Partner Sites


Logo BusinessBecause - The business school voice
mobile search icon

How This EMLYON MBA Used B-School To Join The Disruptive Sharing Economy

Mihran Arslanian sees a bright future for innovators like Uber and Airbnb

Tue Jan 31 2017

BusinessBecause
Mihran Arslanian finished the EMLYON Business School MBA in 2016.

During the program, he joined French sharing economy start-up Hub-Grade, as part of EMLYON’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program.

Over the course of nine months, students must complete a dynamic consulting project for an organization related to their personal career objectives or interests.

Hub-Grade is a digital platform for renting workspaces. Hub-Grade links companies with underused workspaces and companies looking to lease them for a flexible period of time.

Mihran, from Lebanon, advised the start-up on business development, operations and strategy.

He is looking for a multicultural, dynamic and challenging setting to work in — and he thinks the MBA will help him get one.

Why did you want to get an MBA?

I had two main reasons to pursue an MBA. Professionally, I wished to pivot out of my previous role and move into a position of greater decision-making. To achieve this, I needed to hone my negotiation skills, and gain experience in setting operational strategies, and analyzing data. On a more personal note, I had promised myself that I would pursue education to the highest possible level. In my case and field, it was the MBA.

Tell us what makes EMLYON unique.

There are five things that make EMLYON unique. First, it’s in Lyon (or very close to it). From the Roman ruins to the landmarks and from the nightlife to the food, the city is breathtaking. There is plenty on offer for locals and newcomers. Second, the Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. Having the opportunity to apply classroom theories in a real-world context is invaluable. Third, the entrepreneurial spirit. There is creative energy all around; it’s embedded in the school’s DNA. Fourth, the faculty. There are brilliant, knowledgeable lecturers with a lot of wisdom to offer. And finally, the diversity of the students. In my MBA cohort, we were 43 students from 23 different nationalities. The wealth of ideas and differing perspectives provided an incredibly enrichening experience.

What have you done since finishing the MBA?

I kept busy with a few things. I traveled around Continental Europe a bit with my wonderful girlfriend. Then came the time to say goodbye to Lyon and start a new chapter by moving to Paris. Following the relocation, I started job hunting, which was interrupted by a return home to Lebanon for a long overdue visit. Now that I’m back in France, the search for employment continues.

What’s your fondest memory of your time at EMLYON?

While attending the luxury consumer behavior class, we once decided to replace our lunch break with a picnic on the campus roof garden. Each of the students had brought something to snack on, the sun was up, and the sky was blue. A lot of conversations were had, laughs were heard, pictures were taken, food was eaten, and warm memories forged. And then it was back to class to continue our lecture. It was a truly memorable day.

What are the sharing economy’s long-term prospects, in your opinion?

The sharing economy has disrupted established businesses and drastically altered the economic landscape. This much is undeniable. And while it is seeing exponential growth, I wonder whether it is slowly carving out a niche for itself to operate in, or whether it represents the future.

Perhaps one of the major advantages that companies such as Airbnb and Uber have over their competitors is the lack of regulation. At least that used to be the case. More governments around the globe are looking into these newly emerged players, and have started regulating their activities. The example of Airbnb in Berlin comes to mind; the authorities are restricting rentals through the online marketplace to keep housing affordable to the local people. Uber has its own legal complications to deal with as well.

Once public authorities have regulated sharing economy companies, part of their competitive advantage will disappear. And while they will not fade (the sharing economy is here to stay), I find it hard to believe that they will overtake more traditional means of conducting business.

What’s was the best thing about your job at Hub-Grade?

What I found very interesting was the fast-paced environment of a digital start-up. I found myself working in a dynamic, technological setting that I’ve always aspired to work in. Being able to use newly-acquired knowledge to solve real problems was quite eye-opening.

However, the absolute best thing was the people I worked with, who were intelligent, hard-working and resolute. I have nothing but respect for them.

Student Reviews

emlyon business school

Student

Verified

4/12/2023

On Campus

Intense courses, helpful professors

I am an international student in my 3rd year and I love going to this school and do not regret chosing it for my BBA. The classes are helpful, professors are always there to help as well and we have a very understanding administration.

Student

Verified

18/03/2023

On Campus

Leadership in an amazing city

I decided to do my exchange in Emlyon because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, and I found a space with very capable People.. participatory, empathetic and full of leadership. I will never forget Lyon, apart from giving me an unforgettable experience, he gave me great friends

Student

Verified

23/11/2021

On Campus

A lot of opportunities professionally and socially. A unique program in France.

You can choose your courses and do your internship, exchange whenever you want. It's flexible and adapted to the needs of each student. A great program and a great city! Professionally, it opens a lot of doors for you to find internships or jobs in France or abroad thanks to the network and career events.

Fabian

Verified

7/06/2020

MSc in Digital Marketing

Combining both worlds into one, this course gave me all the on-demand technical skills in data science while maintaining a business-oriented approach. Thanks to the strong academic profile of this university I was able to secure an internship and full-time job at Amazon.

Student

Verified

14/10/2018

Top Business School fostering innovative entrepreneurs

EMLyon is one of the best business schools. The campuses, associations and courses offered provide the students with the best options to build the future they have chosen. The various opportunities to study and work abroad also offer a deeper understanding of the world, not only economy-wise but social, which helps the student become as well a better individual and not only a pre-formated business school student.

Student

Verified

9/06/2020

Emlyon campus in Paris

It has a great international community and you have access to many international tools, courses and professors. I had many networking events and workshops for students. Campus and some details of the program could have been improved or need to be bigger in order to have a better student life.

Student

Verified

21/11/2022

On Campus

Entrepreneurship

Overall good content and good activities. Lack of administration but still ok. Good flexibility and liberty offered to the students. Finally, the amount of internship is also a good way to improve qualifications.

Student

Verified

25/05/2020

Good Reputation and International Business School

The course was not well adapted but it was up to the mark. The professors are very well experienced and their experience comes in handy while working on assignments. The facilities on the campus are top class. Truly professional. I really like spending time in the learning hub and using all the available resources. Lyon is an amazing city. You will never get bored.

Edel

Verified

11/07/2024

On Campus

MSc International Hospitality Management

The best educational experience of my life so far! It’s been full of exposure and great connections. From Lyon to London, Paris, Los Angeles and Las Vegas! Truly an exceptional way to discover the world of hospitality.

Student

Verified

11/07/2024

On Campus

Real networking opportunities

- meeting new people, specially professionals during seminars or evening meeting at school. - going abroad to study luxury - being involved as an ambassador to promote the school and the program I was into (MSc LMM) - having such a great professional core

Daphné

Verified

14/07/2024

On Campus

white baccalaureate in the world of work

I really appreciated the MS SDAI as a whole. The teaching staff, the different subjects, the university exchange, TEM... I started my internship in a consulting firm having acquired a solid foundation. Downside for CentraleSupélec, which I found far too academic for a program such as this.

Student

Verified

11/09/2024

On Campus

Great

Pretty great ! Emlyon business school is a top educational institution known for its outstanding academic programs, nurturing environment, and state-of-the-art facilities. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership in students.

RECAPTHA :

1f

35

5c

06