Success Stories

The Success Stories section of our Online Magazine represents former MBA Center students who have been accepted into top MBA programs around the world and have agreed to be featured in this section. Most of them have also agreed to help you with advice regarding admissions to the MBA programs where they were admitted. If you would like to contact a Success Story student, please send us an email to info@mba-center.net including your name, the MBA program you are considering, and the student you would like to contact, as well as any information you consider relevant to the situation. We will forward your email to the Success Story student in question, and he or she will answer you. Due to our strict policy of confidentiality concerning our students’ contact information, we cannot provide you with their email addresses at your request.


Tuning In to the Bigger Picture

Diana Bartha, admitted to INSEAD

There came a point in Diana Bartha’s career in media content where change in the television industry was inevitable. With the digital revolution well on its way, Diana decided to prepare herself for that change by getting an MBA. She was accepted to INSEAD’s Executive MBA Program, where she was awarded a 35,000 € scholarship.    More »

Doctor MBA

Nora Benhabiles, admitted to IESE

It was while she was working for a biotechnology company that Nora Benhabiles discovered something about herself. Though she had previously achieved a PhD in molecular biophysics from UPMC, Nora felt she needed something more. She found the answer at IESE’s Executive MBA program, where she was accepted last year and is learning everything from accounting to management skills.    More »

Hard Work Equals Big Rewards

Mickaël Ghozland, admitted to HEC Paris

Mickaël Ghozland knew he wanted a competitive school to prepare him for a leadership position. It had to be a program that was well regarded, a place where students would be able to meet other ambitious professionals looking to get ahead in life. He found the right fit at HEC’s Executive MBA Program. Now in his second year at HEC, he has given up much of his time outside of work in order to pursue his dream of advancing to a leadership position in his company. But, according to Mickaël, the reward of learning at HEC matches every bit of the effort.    More »

The Will to Go Farther

Lyonel Scapino, admitted to IESE

During his experience as an IT consultant working with reinsurance, Lyonel Scapino found he was inspired to do more with his career. The industry presented the promise of growth and many opportunities to excel. Lyonel decided the best way to take advantage of those opportunities was to get an MBA at IESE in Barcelona.    More »

ENPC: Deep in the Heart of Paris

Bruno Dias, admitted to ENPC

Bruno Dias found the right MBA program in the right place and for the right duration. At ENPC, Bruno has been getting an intense experience both in the classroom and on the job. As part of a consultancy project, which is a focal part of ENPC’s curriculum, Bruno has been able to make real connections with business.    More »

IMD EMBA: Growth Is the Goal

Benoît d'Halluin, admitted to IMD

For Benoît d'Halluin, Director of Strategies and Development for Galeries Lafayette Group, an EMBA degree meant more than simply the polish a reputable program would give his CV. Benoît decided to attend the IMD Executive MBA Program because he wanted to grow, both in his company and as a person.    More »

Smart Math: PhD + TRIUM EMBA = Bright Future in Business

Armand Nachef, admitted to TRIUM EMBA

This mathematician of French and Lebanese roots is in the midst of a new educational experience, one that will put him in the board room and not solely in the classroom. Improving his management skills is a priority for this mid-career changer. Armand Nachef currently attends TRIUM Global Executive MBA – a joint program of NYU Stern, LSE, and HEC Paris.    More »

Looking to London for Opportunity

Pascal Fievet, admitted to Cass

Pascal Fievet is looking to City University’s Cass Business School in London as the starting point for his next big career move. As a program director for the IT division of NRJ Group, Pascal decided to enroll in the Executive MBA program last year. Now, Pascal is learning the lessons that will enable him to move forward in a new environment.    More »

Full Steam Ahead

Basile Cayatte, admitted to INSEAD

At a very early age, Basile Cayatte practiced piano and singing and learned the principle of pursuing his passion determinedly. It’s a principle he continued to follow as a telecommunications engineer and then as account sales director for a telecom company. He has brought the same kind of determination in his application to INSEAD, where he was accepted and will begin pursuing his MBA in August 2008.    More »

