The annual “EDHEC MBA Refresher” took place on October 14th on EDHEC Business School Campus in Nice, at the heart of the beautiful French Riviera. This event was an exciting opportunity for this close-knit network of former MBA students to catch-up with their fellow alumni and former professors, and to meet current participants. 

The theme of this year’s event was “Dive into digital”. It included keynote sessions by tech professionals such as Greger Ottosson, Director Product Management at IBM, and James Bourie, MBA 2012 and Chief Executive and Founder of Nisos Group, as well as interactive, collective workshops. Participants gained insight on how data and technology are impacting business and society, and how digital disruptions – from cyber security to big data and AI – are forcing managers to reinvent the way they work.

This was also a time for experience sharing and networking. Together, alumni and current MBA participants make for a powerful and very diverse community, with people coming from more than 30 countries, and with experience ranging from 3 to more than 15 years in different sectors, functions and firms, including Amazon, Accenture or IBM. For Sandra Richez, EDHEC Global MBA Programme Direcor, this network is a key benefit of the Global MBA experience: “In today’s interconnected world, the importance of a trusted network is vital for leaders and managers to progress. At EDHEC, networking begins on day one in class and continues after graduation.”

“More than ever, job hunting is based on one’s ability to build and leverage their network. Being part of a class with so many different nationalities and profiles contributed to make EDHEC’s Global MBA both a self-discovery journey and a career turning point”. Abubakr Abdelmoteleb, MBA 2014, Management Consultant at Quick-Wins

The power of a diverse and lively community

This reunion was an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the impact the MBA program has had on their careers and on how being part of such a dynamic network has helped them achieve their post-MBA plans. Milagro Cornejo, MBA 2013, Global Account and Market Activity manager at Socialyse, who used to work in Peru then joined Socialyse (Havas) in France after her MBA, explains: “Meeting people from different countries challenged my preconceived ideas. It made me realize the world is much bigger than I thought, and it is something I really use in my new job, as part of a global team.” Whether they made lifelong friendships, met business associates or simply expanded and strengthened their professional network, sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience has broadened the horizons of all participants, both personally and professionally.

“The Global MBA completely changed the course of my career. Being part of this wonderful network has helped me develop a global view of the world. It has given me the curiosity to explore more, all the time.” Chantal Fleuret, MBA 1997, Senior Partner, Global Executive Learning (GEL)

So despite their very different backgrounds and profiles, all participants and alumni agree: combined with academic excellence and tailor-made career services, the power of this Alumni network contributes to making EDHEC’s Global MBA a life - and career - changing adventure.