Why and how to join a business school with an international dimension?

Nowadays, almost all business schools want to be "international" and for students considering a career abroad, it's not always easy to find your way around, to choose the right business school and the right curriculum.

What is an "international" school?

While there is no perfect definition of what an "International Business School" could be, a few clues can point you in the right direction. Assume that major business schools with an international dimension:

• are holders of internationally recognised accreditations (EPAS accreditation, for example) or are listed in international rankings such as the Shanghai Business School
• offer several courses (Bachelor's programme, BBA, MBA, Grande École programme, etc.) and specialisations related to international business or international management
• often have campuses abroad and a large network of partners around the world
• offer to learn a wide variety of foreign languages and at least 25% of courses are taught in English
• allow their students to spend at least one semester abroad during their undergraduate studies, whether for a study abroad or an immersion in the professional world through an internship.

Find out more about the Grande École programme

Why doing a business school with an international dimension?

These type of business schools are ideal for students who wish to work abroad but also for those who are likely to work in an international environment - whether in a large company or in a subsidiary of a foreign company. In short, the international curriculum of these management schools opens many doors for you and allows you to acquire skills that are particularly appreciated by recruiters in foreign markets.

How do I get into an "international" business school?

The admission process to enter a business school of this type (post-high school diploma or post-2-year degree) depends on the course of study you wish to enter (BBA, Bachelor's or Master's level degree programme) as well as the possibilities of parallel admissions.

• Usually, Bachelors and BBA programmes, which are accessible after a high school diploma, are subject to a three-step process with the application file, then tests and finally a motivational interview;
• The MBA or MSc programmes of a business school admission process is on the basis of an application file and interview;
• Finally, to join a Grande École Programme, 5-year Master's degree such the one offered by IPAG, you will necessarily have to pass a SESAME exam (for a post-high school diploma entry, Ambitions+ exam for a 3rd year or 4th year entry).

Our Bachelor

What are career opportunities after an "international" business school?

Most of the time, students who obtain a 2-year diploma (HND International Trade for example) continue their studies in the 3rd year (in a Bachelor International Trade for example) to specialise further or to acquire a little more professional experience before entering the job market. In the same way, holders of an International Bachelor's degree can also join the Master's cycle (sometimes offered on a work-study basis as at IPAG) in a “Grande École de Commerce” for a more in-depth specialisation (International Business, International Management, International Marketing, etc.).

In terms of employment rate, you should be aware that diplomas from international business schools offer many opportunities - depending on the level of your diploma and your choice of specialisation:

• International development officer
• Sales import / Sales export
• International Affairs Officer
• International Relations manager
• International Business Development Consultant.