Applying the Results of Your Studies from the First Day in Class

Raphaël Fainac, admitted to LBS

Despite his rapid career ascent in financial management, Raphaël Fainac still wanted to pursue an MBA. Today, Managing Director of Sagem Communications, UK, his current responsibilities benefit from the scrutiny and advice of both his LBS peers and high-profile instructors.    More »

Building a Better Road to Success

Damien Liot, admitted to MIT

When MIT Sloan Fellows Program in Innovation and Global Leadership Director Stephen Sacca visited MBA Center in early 2006, Damien Liot was there. Damien had heard much about the MIT Sloan program, but the Director's visit and the personal interaction he offered greatly impressed him.    More »

Columbia: Small World in the Big Apple

Laurent Meurice, admitted to Columbia and LBS

As a senior financial consultant for Murex, Laurent Meurice loved his job but discovered he needed a greater perspective to move forward. He found the perfect fit in New York City at Columbia Graduate School of Business. After visiting a two-day Open House event for admitted students earlier this year, Laurent is even more excited about his choice.    More »

IMD: Close Ties Build a Better Network

Paul Holmes, admitted to IMD

For Paul Holmes, knowing exactly what he wanted out of an MBA program was one of the most important aspects in gaining admission to IMD. The 32-year-old former pricing analyst for Sanofi-Aventis had done his homework and researched many of the top business schools. The research paid off, and, despite a challenging final interview, Paul was accepted.    More »

For Me, Chicago GSB Was Always My First Choice

Ekaterina Herzig, admitted to Chicago GSB

Even as an undergraduate, Ekaterina Herzig dreamed of returning to the classroom later on in life to learn more about business and subjects like finance and economics. But after graduating, a fast-track career at Watson AS’s Marionnaud perfumeries, lots of travel and building a family did not leave her much time to pursue that dream.    More »

Building a Business Starts with Getting an MBA

Madhu Rajesh, admitted to INSEAD

For this international hotel manager, the idea to do an MBA started with a guiding principle that she learned from her first job in Dubai: “look after your staff and they will look after your business.” A people person, Madhu wants to start her own business some day, but to meet her goals she needed the skills that only an MBA can offer.    More »

Making the Right MBA Move to Chicago

Carine Hutasse, admitted to Chicago GSB

With a background in marketing and strategy for some of France’s most well-known cheese brands, this graduate from Lyon’s prestigious business school decided on Chicago GSB to pursue her career goals. Her post-MBA plans are to gain professional experience in the USA at a higher level of experience before returning to Europe to start her own business or to start up a food and nutrition unit within an international organization.    More »

Audencia – L’Oréal – Kellogg: Quite a LEAP

Anne-Laure Duno, admitted to Kellogg, INSEAD and LBS

For this ambitious MBA candidate, the one-year MBA program at Kellogg was the perfect choice. Anne-Laure Duno has a good French undergraduate business degree and a clear vision of her career goals, both of which are prerequisites for candidates wishing to join Kellogg’s accelerated program. It was a tough choice all the same, as Anne-Laure turned down INSEAD and London Business School, despite the scholarships on offer. Nothing was going to stop this L’Oréal executive from going to the top-ranked US business school.    More »

ENPC MBA Graduate Rewrites His CV with a Difference Now

Mathieu Vaidis, admitted to ENPC

Mathieu Vaidis constantly found himself at a disadvantage because of the lack of a university degree. To overcome the obstacle, he earned an MBA at ENPC School of International Management (Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées) in 2007. He not only earned a solid degree in management education but also was hired at the job of his dreams thanks to the internship he successfully completed during the last six months of the ENPC MBA Program.    More »

