GLOBAL BBA

"I chose SKEMA because I was greatly attracted by the international mobility tracks which allow me to study for two years on the Sophia Antipolis campus and the last two years at a university partner of my choice.

The training is based on an English-speaking university model and proposes intensive practice of English language which seems essential for successful careers of today and tomorrow.

I am currently doing my second-year specialisation in Mechanical Engineering and will soon be transferring to the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) in the United States to begin the second part of my bachelor's degree and thus obtain a double degree: that of SKEMA as well as the degree of the American university: FIT's.

Doing the second half of my degree in the US, I will have the chance to discover a new world and a different culture in a the beautiful, idyllic setting of Florida. I'll be able to enrich myself both professionally and personally. This education combining competences and diverse learning environments has more than exceeded my expectations."

"Choosing to come here was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. My BBA degree at SKEMA has provided me with the skills needed to reach my career and personal goals. The combination of great courses and hands-on experience was the kind of education I was looking for. Thanks to this education, I have got a job at Apex Consulting, one of the leading consulting firms in my hometown, Yemen.

SKEMA’s multicultural environment and its large company network have helped me excel in several international companies. SKEMA’s professors and students are from all over the world; this diverse environment along with the focus on intellectual discussion and practical teamwork helped me grow not just on a career level but also on a personal level."

"Four years ago, I embarked on a journey at SKEMA that has shaped me into the stronger, more developed and more knowledgeable woman that I am today. It has helped me grow not only academically, but personally and professionally as well.

Academically, it has given me sound background knowledge on my specialty of environmental management and its different disciplines. 

The programme has also enriched my understanding of other aspects such as leadership skills, communication skills, IT principles and development studies.

My character has been positively impacted by the international experience I have been offered; and this helped to develop me into becoming a more open-minded and flexible person.

Moreover, the opportunity to do my end-of-study internship at SEMIDE, which I found through the Career Center of SKEMA, was the greatest accomplishment of all because it gave me the chance to apply the knowledge I had gained. I was able to understand the application of the theory on European projects co-funded by the European Commission under the 7th framework programme. I currently work for SEMIDE, and I hope to keep improving my skills before pursuing my master’s studies."

(Sustainable Development & Social Responsibility specialisation)

Here is a short interview with Joy.

Why did you choose SKEMA?

"SKEMA is about success and internationalisation. I needed to improve my English, to open up to a promising future and to take my chances abroad. SKEMA offers all of that in one package; that’s why I chose this school. I’ll be going to study in London as from September."

What’s it like, studying on the BBA in Global Management?

"Rewarding! We get to know a lot of cultures and the classes in English are a real bonus. The professors are available to students; this environment makes it easy to get ahead."

What’s life like here (outside of class)?

"As far as student life is concerned, we never get bored! There’s a lot going on: events, get-togethers, and students who are looking to make the most of their time between classes."

What’s been the highlight of the last 12 months?

"I’m thinking of the day when I created my own student society: SKEMA News (the BBA in Global Management newspaper.)

Testimonial provided at end of Joy's second year.

"The programme’s entirely in English. This has been great for my communication skills.

The strong international aspect of the BBA in Global Management allowed me, for my third year, to study in Raleigh, USA. This was one of the most interesting experiences of my life.

The tutoring programme meant that I had close guidance from a tutor who helped me a lot with all the administrative work and careers advice.

All the internships and jobs during summer breaks have been great to get me in gear professionally. The most interesting internship that I have done was in Dubai, in a French fragrance company that produces high quality perfumes sold all over the world."

“I started my bachelor degree at SKEMA and transferred to Griffith University, Australia to finish my degree. Thanks to this degree, I have gained skills in the analysis and understanding of environmental problems and issues, and have developed understanding of the complexity of the natural environment and the important links between human society, the economy and nature.

These four years of studying have been an amazing experience. All the courses in English and the foreign university transfers give us the opportunity to live unforgettable international experiences.

This bachelor’s degree is the pathway to a career in the social, economic and political spheres associated with the natural environment and its resources.” (Sustainable Development & Social Responsibility specialisation)

"I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Environmental Science at SKEMA.. I chose SKEMA for the international experience. I wasn’t disappointed!

