EMLYON Business School’s Data R&D Institute is helping prepare MBA students for the future of business
Data has caused massive shocks to business practice today, provoking confusion, wonder, and controversy. While quantifiable data cannot capture all the particularities of our world, it has certainly proved as a potent factor in decision-making processes.In its raw form, the ocean of data out there is often incomprehensible to managers who need to make agile decisions. Business leaders need to navigate this deep and vast terrain in a coherent way, while avoiding unethical pitfalls that can crush public trust in a company.
Data R&D Institute produces cutting-edge research on the subject, while preparing students to leverage data with ethical considerations in mind in their future careers.
"Today's businesses demand data-literate employees," says Lynn Cherny, development head at the institute and associate professor at EMLYON. "We need to be training the next generation of data analysts, as well as the next generation of business leaders who can build products from ethical uses of data."
Lynn says that students are often expected to analyze data, create charts, and interpret charts for cases when applying to consulting companies. To complete such tasks, MBA candidates must know basic statistics, have the ability to draw insights from data, and present information to a broad audience that tells a clear business story.
"Our Data R&D Institute at EMLYON Business School takes candidates from introductory analytics and programming, all the way to machine learning, predictive modelling, and natural language processing," Lynn explains.
Previous EMLYON MBA graduates have harnessed the strength of data in their entrepreneurial initiatives. Michael Fernandez-Ferri founded his startup, DRUST, straight out of his degree. Michael's company is an intelligence platform for connected vehicles.

"Our decision-making process is based upon three things," Michael says, "The first is intuition based upon our knowledge and gut feeling. Second, data insights from the market. Finally, we use data analytics from our users and prospects. Data is definitely a key driver in this process."
Through his MBA at , Michael was equipped with business modelling skills that enabled him to understand the complex ecosystem in which his startup would operate. He says that learning about marketing, finance, and strategy as part of the program helped him in establishing DRUST.
Strategy and data work must complement each other in any business. The former directs the type of data that must be collated, while the latter reveals trends that help achieve or remold business strategies. The key issue here is being able to extract insights and trends from huge volumes of information, and presenting them in an understandable way.
Recently, EMLYON Business School's Data R&D Institute held the OpenVis Conference focusing on how to visualize data and format it in an intuitive manner. Lynn ran the conference for five years in Boston, before spotting the opportunity to bring it to Europe this year with the support of EMLYON's dean, Bernard Belletante.
"The conference is precisely in line with the goals of the institute, in that it blends the latest in academic research with best practices from developers and data journalists," Lynn says.
The two-day conference at included talks from the Google Brain team on visualizing big data sets with machine learning and understanding the workings of 'neural nets'—computer systems modelled on the human brain. Presentations and panel discussions were followed by hands-on workshops teaching students ‘design and web coding skills’.
Lynn explains that students volunteered to help with the conference, "enabling them to attend for free and meet speakers." She says that upon graduating, some of her students have "hopped right into data science jobs, highly sought after internships at New York City data startups, or strategic analysis roles at companies like Salesforce."
"For the students who put in the effort,” she says, “the payoff is huge.”
Student Reviews
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Emlyon makes us confident!
Since I got into emlyon business school in September 2024, I’ve had many occasions to discover various subjects, but also to gain confidence and strength in several fields. Our « ADN » classes involve active participation and teamwork which enlighten our everyday life here in Lyon.
Teachers are welcoming and available, classes are dispensed in small rooms, all of this turning our studies into a real life experience.
As a top business school in France and in Europe, rest assured that this programme will take you to places you never had the chance to go to.
Worldwide School
If you're looking for a school with an international perspective, emlyon is the place to be. Academic exchange and double-degree opportunities are widely varied around the globe, and the school has 4 international campuses.
Warm welcome
emlyon is one of France's top business schools, offering a wide range of programs and masters degrees that allow students from all backgrounds to perfect their skills. Students are very friendly and student life is dynamic with 42 associations (art, culture, finance...). With the inauguration of its new campus, the school also offers students a highly advantageous working environment right in the heart of Lyon.
Experience at emlyon
My experience in emlyon business school was nothing but fantastic. The professors are very knowledgeable and helpful and are the best in the field to guide you to build your future self. The campus life is also really great and you get to meet amazing people!
A Global and Data-driven Learning Experience
As an international student from Taiwan, currently studying Digital Marketing & Data Science at Emlyon Business School's Paris campus, my experience has been both challenging and rewarding.
1. Academics & Curriculum
The program is highly data-driven, integrating real-world marketing strategies with technical skills like Python, SQL, and machine learning. Professors bring industry expertise and often collaborate with companies, making classes interactive and practical.
2. Campus & Student Life
The Paris campus is a great location for networking, surrounded by top companies and start-up ecosystems. There are plenty of career events, hackathons, and networking opportunities, which have helped me connect with professionals in my field.
3. International Student Experience
Coming from Taiwan, Emlyon provides a diverse and global environment. The school supports international students well, but navigating administrative processes (like visas and housing) can sometimes be challenging. However, the student community is welcoming, and there are many activities and student initiatives to engage with.
4. Overall Impression
I think Emlyon is a great choice for students looking for an innovative, hands-on learning experience in business and technology. While some courses could benefit from even more structure, the real-world projects, industry collaborations, and international environment make it a strong business school for aspiring digital professionals.
Very Good Program and Life-Changing Opportunities
I was truly delighted with my program as it provided me with valuable knowledge and skills. The campus is outstanding, offering an inspiring and welcoming environment for students. Moreover, my program opened up new professional opportunities that I would never have been able to access without completing this Master's degree in Strategy in International Business Development (in partnership with CentraleSupélec). I highly recommend this school to anyone seeking a transformative academic experience!
BBA1 EM Lyon business school
This is my first year at EM Lyon and one of the first factors that makes me love my school is its campus. The location, the layout of the premises, the exteriors... all the facilities are functional and largely allow students to flourish in their studies (very large library, individual and collaborative workspaces, fully equipped rooms that can be booked, catering and relaxation areas, roof... everything is there!) Also, what I particularly appreciate is the format of the courses which combines practice with theory. My program is intended to be very professionalizing, so we have courses and modules that put us in real situations, the professors and external speakers are for the most part people in professional activities in companies which allows us to benefit from concrete illustrations and notable anecdotes. The classes are not very numerous, offering us an opportunity for interaction and group work. In addition to the courses, the school has many very advantageous partnerships for internships and academic exchanges. In addition, the school offers many conferences and workshops at the Makerslab that allow us to educate ourselves and learn new things. Finally, my program is internationally oriented and that is one of the reasons why I chose it: internships and academic exchange abroad. Finally, student life is a real added value for us since the associative life occupies a preponderant place in our course due to the variety of associations, the premises that are reserved but especially the budget that is allocated.
Makers Spirit
Emlyon business school is a incredible university, i've been able to learn a lot of informations, and making contacts and meet a lot of people. The courses are very interesting and i'm looking foward to earn more experiences (academic or professional).This school gave me huge opportunities and still do, I intend to take them and use them, this school change my life, and me as a character. I want to make it known to as many people as possible, and grow the makers spirit!
Digital Marketing and Data Science
Courses are practical, and the program is intensive. We have so many tasks need to fulfill. I love the school provide many career and alumni resources. And also give us many opportunities to approach to different fields.
Current Student
Likes:
abundant resources
the network of alumni is really healpful
wonderful location (center Paris)
a lot of interesting lectures and company visits
the school opens until 2200, great for studying
Dislike:
not enough spaces to study
some study rooms are toooooo cold
some classrooms have limited access to charge and the air is stagnant