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MSc International Strategy and Influence: stepping stone to opportunities
Christophe Bisson, the director of the MSc International Strategy and Influence (MSc ISI), has noted tremendous growth in his students’ prospects, particularly in the digital sector. He shared some of the insights in an interview with the SKEMA Insider team.
Can you confirm the increasing importance of the economic, strategic intelligence and strategy sector since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic?
This upswing has been noted in very concrete terms. In the master's programme, it can particularly be seen in our students being recruited by consultancy firms like Capgemini and Deloitte, and also by organisations in the digital sector, such as Amazon and IBM. The change is noticeable compared to the previous years. It shows how well the Master of Science ISI has progressed in terms of recognition.
What is the profile of the students accepted into the MSc International Strategy and Influence?
We have students with traditional profiles but are not limited to that. We also recruit graduates from Sciences Po as well as students with digital or engineering backgrounds.
There is a strong digital element to the MSc ISI, with modules focused on artificial intelligence applied to strategy. Why is this knowledge indispensable in this sector of activity?
You need to have a nuanced understanding of your strategic environment to deal with complexity and growing uncertainty. This requires using the power of machines, which are becoming increasingly intelligent. The students therefore work all year long with tools such as Digimind, the leading global social media analytics company, which also develops monitoring software. We have created a very comprehensive course with them (the students who pass this course obtain a certificate). In addition, the learners use Stratbrain, a strategic decision-making support tool that I developed.
On the AI side, the students are trained as part of the "AI for strategy" module. They obtain a basic understanding of AI, which has become a major challenge for many companies. They then use Microsoft's low-code platform in dedicated labs, after which I guide them with use cases for economic and strategic intelligence (ESI), and for strategy. While low-code is now used above all in operations, we are pioneers in terms of ESI and strategy. The advantage lies in being able to disseminate these tools to as many people as possible and to quickly apply one's ideas to arrive at decisions, and at faster and enhanced actions. We adapt to the market and to what companies are looking for.
The MSc ISI is resolutely outward-looking. In real terms, how is this reflected in the teaching?
Every month, I organise business meetings built around the three pillars of the programme, these being strategy, influence (business diplomacy) and economic security, a field with which SKEMA is linked to the prestigious National Institute for Advanced Studies of the Interior Ministry (IHEMI). In January, moreover, we welcomed Hélène Rollet, Chair of IHEDN Jeunes (National Institute for Advanced Studies in National Defence), an association concerned with questions of defence and security. From a more didactic point of view, the students work on case studies, in conjunction with high-level speakers from big strategy consulting firms such as BCG (Boston Consulting Group).
What are potential career paths for students?
Around 70% of students are recruited as consultants in strategy, management, security, in the fields of digital transformation and economic and strategic intelligence (ESI). The remaining 30% work mostly in large groups as analysts in strategy, ESI, knowledge management in many sectors, with an increasing proportion of digital companies.
Questions for
Cécilia Guerin, MSc ISI student
Cécilia, what made you join the MSc ISI?
After completing my bachelor's at Oxford Brookes University, I wanted to bring my marketing expertise to a strategic level. In this respect, the Master of Science International Strategy and Influence met my requirements. We gain awareness of the digital sector, AI, and strategy.
What have you gained from this MSc programme?
Its key strength is the added value it gives us in terms of analysis and thought. It also provides us with monitoring tools and methods that enable us to navigate through data flows. In strategy, it is essential to analyse one's environment. It is also very positive to be aware of the role that AI plays in companies.
What career would you like to pursue after this course?
Initially, I was planning to go into marketing and strategy, but I must say that some experience in the field of consulting would be equally beneficial for me. Ultimately, working as a consultant for several clients and several companies enables you to see the big picture. I discovered consulting during business events, and I have to say that it's rewarding to talk with consultants, since the profession differs from one company to another.