My studies at SKEMA were highly rewarding. Nowadays, international communication in science is becoming so important that I believe the customised English training at SKEMA and the transfer I chose to an Australian partner university (University of Queensland) for two years were particularly relevant to my professional goals.

I learnt team work and was able to carry out my own research project. I have been very satisfied by the involvement of academics as well as the academic opportunities and resources available throughout my course of study.

Although contrasting, the learning environments on both French and Australian campuses have been very enjoyable and have allowed me to successfully acquire essential scientific research and communication skills.

During my studies, I was also given part-time job opportunities related to my education (tutor and laboratory assistant jobs) which were highly valuable add-on professional skills. I’ve decided to stay in Australia to further progress the research on mine site rehabilitation that I have been conducting during my honours degree at the University of Queensland.

I'm now applying to start a PhD there." ( Environmental Management specialisation)

"SKEMA is a great education. I know now that coming here was the right choice.

I have been very pleased with the quality of the courses and teaching. All our teachers have professional as well as academic experience and they inspire students through their know-how and experience.

SKEMA gives us the opportunity every day to exchange with people from around the world. This is the perfect international environment for studying. I have been able to discover different cultures and ways of life different to mine; these experiences have made me grow at a personal level, and it’s very rewarding. The courses are great.

Thanks to the Human Resources courses, I am currently doing my training period in a prestigious recruitment consultancy in Paris. The variety of courses and the multicultural mix that SKEMA has to offer have exceeded my expectations!"

"I started out at SKEMA as a transfer student in International Business. After one year here I decided to do the four-year bachelor’s degree due to the quality of the courses. The professors are committed to providing a positive and supportive learning experience. When struggling with a subject and seeking help, I found doors were always open and the teachers wouldn’t hesitate to clarify any doubts or uncertainties.

Having completed my degree, I decided to continue my academic career at SKEMA Paris, focusing on the MSc in Project and Programme Management & Business Development. After that I worked as an IT project manager for an e-mail marketing company in Paris. Then I took the decision to conduct research on knowledge in information technology projects by doing a PhD in England.

Throughout my academic and professional career, SKEMA has always supported and helped point me in the right direction. SKEMA is like a family and I am happy to be a part of it."

"After three years at SKEMA Business School in the BBA programme , I can confidently say that I have improved on many levels.

Because of all the exchange students who come from everywhere in the world, I have learnt to live, communicate and work with a mix of cultures. It is so enriching to see ways of studying, thinking and handling projects of people who come from so many other countries. The fact that all modules were taught in English helped me a lot and considerably improved my level.

I am currently doing my internship in a marketing agency in Singapore, which is a great experience for me, and that allows me to develop more my skills working in a multicultural environment and dealing with people from different countries and companies."

"I learned a great deal about engineering and science with well experienced teachers – Dr Péneau, Dr Grasselli, and Dr Chastaingt. Furthermore, being involved in an American-style school was an unforgettable experience. Though my English was, at first, not the best, I was still able to achieve success with support from the heads of SKEMA's BBA in Global Management all the way up to my transfer.

The support I was given guided me to the Florida Institute of Technology where I continued to build on my knowledge in engineering. I got my bachelor of science in with a 3.3 GPA, which puts me in the top 25% of students in the Mechanical Engineering department at Florida Tech.

This successful end of studies led me to a full-time contract of employment in a worldwide automotive company, Hutchinson FTS, located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. As my company will reimburse my tuition fees, I’ll be able to return to college to do a master’s degree as a part time student in Automotive Engineering to Oakland University in the summer of 2014.”

"I recently graduated with a degree from Concordia (a partner university) as well as graduating with a degree from SKEMA.

I chose SKEMA for the international experience and the possibility of graduating with two degrees. I had a really great time in Montreal. The lifestyle and the people are really different. English courses at SKEMA and Concordia gave me the opportunity to perfect my English and the courses offered by Concordia allowed me to get involved in lots of research projects and to be more specialised in environmental topics. Thanks to the multidisciplinary approach, at the end of the four years you’re familiar with lots of environmental issues in an international context.

