EPSCI
Encyclopedia
The "École des Practiciens du Commerce International", also known as "ESSEC BBA", is the Bachelor of Business Administration
program of ESSEC Business School
, France.
It was created in 1975 by ESSEC to prepare students to meet the needs of French firms launching operations on the international market.
In 1977, the EPSCI degree became the first ever undergraduate degree outside of the US to be awarded AACSB accreditation. In 2003, it became the first undergraduate degree to hold both EQUIS
and AACSB accreditations.
At the end of the First Cycle, students are matched with tutors who accompany them until they graduate. These tutors are volunteers, and are either Professors at ESSEC or alumni of the school. Their goal is to help students find their way through the career planning process.
During the Second Cycle, students have a choice of various electives, so as to pursue specific interests they may have.
After original research is produced during the final months at EPSCI, the program is concluded by the defense of a senior thesis.
, Université Paris-Dauphine, or Sciences Po Paris. Additionally, sixty professionals lead classes at EPSCI, giving valuable insight to students in their respective fields. Language teachers are all native speakers of the language they teach, and make up for 10 different nationalities.
Some of the most recognizable partners for exchanges are McGill University
, Emory University
, Keio University
, Queen's University
, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
, IE Business School, UNC Chapel Hill, Bocconi Milan, and UNSW Sydney.
Seven dual-degrees are offered: Sheffield Hallam University
, Hogeschool van Amsterdam
, International Business School Groningen
, Plekhanov Russian Academy of Economics
Moscow, ESIC Madrid, Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts
, and Tongji University
Shanghai.
EPSCI's partners are among the best institutions in their countries, and choosing a school in a country where one would want to start his or her professional career is a good way to further enhance a young graduate's competitiveness in the target job market.
Three languages are mandatory: they include English for all students, either German or Spanish as second languages, and a choice between Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, Chinese and Japanese as third languages. A score of 850/990 points on the TOEIC
is a pre-requisite for graduation. The TOEIC is taken on campus during the second year.
The German "WIDaF" and Spanish "Bulats" tests are also taken during the 2nd year of studies, but there is no minimal score required to obtain the degree. During the third year of studies, EPSCI students take several management courses in English with international exchange students.
Some partner universities (especially those in the US and Canada) require students to obtain certain minimum scores on the TOEFL
. Adequate preparation for this test is provided by EPSCI.
professional experience under their belts.
After graduation, 65% of alumni work abroad or in an international context, and 45% work in a position requiring three languages.
30% continue their studies, of which 12% choose to join an MBA.
Of all BBA students who apply for a Specialized Master program at ESSEC after EPSCI, 70% are admitted. Naturally, students may also apply to enter the ESSEC MSc in Management program.
EPSCI students seeking postgraduate education outside ESSEC have historically joined prestigious French schools such as Université Paris-Dauphine, EM Lyon, Sciences-Po, or the Ecole des Mines de Paris, and major foreign schools like the London School of Economics
, the Bocconi Milan, the London Business School
, or McGill University
.
It is indeed most often ranked as the best Bachelor-level business program in France.
In field-specific rankings, EPSCI is sometimes ranked higher than traditionally more prestigious "Grandes écoles
" (master-level, and accessible after preparatory classes).
For example, in 2009 it was ranked the 6th best business school in France for Marketing, higher than EM Lyon, EDHEC and Audencia
, among others.
The test first evaluates language skills, logic (quantitative and general), and capacity for analysis during an 8-hour written session. If the candidate is successful, (s)he then has to pass a series of graded interviews conducted at the school (conversations in the chosen foreign languages, and a general interview).
Admissions to EPSCI are highly selective: in 2008, the acceptance rate was slightly over 4.2% (~185 students admitted out of ~4,800 candidates).
It is also possible to join EPSCI later on in one's studies, as a transfer student, although this is much rarer.
Bachelor of Business Administration
The Bachelor of Business Administration is a bachelor's degree in Commerce and business administration. In most universities, the degree is conferred upon a student after four years of full-time study in one or more areas of business concentrations; see below...
program of ESSEC Business School
ESSEC
ESSEC is one of the foremost business schools and Grandes Écoles in France and one of Europe’s top business schools. It was created by Jesuits in 1907 and was originally located in the heart of Paris, next to the University of Paris II: Panthéon-Assas, rue d'Assas...
, France.
It was created in 1975 by ESSEC to prepare students to meet the needs of French firms launching operations on the international market.
In 1977, the EPSCI degree became the first ever undergraduate degree outside of the US to be awarded AACSB accreditation. In 2003, it became the first undergraduate degree to hold both EQUIS
Equis
Equis may refer to:*European Quality Improvement System an international system of assessment and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration run by the European Foundation for Management Development....
and AACSB accreditations.
