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'Take the time to reflect on and build your career path.'
Louis Lanel is a first-year master's student within the Master in Management (PGE) at SKEMA Business School. From the next academic year, he will be part of the Strategy track, led by Professor Bruno Cirillo, at the Grand Paris campus.
Louis, could you retrace your path leading up to your enrolment at SKEMA, at the Lille campus?
From an early age, I decided to focus on management. I pursued a baccalaureate in science and management techniques after which I enrolled in a preparatory ECT class to prepare for the entrance exams to top business schools. After the BCE competition, I chose to join SKEMA for its international reach and expertise in finance and strategy.
How did your first year at the Lille campus go?
When I was doing my preparatory class, I joined the Finance & Quants track with the goal of preparing for a career in corporate finance. I was excited by the stimulating teaching offered by this programme. Regarding student life, I had the opportunity to organise the SKEMA Golf Trophy, which was an incredibly enriching experience, both strategically and project-management wise.
What advice would you give preparatory students about to take the entrance exams?
My advice to those preparing for the entrance exams is to manage stress, first, and to think carefully about their path. They must take the time to construct it in detail, by finding out about the various opportunities offered by SKEMA. It is essential to craft a coherent path, considering internships, international exchanges, specialisations and masters of science (MSc), etc. But above all, it is crucial to stay true to oneself!
Could you tell us what you are currently doing and how your first year is ending?
My end-of-year internship is at Carrefour France, within the consolidation team, where I am contributing to both accounting and the most significant financial transformation project in Europe. I am fortunate to collaborate with professionals from different departments and multiple consulting firms. This experience is enabling me to sharpen my strategic and financial vision of the company while developing my skills in these key areas.
Could you explain your choice of path for the first year of your master's?
For my master's first year, I plan to join the strategy track, led by Bruno Cirillo, which will enable me to develop my strategic understanding, complementing my financial vision, with the aim of pursuing a career in corporate finance. In parallel, I am fully invested in preparing for Level I of the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst Diploma), a benchmark in the financial field. I intend to join MSc in Finance in my final year as I aspire to work in the private equity field or investment banking.
