Anna Zhang switched industry and role after an MBA at France’s EMLYON Business School
Anna Zhang was hungry for change in her career. She’d worked in retail business for 12 years as a private label product manager in China, but wanted something new.Convinced it was the perfect tool to reinvent her career, she packed her bags and joined the full-time International MBA program at France’s .
Anna was seeking fresh insights into business that she felt had been lacking in her previous role. With a preference to go to Europe over the US, she chose EMLYON for its high ranking, diverse cohort and entrepreneurial focus and never looked back.
“I had a wonderful class with I think over 14 different nationalities,” she says.
For Anna, the EMLYON MBA’s diversity was key—the selection process for the EMLYON International MBA ensures that each year’s cohort is purposely diverse in terms of nationalities and professional backgrounds.
This was instrumental in helping Anna develop a more global mindset and gain exposure to how people from other cultures think.
“Working and studying at , I learned how to work with people with different backgrounds,” she explains. “People think differently depending on their upbringing, and I have learned to appreciate that.
“When I came home to China, I looked at things differently—more objectively—which is a strength.”
Initially planning to open her own coffee shop post-MBA, Anna also gained a diploma in French pastry during her time in France. After gaining entrepreneurial insights and studying the market however, she decided that this wasn’t the right career path for her.
Instead, her MBA would be instrumental for her next career step as Anna was headhunted for a role in China with French multinational Carrefour—one of the largest hypermarket chains in the world.
“Big companies always need to make sure they have the right talent. When they are looking for candidates to choose from, I think the MBA is a big criteria for them,” Anna explains.
“In this sense, the EMLYON MBA helped me be recognized by Carrefour. They recognized the quality of the degree and my strengths as a candidate.”
After working in three different departments as part of her preparation for a management role, Anna’s now a supply chain director at Carrefour in China. She’s still applying her MBA learnings in her day-to-day work.
“EMLYON taught me how to deal with people with different thoughts, how to deal with conflict, how to structure things, how to work professionally and how to deal with pressure and stress,” she says. “It gives you all the management skills you’ll need.”
What advice does Anna have for Asian students considering an MBA at ?
“You won’t regret it,” she says. “I had no problem at all mixing into French life. The MBA was a lovely experience and a privilege to be part of.”
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.