Capgemini Consultant: Giving Golf Lessons Helped Me Learn Important Soft Skills

Sébastien Rozanes, admitted to Wharton

Having earned a Masters degree in Information Systems and Technology Management from HEC Paris, Sébastien Rozanes realized that he needed an international business qualification to pursue his entrepreneurial goals. The amateur golfing instructor applied to a top school in the USA and now looks forward to obtaining a solid management education.    More »

A Certified Public Accountant and Military Officer Sees the MBA as a Major Transformation Opportunity

Cosimo Italiano, admitted to Tuck

By doing an MBA at a top business school, Cosimo Italiano hopes to transform the strengths from his distinguished military career into a professional profile where his international experience comes to the forefront. It is a long shot, but he is not one to wilt under fire.    More »

Perfect Fit for HR Professional in Need of Top Business Skills

Laurent Gasse, admitted to ESSEC-Mannheim Executive MBA

With a PhD in Law, Laurent Gasse deliberated for a long time on the best way to develop his career as a Human Resources professional. He realized he needed essential business skills. Thanks to his extensive academic background—Laurent also has two Master’s degrees in Business Law and Human Resources—and the coaching he received at the MBA Center Paris, Laurent was accepted into the Executive MBA program of his dreams.    More »

Emphasis on General Management Curriculum

Clément Pimor, admitted to Harvard

For this high-flying MBA candidate, the road to riches is NOT what he had in mind when he decided to apply for the Harvard two-year MBA program. Parisian Clément Pimor, whose last job was assisting the Chief of Staff in defining the outgoing French Prime Minister’s communication strategy, wanted to acquire the necessary business skills to become an entrepreneur.    More »

Academic Rigor, Human Touch and New Curriculum at Stanford

Christophe Pennetier, admitted to Stanford, INSEAD, UCLA and Tuck

When Christophe Pennetier, an organizational consultant, started thinking about doing an MBA, he was not sure about a lot of things. He had never taken a GMAT before, much less any college entrance exam. He had also never written any in-depth essays required by business schools. In short, the MBA application process was a completely new experience for him, but given his extensive background and the coaching he received at the MBA Center Paris, it was easy for him to prepare for the admissions process. In the end, he applied for and was admitted to INSEAD, UCLA, Tuck and Stanford, where he has decided to attend.    More »

From Congo to Chicago: Achieving International Leadership with Harvard and Chicago GSB

Eric Mboma, admitted to Harvard and Chicago GSB

Eric Mboma already has a Master in Public Administration from Harvard, but his academic aspirations are far from over: Eric now plans to complete his MBA at Chicago GSB. The eldest of seven children, Eric shuttled from Africa to France and attended a few foreign boarding schools along the way, learned responsibility at an early age. Fluent in six languages, he has easily adapted to various cultures and has studied in an international context. Even as a teenager in his hometown in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he discovered that “from a small spot in Africa, you could almost see the world.”    More »

HEC Paris MBA: Collaborative Knowledge-Sharing Is the Key

Fabien Zanini, admitted to HEC Paris, INSEAD and ENPC

Fabien Zanini needed a way to break with his past: nine years of professional experience in the commodities market promised to keep him firmly in place unless he could find a way to make a successful switch. Not always an easy task, but with an MBA from HEC Paris it will be not only feasible but highly probable that Fabien will have no difficulty finding a new position in his preferred industry, strategic consulting, after graduation. Fabien describes this and more in the following interview with the MBA Center.    More »

Aiming Higher Than You Think You Can

Antoine Delacour, admitted to INSEAD

Antoine Delacour achieved what was for him the unthinkable: he has been admitted to the one of the top MBAs in Europe and in the world. When first considering MBA programs, Antoine believed that his unusual profile would be a disadvantage rather than an asset. Luckily, some good advice proved him wrong and his hard work, diligence, and willingness to aim high in his choice of programs for application paid off. Antoine discusses this and more in the following interview with the MBA Center.    More »

