What makes internet businesses so enticing? We speak to MBAs who received multiple job offers from internet firms about the gruelling interview process, and why they love their jobs!
What makes internet businesses so enticing to MBAs? We speak to MBAs working for Groupon and start-ups HitFox and Project Firefly about the advantages of internet firms, and what it takes to land a job in the sector.
The first thing that MBAs love about start-ups is that they are flexible and give staff the chance to try their hands at different areas of the business.
You can easily find an employee at a start-up doing everything from negotiating deals with clients to advertising products using Twitter and Facebook.
At a fast-growing internet firm you get the chance to understand the business as a whole and are very close to both the successes and failures that result from your actions.
“It provides the opportunity to make an impact without navigating the hierarchy present in bigger global organizations. Wearing so many hats enhances your skillset because you get to really see the value of all things you learned on the MBA”, said
St Gallen MBA Nitin Misra.
Nitin graduated from a full-time MBA at University of St. Gallen and works for Project Firefly, a company that wants to change the way students share knowledge using the internet. Prior to this he worked as an IT Consultant for big corporations including Oracle, HCL Technologies and Accenture.
Start-ups are designed to deliver new products or services under conditions of extreme uncertainty and it is the speed of learning that EMLYON MBA Vibhuti Singh finds incredible. He said, “It is that continuous learning that wouldn’t be possible in an established company with strictly defined roles”.
Nitin works as a product manager, also at Project Firefly and says that the biggest advantage is the chance to push his limits and help to create something larger in the future.
Charting your own course for growth is an obvious positive but he warns that this comes at the price of working in an environment that might be too dynamic. “You might not always reach a goal in a start-up because there are no concrete plans or strict processes to get there”.
That being said, getting into the start-up scene is no easy feat. For those who want to work at highly sought-after firms backed by top venture capitalists, get prepared for a marathon of interviews full of tough questions.
Vibhuti, who is in his second week at work as a senior product manager for Groupon in Berlin had to survive 14 interview rounds. He calls Groupon “a start-up on steroids” and if you think that such interviews are peculiar, think again.
Two months out of
EMLYON Business School, Vibhuti had 11 job offers with internet start-up in different European countries.
One of the interview sessions he attended lasted for seven hours straight and he was asked bizarre questions like: “If you have a ball whose breaking point you don’t know, how do you guard it if you have to throw it out of a window?”
“I couldn’t even think straight at that point. I felt the interview was more on stress testing than anything else”, he said.
Such intense job application processes shows that getting into the right internet start-up takes time and planning.
Vibhuti believes that highlighting his past work experience at EBay was essential in getting him the job with Groupon and so many job offers in general.
Shinobu Ishibashi also works for Groupon, in analytics, but is based in Zurich. Her career progression has been quite interesting, starting out as an international relations student who got interested in e-commerce during her university days and joined the computer club to pick up essential skills on the side.
She moved in and out of the tech space working for consulting firm ZS Associates, and for Apple in Japan.
At each place she strengthened her knowledge in how to boost sales revenue by studying data and making predictions.
After being away from work for two years because she had a baby, Shinobu applied for an
MBA at St. Gallen because it was “an entry ticket and the best way to develop connections in the Swiss market”. Shinobu’s husband is Swiss and they decided to make a home there.
Google, EBay, Groupon and Bindie operate in the Zurich area and those were some of the companies that Shinobu narrowed down on her list.
Abhishek, another class of 2012 graduate from the University of St. Gallen was keen to work in start-up because he didn’t feel like he could go back to the corporate hierarchy after the MBA.
At the same time, he needed a job with enough security to pay off his b-school loans. Getting a job in a well-established VC-backed tech start-up was the perfect compromise.
He started by searching for venture funds to see who they were backing and soon zoned in on Berlin, the start-up hub for Europe.
His journey to HitFox was a long conversation lasting two months. There were four or five telephone interviews with HR and the product manager. He then visited Berlin and spent two days meeting with the CEO and the senior partners at the firm.
Lots of tough questions were thrown at him. HitFox is a company that provides advertising infrastructure for games publishers and Abhishek is an entrepreneur-in-residence with them.
They plan to start new companies every year and are actively seeking ideas that are high margin and can be replicated quickly.
At one of the interviews he was asked to evaluate five different gaming companies if he had $10 million dollars to spend, explaining how much he would invest in each one and why.
Technology changes so fast and internet start-ups come and go every day. Those who want to work with them need to understand the business model and how the company plans to survive in the long run.
Over at
IESE Business School, students are getting a holistic view of the world of start-ups by visiting Silicon Valley. During the first year of the programme, students take a core course on entrepreneurship that is invaluable for students who want to embark on either corporate or traditional entrepreneurship ventures.
30 students are on a trip this week and they will be visiting start-ups, investors and incubators. They plan to visit approximately 20 organizations, including WhatsApp, Khosla Ventures, 500 Startups, Lemon, Dorsey & Whitney, Scale Venture Partners and Cisco Systems.
