“How my MiM Degree Led to a Premier Consulting Career”

Are you considering a Master in Management (MiM) program to boost your career prospects? In this Q&A, we talk with Jia Gu, a recent MiM graduate from ESSEC Business School in France. 

Originally from China, Gu’s impressive journey includes an apprenticeship at Sanofi, an exchange program in the US, volunteering in Africa, and now a role at Oliver Wyman in Dubai. 

 Below, Gu shares insights into how the MiM program at ESSEC prepared her for a successful career in consulting and beyond. In this interview, she unpacks her motivations, key learning experiences, and the valuable support she received from ESSEC that helped her  achieve professional success.

 Q: What motivated you to pursue a Master in Management, and why did you choose ESSEC?

 A: I have always aspired to work in Europe after graduation. Given my limited international study experience, I decided to pursue a longer    masters program to immerse myself in the European environment and better prepare for the job market. I found ESSEC Business School to   be the most appealing due to its flexibility, extensive resources and prestigious reputation. 

 The program’s duration and structure allowed me to gain valuable international exposure and develop a robust network, which are crucial for  my career aspirations in Europe. Therefore, I chose ESSEC to ensure a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.

 Q: What were some of the most impactful courses or subjects you studied, and why were they significant to your career    goals?

 A: The Digital Disruption Chair, along with Excel and Python, equipped me with essential skills to analyze and interpret data, which is crucial  in today’s data-driven business environment. 

The Chair also provided the opportunity to work on group projects addressing real-world problems for companies, closely mirroring consulting work. This experience significantly enhanced my consulting skills and kept me abreast of the latest industry trends. 

Negotiation, on the other hand, was vital in developing my soft skills. The techniques and strategies I learned in this course have proven invaluable in both professional and personal situations, enabling me to navigate complex interactions and achieve favorable outcomes. These courses collectively have been instrumental in preparing me for a successful career in consulting and beyond.

Q: Can you describe your career path since graduating from the MiM program?

A: Since graduating from the MiM program, I started my career as a strategy consultant at a top-tier consulting firm. This role allowed me to work on a variety of projects across different industries, honing my problem-solving skills and gaining a broad understanding of business operations.

Q: What specific skills did you develop during the MiM program that have been crucial in your career?

A: I developed several crucial skills, including strategic thinking, analytical abilities, and leadership through courses and group work. Strategic thinking enabled me to see the bigger picture and make decisions that contribute to long-term goals. 

Analytical skills allowed me to dissect complex problems and derive actionable insights from data. Leadership skills, learned through several group projects, such as effective communication, team management, and emotional intelligence, have been vital in guiding teams and fostering a collaborative work environment. 

These skills have been instrumental in my ability to lead projects, make informed decisions and drive business success.

Q: How did the career services and support at your business school assist you in finding job opportunities?

A: The school provided a comprehensive career development program that included resume workshops, mock interviews, and networking events. Every half year, they organize a consulting and fair to invite alumni, experts and also companies to share insights about the latest trends and offer mock interview opportunities. 

I decided to pursue a career in consulting in my second year and attended several events with companies, which were really beneficial for me. Career advisors offered personalized guidance, helping me to identify my strengths and conduct mock interviews. 

During my first year, whenever I had an important interview, I would ask the career advisors to help me with mock interviews. Additionally, ESSEC’s strong connections with industry leaders facilitated access to exclusive job postings and recruitment events. The support I received was crucial in securing internships and job offers.