I went back to France in order to do a four-month internship in local government, the SAN Ouest Provence, where I assessed the impacts of climate change and had to find solutions in order to mitigate the projected impacts of climate change. This internship was a great experience.

I am now starting a master specialising in the management of water and the aquatic environment. My plan is then to go back in Montreal to work there and gain some experience in this field!" (Environmental Management specialisation)

"I have been fortunate enough to get professional positions while still doing my degree. I’ve been working as a marketing project coordinator, a marketing tutor and even as a Zumba instructor.

All that has been possible thanks to SKEMA that has helped me expand my horizons and equip me with the best tools to succeed in an entirely new culture. SKEMA's BBA in Global Management has provided me with a great learning experience in which I got to be part of a very diverse multicultural community. The support that I’ve received from SKEMA was amazing and still is."

(Marketing specialisation)

Here is his account of his first few weeks settling in to life in Brisbane where he's studying for his SKEMA BBA fourth year at a SKEMA partner university, the University of Queensland. "

It’s now 15 days since I arrived here in Australia. After a short night’s sleep on the plane, we discovered the beautiful city that is Brisbane. "It’s a cold summer" as my Australian friends say. Temperatures are around 30 °C! The city is nice, green, and I’ve even met funny little animals... or sometimes large ones, like the Flying Fox bats for with wingspans of 1m50 gliding all night over the city!

Life is really different here. The Australians are very friendly and helpful. While finding somewhere to live and a job, we moved to Backpacker, a sort of hostel where we met an Australian of Scottish descent, who gave us lots of advice. Boring administrative procedures have been made much easier, thanks to all the helpful info he gave us. He gave us advice in our search for apartments. We found a place to live at Kangaroo Point, a neighbourhood located just outside of the city and it’s got great access to go wherever you want on public transport.

We’re sharing with two roommates: an Italian and an Australian. Music is everywhere in the city: jazz in the cafes, rock in the street and electronic music in restaurants. It's very nice, I feel totally at home. The only downside here is the cost for an internet connection and free wireless is not that easy to find. We went to the sea: the Gold Coast. We were able to surf nice waves, in water at a pleasant 27 ° C, under a blazing sun. Brisbane and Moreton Island: paradise! Stunning scenery, rays and a huge variety of fish… we even saw some dolphins playing just a few metres from the shore!" (Environmental Management specialisation)

"Growing up, I always wanted to live far away, in the “vast world” as I used to call it. For me, it was all about living abroad.

I joined SKEMA because it gave me the opportunity to go as far as I wanted. My bachelor’s degree from SKEMA, as well as an exchange semester in Singapore, has helped me find full time employment in Sydney as a national trade marketing coordinator for Gruppo Campari, one of the biggest liquor companies in the world.

I’ll be leaving for Buenos Aires in a month, working for the same international company.

SKEMA has given me lots of development opportunities, such as work experiences during my studies (in UK, India, Monaco...) and student projects, which have opened many doors for me and my future endeavours."

Class of 2018-19

"Thanks to the tutoring system that guided me throughout the four years, I managed to decide which sector I wanted to work in (import export).

After two years in Sophia Antipolis, obtaining the basic knowledge needed for any manager, I chose to continue with the two-year year mobility track on the Suzhou and Raleigh campuses.

Through various challenges and projects, the programme awoke my entrepreneurial spirit.

Discovering new cultures developed my flexibility, which will help me throughout my career, and it has already helped me in all the internships I have done.

The course of study has exceeded expectations. It’s improved me not only as a manager but as an individual. I am continuing my studies on SKEMA’s MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation because I trust the excellence of SKEMA."

"My main motivation for coming to SKEMA was the international dimension, and the desire to better know the world of work. The BBA in Global Management has fully lived up to these key points.

At this school, professional experiences are valued and the international dimension is omnipresent. On campus, we interact daily with students and professors from around the world. The 100%-in-English curriculum has reinforced the internationalisation I was looking for. Study abroad, school community life, and the relationships and ties that are woven with students and teachers are all factors that have enabled me to develop personally and to build my project.

