey. When evaluating the risk versus reward of pursuing a master’s, ESSEC’s apprenticeship program significantly reduced the financial risk, as companies sponsoring apprenticeships cover the entire tuition cost. This not only minimized the financial burden but also provided valuable industry connections, making the overall investment in the degree much more rewarding.

How did you start your application preparation; can you throw some light on profile building, GRE, LORs and SOPs?

The first step in my application preparation was to clearly define my “why.” Knowing that I wanted to pivot into strategy or product management within the tech industry, I was able to identify programs that aligned with my career goals. Once I had shortlisted the universities and programs, I worked backward to map out the requirements for a strong application. This included understanding each program’s requirements, such as GMAT/GRE scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. From there, I created a timeline to tackle each component systematically, ensuring I had ample time to refine every part of my application.

GMAT

When preparing for the GMAT, I familiarized myself with the test format and structure, as it was different from the traditional exams I had taken in India. I gathered reliable resources and created a structured, time-based study plan. My prep relied heavily on GMAT Club resources, filtering questions from Manhattan Prep, Veritas Prep, and the Official Guide. For verbal, I focused on Sentence Correction using Manhattan Prep’s verbal guide, while GMATNinja videos helped me with Critical Reasoning. For Quant, I practiced using GMAT Club webinars and solutions, and I gave weekly mock tests to track my progress.

SOP

In my Statement of Purpose (SOP), I reflected on my personal and professional journey, highlighting how my experiences and aspirations aligned with the programs I was applying to. I emphasized the skills I gained in product development, client engagement, and strategy from my work at PipeRoot Analytics, explaining how a master’s degree would help me bridge knowledge gaps and accelerate my career. 

LOR

For Letters of Recommendation (LORs), I reached out to former managers and mentors who had witnessed my work firsthand, especially in client management and product leadership. I provided them with ample time and a clear overview of my application goals, ensuring they could write detailed and thoughtful letters.

What colleges did you apply for and what was the result?

I applied to five universities as below.

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Can you tell us more about the course and what the learning outcomes are?

One of the biggest strengths of the course is its flexibility. You have the freedom to tailor your academic schedule, control the pace at which you graduate, and choose how many internships or apprenticeships you want to complete. The apprenticeship option is particularly valuable because it allows you to work while studying, with the added benefit that the company covers your tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend. This unique combination of work and study not only enhances practical learning but also helps you build professional experience at the same time.

While the quality of the coursework and instructors can vary depending on the subject, the most impactful learning often comes from the specialized tracks and chairs. For example, the Accenture Chair offered me a six-month hands-on consulting project, giving me practical exposure to real-world business challenges in tech and strategy. Through this experience, I gained valuable insights into consulting methodologies and client engagement, which have been crucial in preparing me for future roles in the industry.

These specialized programs are designed to provide targeted learning outcomes that align directly with your career goals, offering practical experience alongside academic knowledge.

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What is the cost of tuition and cost of living, and how are you planning to fund your studies?

The cost of tuition for my program is 40,000 euros, but if you opt for an apprenticeship, the entire tuition cost is covered by the company. In terms of living expenses, the bare minimum after student subsidies is between 600 to 800 euros per month, while the average cost is around 1,000 euros per month.

For funding, I have considered a few options. There are scholarships such as the Champak Lal Scholarship and the ESSEC Excellence Scholarship that can help with the financial burden. Additionally, while teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA) positions are available, they pay around 600 euros a month, but I don’t find them to be the most effective way to fund my studies. As for loans, I recommend local student loans from ICICI and SBI. Although Prodigy Loans is another option, I wouldn’t recommend it based on my research.

How was your experience with the visa process, finding accommodation and travel?

My experience with the visa process was smooth, largely thanks to ESSEC’s dedicated support. ESSEC India played a key role in guiding Indian students through the specific visa procedures, offering tailored assistance and holding informative sessions to ensure that everything went smoothly. Their guidance made the entire process less stressful.

For accommodation, ESSEC offers three student residences, but they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to this, there are plenty of student housing options nearby, so finding a place wasn’t too difficult. ESSEC also helped by organizing group travel arrangements for incoming students, making it easier to connect and coordinate with others traveling to the same destination. Overall, the support from ESSEC for both visa and accommodation made the transition much easier.

What are the job opportunities after master’s?

After completing my master’s, the future looks promising in terms of internships and job opportunities. ESSEC has strong connections with prestigious companies, particularly in sectors like luxury, finance, and consulting. Internships are a key part of the program, and the stipend typically depends on location, age, and experience. In Paris, students under 26 can expect a stipend between €1,200 and €1,750 per month, while those over 26 may earn between €2,100 and €2,500 per month. These internships provide valuable industry exposure and often lead to full-time opportunities.

Job prospects post-graduation are diverse, with graduates finding roles across Europe and the UK, while the Singapore campus opens up options in Asia. Many ESSEC graduates pursue careers in consulting, product management, and strategy. Salaries vary depending on the industry and location, but within 3-5 years of graduating, many reach salaries of up to €90,000.

In terms of job roles, graduates typically move into managerial and strategic positions, such as product managers, consultants, or business strategists. The global exposure and strong industry connections at ESSEC ensure that students are well-prepared for leadership roles in top companies. With a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical experience through internships, and a strong alumni network, career prospects after the master’s program are both bright and varied.

Any final words of advice for anyone who aspires to be where you currently are?

My biggest piece of advice is to have clarity about why you want to pursue a master’s degree. Understand your career goals and how this degree will help you achieve them. Knowing your “why” will guide you in selecting the right program and help you focus on building the skills and experiences that will make the most of your time in the program. This clarity will also be crucial when writing your application essays and preparing for interviews.

Additionally, it’s important to identify the roles or industries you’re aiming to enter after your degree and start networking early. Use your time during the program to connect with alumni, attend career fairs, and build relationships with professionals in your chosen field. Networking is key to job placement, especially in fields like consulting, finance, and tech, where strong connections can open doors to internships and job offers.

Lastly, if you’re planning to study and work in France, one of the most important things is to learn French. This is something I’m currently working on, and it can greatly impact your career prospects. Many companies in France and Europe value bilingual candidates, and proficiency in French can significantly improve your chances of landing better roles and navigating the local job market. If you have the opportunity, invest time in learning the language—it will pay off in the long run.

Throughout the process what were some helpful resources, tools and books you used?

Throughout the process, several resources and tools were incredibly helpful. For my GMAT preparation, I relied heavily on GMATClub.com, GMAT Ninja’s YouTube channel, and the official GMAT guides and mock tests. These provided structured practice and detailed explanations that helped me better understand the test format and question types.

For university selection, I used Financial Times and QS rankings to shortlist programs that aligned with my career goals. These rankings helped me evaluate schools based on their strengths, global reputation, and program flexibility.

When it came to finding accommodation, university resources and Studapart were useful platforms for exploring housing options. For travel and the visa process, I primarily relied on guidance from university resources, which helped streamline the procedures.

Regarding loans and banking, I spoke with alumni to gather insights on the best banks and policies for student loans, which gave me a clearer understanding of available financial options.

Suggested by TheGradPost

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Connect

Linkedin – Namay Sharma

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