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Why MBA: EMLYON Business School

Renewable energy enthusiast Filippo Comelli is heading to a new life and career in Cape Town after finishing his MBA at EMLYON in France.

Tue Sep 30 2014

BusinessBecause
Filippo Comelli has finished the bulk of his MBA program at EMLYON, the French business school, and will graduate in a few months’ time.

He is from Udine, a small Italian town in the north east region of Friuli, but has spent the past decade studying or working in Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain, Sweden and the US.

He spent years working as a project manager based in Copenhagen for a European renewable energy firm in the wind and solar energy sub-sectors, but decided to pursue an MBA in France to re-think his career path.

He has wasted no time in securing a new career – he has just flown out to Cape Town in South Africa, where he will join the ranks of a renewable energy company.

You worked as a project manager at European Energy A/S in Italy (although based in Copenhagen) – what was unique about working in the wind/solar energy sectors?

Industry-wise, it is definitely unique and exciting. It’s in its very early stages, compared to [the] oil and gas [sector]. Governments have to take action to make our planet more liveable, and companies need to be more environmentally responsible.

Everything still needs to be shaped. Players can be all sizes and from all countries – you can really have quick and rapid career [growth], and an opportunity to differentiate yourself from the crowd.

It was great to see both sides of the coin – the punctuality and rigorousness from Denmark and creativity and positive spirit from Italy.

Why did you decide to begin an MBA program?

Between 2010 and 2012 the industry, especially in Italy, underwent tremendous changes. The government changed its mind quickly on how the green economy should be implemented in the country.

Many foreign investors left the country; European Energy A/S also had to reassess its investments in the country and utilize its funds more wisely somewhere else.

Instead of waiting for others to decide what to do next, I thought it was a good idea to rethink life [and] rethink my career. Why not go somewhere warmer, and close to the Alps?

An MBA program sounded [like] a perfect opportunity to fine-tune my skills and competencies.

Why was France attractive as a destination, and what made EMLYON stand out?

I was interested in learning French. I already speak Spanish and English. I thought that learning French would give me [the] upper hand in my my next career, as it is widely spoken and could bridge me, eventually, to some emerging African economies.

Secondly, I looked at very international programs, and I looked [for] programs with few students per class. In my opinion, the knowledge and experience you gain from a small cohort is unmatchable.

Obviously life outside the classroom is also very important. EMLYON is physically located in a good-sized city. As a new French resident, you have the opportunity to experience the French culture in full.

Lyon [the school’s base] is very close to some of the best ski spots in Europe, and also to some of the best wine areas in the world.

The strong focus that the school has on entrepreneurship: this is certainly an important skill to enhance, whether you work in a corporate environment or as approximately 20% of my classmates do, in a start-up incubator with a new business opportunity.

What has been the highlight of your MBA?

Many [people] always say that it is about the people they have met during the MBA. I have to agree with that; they really make the difference in your life and in your learning.

The highlight was working on the six-month consulting project. I carried it out with three classmates from other countries. The project helped me understand how to work in different cultural environments at the same time.

You have majored in corporate finance – is this a path you intend to pursue as a career?

Never say never. The finance professors at EMLYON are among the best. However, for now, no.

It was part of my plan to have a more rounded understanding of business. A BSc in business administration, an MSc in international marketing and management, [and] an MBA in corporate finance were a needed set of qualifications [that] I wanted to add to my profile, in order to enter the job market as a rounded manager.

You said you are on your way to your next job in Cape Town, South Africa. Tell us about it.

I am currently sitting in London Heathrow airport waiting for my flight to Cape Town. It will be an adventure. That was the plan I had with my girlfriend – to explore some new places in the world where things are not as foreseeable as in Europe.

I will be working for a South African company in Cape Town that wants to become the leader of renewable energy production. What else would you wish to do post-MBA, if not enter a very exciting [and] changing industry, and a company that is eager to grow?

How well has an MBA at EMLYON prepared you for an international career?

It has certainly prepared me very well for an international career – it gave me [the] opportunity to learn and understand how to work across cultures and [with] teams from all over the world.

Furthermore, the various case studies and projects which were related to different business environments gave me a solid basis for international business.

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.

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