The teachers are, for the most part, professionally active in their area of expertise and teach in parallel to their work, adding to the quality of education. The content of classes is in harmony with the professional reality. There is no gap between theory and practical reality.

On the BBA in Global Management, as we study and thanks to the internships, our career choices gradually become clearer. By the end of the degree, we have a concrete vision of what we want to do and are capable of doing. SKEMA Bachelor trains us for the "real" life. We must master the theory but also the more practical aspects are exercised when it comes to carrying out projects, and being part of a team." (Marketing specialisation)

"My Bachelor in Business Management at SKEMA Bachelor was a unique experience (now called: Entrepreneurship & Business Administration). I had the great opportunity to study in an international context while enjoying the best part of the South of France.

Thanks to the SKEMA experience, I was able to start a new adventure in one of the emerging Asia Pacific countries: Australia. After three years of full culture immersion, I completed my master of International Business and ultimately entered the professional world. In fact, I completed an internship with a global IT industry leader based in Sophia Antipolis.

I am now working as a marketing consultant for the same company with colleagues from all over the world in a pure international context. SKEMA has definitely been a launch pad into an exciting career!"

"The BBA is a wide-ranging programme that gives total immersion in international business.

The two student societies of which I am a member (one in wine, the other in marketing) have enabled me to create a network and meet companies.

Thanks to the SKEMA's careers service, I am currently doing an internship at Chanel in Monaco.

The next step in my curriculum is a year in Suzhou on the SKEMA campus."

"When I think about it today, I realise what a great opportunity it was to be accepted on to SKEMA's BBA in Global Management. Studying at SKEMA I was able to learn about many different fields of business. I also enjoyed taking many of the free electives offered. I was able to really define my goals through these courses and see where my strengths were by taking such different classes.

The professors and administrative team were a great asset to this school and I would really like to thank them. Their attention to any issues I faced was truly helpful. The director of SKEMA's BBA in Global Management was one of the most helpful people I've ever met. Any time I needed assistance, I had someone to talk to and someone I could trust to steer me in the right direction.

After three years at SKEMA, I am finishing my last semester in New York City. I am currently interning at a Manhattan-based company. This opportunity has also allowed me to extend my creative thinking and skills to two passions of mine: information technology and web marketing.

After six months, my internship in the United States is coming to an end. This amazing opportunity has given me extensive skills to continue my career in web-marketing, as well as greatly improved my English. And the most exciting part is that this company has asked me to come back in September because of the great job I have done here!"

"This BBA degree at SKEMA has provided me with an interdisciplinary approach to solid principles of environmental management, resource use and protection, environmental assessment, environmental law and sustainability.

It has also prepared me with the managerial and communication tools necessary to strengthen that vital link between the economics and the environment.

For learning the essential knowledge and intercultural management and communication skills needed to become an effective manager, this course not only provides an international platform with various environmental perspectives but it also allows space for field work that takes advantage of the richness of biodiversity in the region.

I wish to pursue a career in the energy sector. Last summer I was accepted into a three-month internship at Yemen LNG in the environmental department of a liquefied natural gas plant. This enriching experience helped me understand the core concepts of environmental management systems (EMS) and the demonstrated the practicality of the environmental management programme at SKEMA's BBA in Global Management.

As I am now entering my fourth and final year of my degree, I am looking forward to the six-month internship opportunity I’ve recently secured with a clean technology NGO called Cleantech Open, in the United States. I am really keen to widen my environmental skills spectrum and explore the topic even further."

(Sustainable Development & Social Responsibility specialisation)

"Having finished my studies at SKEMA in 2014, I started my graduate job at Network Rail in the same year.

My experience of SKEMA was immensely positive, and I owe an enormous amount of thanks to SKEMA for giving the experiences and competencies I required to secure my job.

The first thing that struck me when I started was how international the school was – pupils and teachers alike had a good amount of experience of living or working in other countries. I have found that international experience is becoming increasingly important in today’s world of work.