Exciting Experiences with ENPC

Maximilian Hensler, admitted to ENPC

Maximilian Hensler had many objectives when applying for ENPC’s MBA program. There were the usual MBA applicant aspirations: increased responsibility, increased salary, increased opportunities. However, he was also looking for something different - different from his routine, his work, his usual everyday life. The desire for adventure and personal development significantly influenced his decision to attend ENPC’s program. In the end, ENPC far surpassed his hopes for all of these factors. He further explores his experience at ENPC in the following article with the MBA Center.    More »

An EMBA with EDHEC

Bruno Vasseur, admitted to EDHEC

Bruno Vasseur realized that completing an MBA at EDHEC would be his best opportunity to boost both his professional and personal development. Bruno found that EDHEC’s balance of professional and human interactions perfectly suited his aspirations and MBA vision. Find out more about EDHEC and EMBAs in the following interview with the MBA Center.    More »

HEC Montréal: Maturity Makes a Difference

Oleg Stralchonak, admitted to HEC Montréal

Having only recently returned to France from Canada, Oleg Stralchonak was delighted to discuss his recent MBA experience at HEC Montréal. Oleg was able to combine his desire to experience life in North America - specifically in Canada, a “country of immigrants” – with completing a well-ranked MBA program that Oleg knew would enhance his international appeal. Learn more about Oleg’s North American experience, as well as some invaluable advice on preparing for application, in the following interview with the MBA Center.    More »

“Giving Back with a Stanford MBA”

Victoire Guyot, admitted to Stanford and INSEAD

When she applied to Stanford GSB, Victoire Guyot already had both a broad range of professional experiences and a North American campus experience at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. However, even with her international cursus, Victoire was pleasantly surprised by the unique experience offered by Stanford GSB.    More »

“Day I Got Admitted, I Was Already Part of Darden Community”

Simon Weillaert, admitted to Darden

When Simon Weillaert started applying for MBA programs, he already had a great deal of international management experience in South East Asia. How better to continue a successful career than with a top MBA? Simon chose Darden because of its strong community spirit, but since then has found countless other advantages to this Virginia-based program.    More »

MIT Sloan: One Year to Complete, Five to Digest

Sébastien Andrivet, admitted to MIT

Like many, Sébastien Andrivet was frustrated with a boring job. However, unlike many, his solution involved getting accepted to one of the top-ten MBA programs in the world: the Sloan Fellows MBA program at MIT. Sébastien shares his insight and some great advice for MBA applicants in the following interview.    More »

Opening International Doors

Aleksandra Milanovic, admitted to INSEAD and LBS

Aleksandra Milanovic already had an enviable international profile before she applied to INSEAD’s renowned program with campuses in both France and Singapore. Nevertheless, as Aleksandra discovered, you can’t get too much of a good thing when you’re talking about international exposure. Along with INSEAD’s reputation for academic excellence and the convenient location of their main campus just outside Paris in Fontainebleau, the fact that INSEAD offers this unique international perspective won Aleksandra’s candidature. She discusses this and more in the following interview.    More »

American Dreams – From the NBA to the MBA

Amir Debourou, admitted to Chicago GSB

Amir Debourou has come a long way since his childhood ambitions of playing basketball for the NBA (National Basketball Association) in the United States. While this young ambition was crushed by a physical ailment that prevented his progress in the sport, many years later, Amir finds himself returning to the place of childhood dreams.    More »

New Experiences in New England

Luca Rigano, admitted to Tuck

Studying for an MBA will be full of new experiences for Luca Rigano. While the application process gave him a taste of “the American Experience” – being required to take American standardized tests and write personal essays is generally not featured in a European education – after being accepted at Tuck Business School, Luca realized it may have been just the beginning.    More »

IMD: The Place Where I Most Wanted to Do My MBA

Paul Ploumhans, admitted to IMD and INSEAD

Paul Ploumhans had more than the usual number of factors to deal with when deciding where to apply for an MBA program. In addition to the usual questions concerning program type and fit, Paul also had to take into account the support and comfort of his young family when making his decision. IMD offered the perfect fit for many reasons, all of which Paul discusses in this interview with the MBA Center.    More »

