Demystifying Business Education

Jean Charroin, Dean of Audencia Nantes School of Management, talks to Youth Inc about what an MBA is about and gives some tips on how to apply for one

How essential has an MBA degree become in this day and age?
An MBA remains the international reference in business education. The effects of globalisation and of different economic crises have reinforced the need for business leaders who can think differently and master all the tools and techniques needed to help companies adapt in a rapidly changing world. Employability is an issue for both companies and students, and MBAs are a globally recognised path towards this. A quality, general management MBA offers this, but it also offers a chance to study in a multicultural context that allows students to understand what it will be like to work with international colleagues, clients and suppliers in their subsequent careers. To make sure they get the best return on investment, potential students should look closely at accreditations (AACSB, Equis, Association of MBAs) and international rankings (The Economist, for example) when choosing a school.

Who should study for a business degree?
Studying an MBA allows managers to further their careers by adding a whole new dimension to their personal and professional profile. This is often the case with those participants whose past experience is more technical than managerial. In this way, engineers or pharmacists, for example, can gain the skills and knowledge needed to manage teams and structures. In the case of a general manager who feels a need to consolidate his or her managerial knowledge and so achieve better career evolution, an MBA is also a good solution.

With so many pathway options within the MBA itself, how does one choose the course that is right for them?
Specialised MBAs open up a whole debate. By definition, an MBA should be a general management qualification that arms the participant for work in any area. A sector-specific MBA does not do this but, like a specialised master’s degree, focuses on a single sector such as luxury goods or aeronautics. The other option is to make an MBA different by keeping the logic of general management but incorporating an overall philosophy that makes the programme stand out while still allowing careers in any sector after graduation. Such an approach allows greater employment possibilities after studies. This is the path taken by the Audencia MBA which is restructured for the 2013 intake along the lines of an MBA in Responsible Management that remains a general management programme but stresses long-term vision, innovation and sustainability in all subject areas.

What kind of students do you look for when sifting through the numerous applications you receive?
Motivation is key. We need to see that the candidate has chosen Audencia Nantes for a good reason. Personal philosophy is important as well. The school has a set of values based on respect, responsibility and hard work. If students do not adhere to these core values then a compatibility problem could arise. We educate not just managers who are technically sound but also managers who are ethically sound. Another key consideration is finding the right multicultural mix for a programme. It is in no-one’s interests to travel to study abroad and then to find that the programme intake is 80 per cent Indian. All participants get far more from their experience if a class is balanced in terms of nationalities and gender.

Any advice you may have for prospective business students.
When applying for an MBA be attentive to company’s needs both for today and tomorrow. Definite sectors are emerging which can provide higher levels of  employment and need innovative managers to help their development. This is the case of energy efficiency, logistics or purchasing, for example. The aim is to be a step ahead when choosing an MBA and anticipate what tomorrow’s business world will need from its managers.

Volume 2 Issue 9