Also important is the internship requirements. All SKEMA programmes require the student to undertake an internship as part of their studies. The emphasis that is placed on gaining ‘real world’ experience alongside academic studies is crucial when it comes to finding a job later on. SKEMA helps students find internships with the help of their dedicated careers centre. Personally, the experience that I gained in my internships was invaluable and provided me with a reference point to discuss in job interviews and assessment centres.

Finally, SKEMA’s reputation is excellent - SKEMA is both AACSB and EQUIS accredited. Having such a renowned and accredited business school on your CV really helps you stand out against other job candidates." (Marketing specialisation)

"The BBA is taught entirely in English and uses the American model: lots of group work right from the beginning and an interactive and practical way of teaching.

This programme allowed me to manage a team, to learn how to speak in front of an audience, to analyse like a manager and to be able to go abroad.

SKEMA also really encourages student society life. I was actually president of the Student Union. In that role, I managed events such as freshers’ weekend and I negotiated with professionals for the organisation of various events."

On the SKEMA BBA in Brazil, I have access to international education, to the best professors available on the market and the best infrastructure a business school can offer.

It’s a great privilege to be in an educational environment that strives to transform us not only into great professionals but also into young people with a vision, prepared for any market challenges.”

"With two years at SKEMA Business School and two years at partner university Kingston (England), I’ve acquired dual skills: science and business. Internships at the Laboratory of the Environment (part of the Nice municipality) and in the Energies2050 Association allowed me to complete my training and additional skills for the establishment of local, national and international projects.

After obtaining my bachelor’s degree, Environmental Management specialisation, I decided to continue my studies to complete my scientific knowledge; I opted for training related to the environment, natural hazards and climate (MSc Climate Risk, Environment, Health)." (Environmental Management specialisation)

"After high school choosing the right university was a tough decision. Now I can truly be happy that I chose SKEMA Business School!

SKEMA is a school where you receive high quality education from teachers who come from all around the world and you interact every day with students of different nationalities. These experiences prepare you for a globalised work life. In addition, on the BBA in Global Management, you get to enjoy the best parts of the south of France.

Being a sportsman on the BBA in Global Management's high-level athlete track, SKEMA’s curriculum gives me the flexibility to pursue my studies without neglecting my sports career.

I am very grateful to all the school staff - they are always available to help students and guide us in the right direction."

(Marketing specialisation)

As of September 2013, Max is beginning his career as a rally driver and aiming to become a WRC driver.

"SKEMA's Global BBA has given me an unparalleled educational experience and life adventure.

I started my first year with a major in Environmental Management & Sustainable Development to continue with a double-major in Marketing and International Business. Thanks to its interesting Two-Year Mobility Track and double degree programmes, the school has allowed me to immerse myself in a new and unknown world of personal and professional growth.

Today, I am a happy SKEMA and Florida International University alumna, working in marketing & operations in an international economic development and financial advisory services firm, in Miami.

"When I first started at SKEMA, I was amazed by the diversity of the degree course. Unlike other schools, the number of students in each class is quite small which makes it easier to learn and interact with teachers.

During my studies at SKEMA I have met people from all over the world, from countries like Australia, China, USA (Hawaii too), and I’ve learnt to work and get along with different cultures. The opportunity to meet people and stay in contact with them has proved a valuable asset.

My bachelor (specialisation: Finance) has not only helped me understand everything I do in my day-to-day job working as a futures & options broker but has also helped me build a strong network.”

"Doing the international partner track allowed me to gain an internationally recognised double degree from France and the USA. This degree is tailored for people that want to be internationally mobile, improve their English, learn in small classes, and develop in a culturally enriching environment.

The network of alumni is big and welcoming. You will always find alumni who are willing to give you tips and share their experience with you. This has assisted in getting internships.

I’ve had quite a few jobs during my studies: at the Conrad Miami assisting the marketing manager. I was marketing coodinator for WTDC, a full service logistics company. I also worked for Panalpina, a leading global freight forwarding company as sales support.

Next week, I will be starting an internship in London for a recruitment organisation for commodity trading related activities before starting returning to studies at the end of summer. In September, I will start an MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance in one of London’s top universities. I firmly believe that SKEMA prepared me well to tackle this new challenge."