One Chance for GMAT, One Chance for TOEFL

Francesco Roccavilla, admitted to INSEAD

Francesco Roccavilla is greatly looking forward to starting his MBA program – but first he will have to move his family of four to Singapore! Appreciating the possibilities of international adventures, Francesco shares his thoughts on previous adventures such as the applications and admissions process and much more in the following interview.    More »

Campus Visits Imperative in Decision-Making Process

Mathieu Pasqual, admitted to Columbia

Mathieu Pasqual's acceptance at Columbia wasn't nearly as uncertain as his decision to attend the program. Mathieu's high GMAT score made him a strong candidate for many excellent programs, but it was his visits to the Columbia campus in New York City that convinced him that Columbia was indeed the best fit for him. With Columbia's top-notch program combined with the international, business-oriented nature of its location, Mathieu is certain he won't be disappointed. Read further for more on acceptance at Columbia, studies in the heart of the Big Apple, and, of course, tips for the application process…    More »

MBA Effort Doesn’t End with Admission

Larissa Smaguina, admitted to Chicago GSB

Larissa Smaguina was reasonably reinvigorated after her post-acceptance vacation. Nevertheless, the intense thought and work she put into the application process was fresh in her mind as she discussed her recent acceptance at Chicago for the Executive MBA program. Larissa discusses her perspective on education, pre-MBA networking, and the interview process in the following article.    More »

No Absolutes in the “Admissions Game”

Alessandro Polidori-Vidal, admitted to LBS

While clearly Alessandro Polidori-Vidal’s acceptance at London Business School is due in large part to the time and effort spent on the preparation and application, he loses no time in identifying the role of chance in the MBA admissions process. “Rules are clear and definite, but sometimes luck and fate count more than any kind of preparations,” says Alessandro, identifying the role of unseen and uncontrollable factors in the determining choices of admissions committees. Just as there is no universal “right time” to do an MBA, neither is there a universal profile that guarantees admission into top programs. Read more on this and other post-acceptance thoughts from Alessandro in this interview with the MBA Center.    More »

When the Time Is Right

Laurent Velty, admitted to LBS and INSEAD

Laurent Velty already has a fulfilling successful career, what better to take him to the next level than an EMBA from INSEAD? Unlike many MBA candidates, applying for an MBA was not a life-long ambition for Laurent, rather, his appreciation for the opportunities presented by this degree evolved with his career. In this interview, Laurent describes the details of his progression towards application, from a TOEIC exam in 2004, to the MBA Center, and finally to INSEAD!    More »

Bicontinental Success

Massimo Chiabotto, admitted to Chicago GSB and ESCP-EAP

Accepted at Chicago GSB and to ESCP-EAP, Massimo Chiabotto is anxious to take his success to the next step – successfully completing the Chicago MBA! Despite Chicago’s “windy” northern climate, Massimo is eager to move on to the real challenge in one of the top EMBA programs in the world. In this interview, he shares his reasons for applying for the Chicago MBA, his thoughts on challenge and advice for other MBA-hopefuls.    More »

First France. Next, the World

Christian Jourdain, admitted to HEC Paris and INSEAD

Christian Jourdain is understandably happy with his acceptance at the two schools of his choice: HEC Paris and INSEAD. His story is also part of a growing trend in MBAs: many are choosing to attend highly ranked European MBA programs rather than traveling long distances or relocating. If one already has significant international experience, is it necessary to attend an MBA program in a foreign country? Christian addresses this, along with the relative importance of rankings and other areas of importance for MBA applicants and candidates in the following interview.    More »

To Oxford in Pursuit of EMBA Excellence

Luigi Piva, admitted to Oxford

Luigi Piva is attending the EMBA program of one of the oldest educational institutions in Europe: Oxford Saïd Business School, in the beautiful and historic city of Oxford. Luigi has taken the time out of his full-time position and EMBA courses to share his thoughts and advice on his accomplishment, as well as his thoughts for his post-EMBA future.    More »