The main goal of the visit is to give MBA students a deep understanding of entrepreneurial initiatives through direct contact with firms and business leaders in the area.
IESE MBAs will learn key skills for launching new ventures (just in case they want to try their hands at it!), e.g. how to secure capital, avoid common entrepreneurial mistakes, resolve conflicts, lead global business projects and create strong teams.
On March 28, IESE will host an
Entrepreneurial Forum in San Francisco, with guest speaker Andrew Chung, partner of venture capital firm Khosla Ventures. He will give a talk titled "Inventing the Future" and a panel discussion including entrepreneurs and venture capitalists will follow.
Check out some of the exciting roles at HitFox on our Jobs Board. Read more stories about MBA careers, here. Read our latest article on careers with Rocket Internet, here.
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
Stepping Into the World of Data
I come from a business background, and I stumbled upon Python a few years ago almost by accident. I found myself spending hours debugging code, completely losing track of time. It was as if a new world had quietly unfolded before me, one I hadn’t even realized I was searching for.
But without a scientific background, I felt behind. We tend to put ourselves in boxes, believing certain paths are out of reach. This master’s program proved otherwise. It gave someone like me with a non-technical foundation a chance, it opened the door to data and analytics.
Yes, it’s a challenge. The curriculum is intense, and the learning curve is steep, but the support from professors and peers makes all the difference. The hands-on projects, the balance between theory and application, and the exposure to real-world case studies ensure that learning isn’t just theoretical: it’s practical and impactful. I’ve worked on diverse datasets, from images to audio, passing through the more familiar tabular data, and every project pushes me to think critically and experiment confidently.
One of the standout aspects of this master’s is the collaborative environment. My classmates come from different backgrounds; engineering, business, social sciences, and that diversity makes discussions richer and group work more dynamic.
Slowly but surely, I’m bridging the gap between curiosity and expertise. If you're drawn to data, AI, and the power of code, this master’s might be the door you’ve been waiting to walk through.
The question is: Are you ready to take that leap?
Good school
This school is really very interesting! We learn a lot there and the teachers are professionals and therefore have experience to share with us. The only problem would be just the fact that some teachers are not very educational which makes the lessons sometimes hard to follow...
An excellent school that deserves its reputation
I am a PGE student at emlyon BS and I am completely fulfilled there: the courses are of high quality, punctuated by stimulating group projects and the associative life allows the class to bond and to spend very good times with people who share a common interest or passion. In addition, the academic excellence of emlyon is recognized both in France and abroad, which allows students to benefit from very good internship opportunities and great career prospects. In other words, I recommend emlyon BS
Experience at emlyon
During my time at EMLYON Business School, I discovered a demanding and stimulating academic environment, marked by a strong entrepreneurial culture. The pedagogical approach, focused on learning by doing, allowed me to develop concrete skills in project management and strategic decision-making. One of the highlights of my experience was participating in a business game where we had to manage a fictitious company in a competitive market. This simulation taught me the importance of data analysis and adaptability in the face of economic contingencies. I was also able to interact with professionals at conferences and workshops, which gave me a clearer vision of the challenges of the business world. Finally, the diversity of the student network, made up of international profiles and varied backgrounds, enriched my experience. Working in a team with people with different approaches was a real asset to develop my ability to collaborate and innovate. This immersion at EMLYON has strengthened my entrepreneurial spirit and my desire to evolve in a dynamic environment, where learning is not limited to theory but is anchored in practice and experimentation.
Nice campus
Located near the center of Lyon which allows for easy commute and proximity to stores/restaurants.
Amazing student life, there are events every week (sports, lunches, parties but also networking and work opportunities). Great school if you're interested in consulting or finance as top firms come and teach classes every semester.
Some classes are online and some classes are in person.
If you come as an international student in the MIM program you cannot do exchanges internationally but there are many double diplomas to chose from. French students have the possibility to do exchanges at MIT, UCLA, Bocconi, Berkeley etc.
A Fun and Insightful Learning Experience
Attending emlyon business school has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The MSc in Health Management & Data Intelligence program offers a perfect blend of theory and practical applications, with a strong focus on the healthcare industry. The professors bring a wealth of real-world experience, making the learning process engaging and insightful.
The campus life is vibrant and multicultural, providing opportunities to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on projects and the interactive learning environment, which have significantly enhanced my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
One standout moment was participating in the international seminar, where we visited leading healthcare companies and gained firsthand insights into global industry practices. Another memorable experience was the Transforming Early Makers project, which challenged us to innovate and present solutions to real-world healthcare problems.
The career services team is supportive, offering guidance and resources that help in preparing for the professional world. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to develop their skills in healthcare management and data analytics.
#InnovativeLearning #HealthcareManagement #DataDrivenEducation
Excellent education and association system
A very diverse courses and cultures are present in the school.
It was a place where I learned much, especially about job opportunities.
The association life is great. Student can learn a lot of things about the difficulties in work, and allow them to have experience as a future managers.