Happy to Be at IMD

Claire Thorey, admitted to IMD

Claire Thorey certainly has reason to be pleased with her successful application to the one of the top MBA programs in Europe and the world. In this interview, she discusses how, even with a PhD, conquering the GMAT and essays required by the application process are no easy tasks. And the real challenge of attending the program has not yet begun. Claire shares her experience and advice with the MBA Center in the following interview.    More »

Success and the IMD Interviews

Kacem Madani, admitted to IMD

Kacem Madani has finally reached the end of his long road from control systems to business, and he was relieved to have completed IMD unique interview process, or should we say ordeal? Whatever you choose to call it, the simple word “interview” hardly describes the process. Kacem gives us more details on this and other aspects of the application process…    More »

The Internationalism of INSEAD

Ariane Rossi, admitted to INSEAD

Ariane Rossi knows what kinds of positions interest her, and she already has a good part of what she needs succeed in them. She knows that finance is the field for her, but for her international exposure is a necessity. In identifying INSEAD’s EMBA program, she knows that she will get the general management refresher she needs, along with all the international experience necessary to boost her in an international career in finance.    More »

A Different Way of Doing Business

Stéphane Roy, admitted to Kellogg

After a long and thought-intensive process applying at schools, Stéphane now faces what might be the most difficult part of all - choosing one program from among the ones at which he has been accepted. Stéphane is focusing on challenge and self-improvement as he prepares to make a move across the Atlantic to explore a different way of life and doing business the American way.    More »

An International Degree in Paris

Christophe de la Fouchardière admitted to ENPC

Christophe de la Fouchardière found that with ENPC, it was possible to achieve all the benefits of an MBA without having to leave Paris. The experiences of spending time in Beijing and Shanghai, sharing experiences with other MBA students from around the world, and ENPC’s international network of alumni have all contributed to Christophe’s excellent opinion of his soon-to-be alma mater. Christophe took some time off from his studies and projects to share some of his thoughts on ENPC and the MBA experience.    More »

Expanding on Basics at IFG-Concordia

Marie-Laure Will admitted to IFG-Concordia

Marie-Laure Will already had the business basics when she decided to apply for an MBA. She realized that an MBA would offer her the best opportunity to make the most of her previous experience, as well as gain new experiences necessary to management in a large multi-national enterprise. She discovered that she would find all this and more at IFG-Concordia, and takes the time to tell us why...    More »

Getting the Best of Both Worlds with WHU

Bruno Lefebvre admitted to Kellogg-WHU

Bruno Lefebvre clearly put in the time and effort necessary to choose the right MBA program. Moreover, with a program like WHU, he was able to completely eliminate a difficult choice necessary for most MBA applicants: whether to stay in Europe or go to the U.S. Knowing that there are advantages and disadvantages for each continent in terms of MBA preparation, Bruno won’t have to ask himself whether he should have gone with a top U.S. or European program, since with WHU he already incorporates elements of both.    More »

The Entrepreneurial Advantage

Christian Abi-Saad admitted to INSEAD

Many MBA candidates apply for the degree with the objective of gaining the ever-coveted international experience that will open the doors to fast-paced and exciting international opportunities in their companies or careers. Christian Abi-Saad already had that when he decided to apply for an MBA. Already having lived in three different countries with significant work experience in the U.S. and in the international field, Christian was looking for something other than international experience when he decided to apply at INSEAD. Christian explains his decision and application process…    More »

Cornell MBA and Enjoying Life

Gilles Moreau admitted to Cornell

For some, MBA programs can be as stressful as they are beneficial. Luckily, Gilles Moreau is not one of those people. Not only is he profiting from the program at Cornell, he is also greatly enjoying life in Ithaca, situated in lovely up-state New York. Gilles shares his impressions of the program, the campus and his unique method for obtaining a two-year degree in one year’s time...    More »

Accessing the U.S. through Germany

Samuel Balzan admitted to Kellogg-WHU

Preparing himself for a future position in the United States, Samuel Balzan found that the Kellogg-WHU program offered him the flexibility and experience he needed to secure the degree of his dreams without leaving his family or his position to go to the United States. What more could one ask for from an MBA program? Yet Samuel also insists on keeping an open mind about opportunities. Management may not be the only exciting opportunity afforded by this experience...    More »

Success of an "Unusual Profile"

Elisabeth Dana admitted to University of Chicago

Attending one of the top EMBA programs in the world is a distinction coveted by many with what might be considered "perfect" or "ideal profiles". Nonetheless, the success in this story belongs to Elisabeth Dana, a decidedly young future EMBA with what she refers to as an "unusual" profile. But the remarkable does not seem at all out of place for Elisabeth. Accepted to the University of Chicago EMBA program, Elisabeth shares some of her journey, and why the unusual can also be particularly interesting...    More »

An MBA for a PhD

Fatima Lammali admitted to HEC Paris

Already having a PhD, Fatima Lammali is well-acquainted with academia. Now she's heading back to school once again, this time for her MBA. While Fatima eagerly anticipates the challenge, she recognizes that combining work and studies will test her time-management skills in addition to the managerial skills she hopes to acquire from the HEC program. She shares her thoughts with us here...    More »

Success Is Never a Given

Jacques-Olivier Isman admitted to LBS and NYU

Jacques-Olivier's strong financial professional experience (even punctuated by a brief experience with the military) has made him a strong candidate for an MBA. But as we all know, even with a strong profile the MBA applications process is grueling and nothing is for certain. In this interview, Jacques-Olivier shares some of his experience of the process - studying long hours into the night for exams while maintaining a full-time job and writing essays for three applications, finally, acceptance at London Business School and NYU Stern.    More »

In the Business of Hospitality with ESSEC

Jean-Baptiste Schultz admitted to ESSEC

Having worked in Malaysia, Germany and the U.S., it's no wonder that with such an international profile Jean-Baptiste Schultz is interested in pursuing tourism. Nevertheless, Jean-Baptiste realized the importance of the MBA program "fit" - ESSEC's MBA specialized in tourism proved to be exactly what he was looking for to upgrade his professional profile for a potential career in hospitality.    More »

Proof of Perseverance

Guillaume Chatain admitted to IESE, LBS and Columbia

I believe that completing a MBA will help me to pursue my goal by building the core knowledge that I lack in finance, entrepreneurship, and general management. I also believe that a renowned MBA will provide me the credibility, strategic, and planning tools I would need to gather the necessary funds to start the operations of my future enterprise.    More »

Business Education, the Blue Devil way

Kader Hidra admitted to Duke

Having just returned from the welcome weekend at Duke, Kader is full of ideas and news from the US campus. With insight on everything from the school's mysterious "Fuqua" credo to the application process, it's obvious that Kader has done his homework. As a former international tennis umpire with experience in international business development, Kader has had a full range of experiences. Nevertheless, the MBA program at Fuqua will prove to be a unique and memorable challenge. Kader shares his thoughts ...    More »

A Tale of Two Campuses: Paris and Hong Kong

Alexandre Phung admitted to HEC Paris

Alexandre Phung is a bit of an anomaly in our Success Story Series - not only has he been accepted into a top MBA program, he has just finished it. He took the time out of his busy vacation in Europe to interview with the MBA Center and share some of his MBA-awareness...    More »

International Experience and Acceptance at INSEAD

Yvon Mompeyssin admitted to INSEAD and Oxford

Yvon realized right away that INSEAD was right for him. Instead of interviewing with LBS or Oxford, he decided quickly that INSEAD’s international reputation and network of alumni were his path to success. Whether it’s in sharpening his English skills or further exploring the possibilities of investment banking and private equity in Asia, INSEAD and its network are certain to boost Yvon’s career!    More »

When Timing Is Everything

Charles d’Aumale admitted to INSEAD and LBS

Charles d'Aumale is a business developer for Bouygues Telecom, where he negotiates partnerships and framework agreements to equip telemetry devices within large corporations. After working with France Telecom in Washington D.C. and Orascom Telecom in Algeria, he plans on capitalizing on his international experience and expanding it with an MBA from London Business School or INSEAD.    More »

On to the Next Summit!

Rodolphe Bouichou admitted to Wharton and Columbia

Rodolphe Bouichou is a 27 year-old engineering consultant from Paris. He's decided to get an MBA to broaden his horizons. Though he wasn't initially thinking of applying to the Top 10, he now finds himself spoiled for choice, accepted at both Columbia and Wharton. Was that a difficult feat? Not compared to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.    More »

From Setbacks to Success on the Way to Wharton

Harry Moyal admitted to Wharton

MBA Center Paris student Harry Moyal is no stranger to adversity. From a failed sophomore year at university to an unsuccessful business venture, he's faced daunting career challenges. Now, just before the end of year festivities, he's bearing gifts of champagne. He's just received his letter of acceptance from Wharton and he's got some celebrating to do!    More »

A Tale of Waiting List Woe

Boris Patronoff, admitted to INSEAD and IESE

At some point, every Student of the Month interview turns to talking about everything they have left on their list of 'things to do' before hurriedly departing Paris to start school. Not Boris Patronoff. He sat down to tell his story only five days after rapidly returning to Paris. Last month, Boris moved to Barcelona to start an MBA program at IESE (International Graduate School of Management.) Clearly, he has some explaining to do.    More »

“On the Fast Track”

Cyril Ettori, admitted to MIT

Cyril Ettori appears to have adjusted well to life in America. With a group of boisterous friends waiting for him with one foot inside his apartment door, he hastens to finish a Thursday evening telephone interview. Talking about his early education, work experience and past accomplishments is tiresome for him. Why delve into details when all of Boston’s glittering nightlife lies ahead? With a final sigh of relief, he hangs up the phone. Onwards! At last.    More »

“A Standard Profile”

Jad Zerouali, admitted to INSEAD

Jad Zerouali and his wife, Ghita, are departing this month for INSEAD's Singapore campus. The acceptance letter in July came as particularly good news, since Jad applied only to INSEAD. Although this appears to be an overly confident move, Jad claims to not have any special insight into INSEAD's admissions criteria. He quickly acknowledges that he has "a standard profile" -- something he believes could hinder a candidate's chances for acceptance.    More »

London Calling... Florence Taieb

Florence Taieb, admitted to London Business School

While some MBA candidates just can't stop talking about their well-honed leadership skills, Florence Taieb takes another tack. Her claim to fame is being a loyal team player. Once she begins London Business School on August 26, Florence hopes to fit in immediately since the ability to work well on a team is crucial to success at LBS. Even during the admissions interview, teamwork took over as a topic of discussion, she recounts.    More »

Sage Advice from Brazil

Guilherme Bulaty, admitted to Wharton and INSEAD

With an easy, relaxed smile, the 26-year-old from an island city "with 42 beaches!" in southern Brazil knows he has plenty of time ahead of him to change the world. Based on his accomplishments, including acceptance at Wharton Business School and INSEAD, Guilherme was honored by the MBA Center Paris, as Student of the Month for July.    More »

International Ambitions and Cultural Lessons

Vincent Ordonneau, admitted to Chicago, Yale and INSEAD

As he prepares to launch into MBA studies with the ultimate goal of becoming an international CEO, Vincent Ordonneau already has learned a little about European and American cultural differences. Specifically, during recent admissions interviews: All the U.S. schools granted him a mere 30 minutes, usually with a single second-year student -- while the INSEAD interviewers invited him out for leisurely lunches lasting an hour and 20 minutes. Twice!    More »