Curriculum
The curriculum is 4 years long, and divided into two "cycles", of two years each. It allows for extensive professional exposure, and is concluded by a thesis.First Cycle
During the first two years, students take classes in subjects grouped into "modules": "Management Science and Techniques", "Marketing and International Trade Development", "Economic and Legal Environements", "Personal Development and Entrepreneurship" and "Languages". In the first year, students must spend 6 to 12 weeks interning in a position of customer service/ relation. At the end of their second year, they are required to spend at least 3 months interning in the company and position of their choice.At the end of the First Cycle, students are matched with tutors who accompany them until they graduate. These tutors are volunteers, and are either Professors at ESSEC or alumni of the school. Their goal is to help students find their way through the career planning process.
Second Cycle
Although still based on the module system, the second and final half of the BBA is more flexible than the first, and is tailored to fit the needs and interests of each individual student. Three main paths are possible:- Double-Degree path: Offers 2 semesters in a foreign partner university, a 6-month internship abroad and a final semester at EPSCI. Students receive both the EPSCI diploma and the partner school's diploma.
- Exchange path: Comprises 1 or 2 semesters in a foreign partner university, at least 1 semester of internship abroad (a second, optional one is possible), and a final semester at EPSCI. Credit earned in the selected foreign university will count towards the EPSCI Bachelor only.
- Sandwich education: Combines 1 year of professional placement and 1 year of studies at EPSCI, in alternating periods of 6 months, and a semester abroad. Students following this path therefore complete their education later than other students.
During the Second Cycle, students have a choice of various electives, so as to pursue specific interests they may have.
After original research is produced during the final months at EPSCI, the program is concluded by the defense of a senior thesis.
Faculty
Many EPSCI faculty members are also ESSEC MBA faculty members, and some teach at other top schools such as the SorbonneSorbonne
The Sorbonne is an edifice of the Latin Quarter, in Paris, France, which has been the historical house of the former University of Paris...
, Université Paris-Dauphine, or Sciences Po Paris. Additionally, sixty professionals lead classes at EPSCI, giving valuable insight to students in their respective fields. Language teachers are all native speakers of the language they teach, and make up for 10 different nationalities.
International scope
Over 30 years of existence, the program has distinguished itself by its exceptional international orientation. Students who graduate will have spent at least 1 year abroad, including at least a semester in one of the foreign partner schools, and at least a semester of work experience abroad.Partner universities
EPSCI has 77 partner universities in 30 different countries.Some of the most recognizable partners for exchanges are McGill University
McGill University
Mohammed Fathy is a public research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The university bears the name of James McGill, a prominent Montreal merchant from Glasgow, Scotland, whose bequest formed the beginning of the university...
, Emory University
Emory University
Emory University is a private research university in metropolitan Atlanta, located in the Druid Hills section of unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. The university was founded as Emory College in 1836 in Oxford, Georgia by a small group of Methodists and was named in honor of...
, Keio University
Keio University
,abbreviated as Keio or Keidai , is a Japanese university located in Minato, Tokyo. It is known as the oldest institute of higher education in Japan. Founder Fukuzawa Yukichi originally established it as a school for Western studies in 1858 in Edo . It has eleven campuses in Tokyo and Kanagawa...
, Queen's University
Queen's University
Queen's University, , is a public research university located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded on 16 October 1841, the university pre-dates the founding of Canada by 26 years. Queen's holds more more than of land throughout Ontario as well as Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England...
, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is a public university located in Hong Kong. Established in 1991 under Hong Kong Law Chapter 1141 , it is one of the nine universities in Hong Kong.Professor Tony F. Chan is the president of HKUST...
, IE Business School, UNC Chapel Hill, Bocconi Milan, and UNSW Sydney.
Seven dual-degrees are offered: Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University is a higher education institution in South Yorkshire, England, based on two sites in Sheffield. City Campus is located in the city centre, close to Sheffield railway station, and Collegiate Crescent Campus is about two miles away, adjacent to Ecclesall Road in...
, Hogeschool van Amsterdam
Hogeschool van Amsterdam
The Hogeschool van Amsterdam, University of Applied Sciences , or Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, is one of the largest institutes for higher professional education in the Netherlands. The HvA mainly offers bachelor degree programmes, but also has a number of master degree programmes...
, International Business School Groningen
International Business School Groningen
The International Business School Groningen is the business school of the Hanze University Groningen in Groningen, Netherlands.The International Business and Management Studies Programme of the International University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, founded in 1988, is the oldest International...
, Plekhanov Russian Academy of Economics
Plekhanov Russian Academy of Economics
Plekhanov Russian Economic University is a public university located in Moscow, Russia. The university is one of the largest Russian economic institutes of higher education and a member of several international university bodies, such as the European University Association and the European...
Moscow, ESIC Madrid, Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts is a Fachhochschule in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany with 7,300 students, and 446 staff. It is situated in the Ruhr area, the fourth largest urban area in Europe.- External links :***...
, and Tongji University
Tongji University
Tongji University , colloquially known as Tongji , located in Shanghai, has more than 30,000 students and 8,000 staff members . It offers degree programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels...
Shanghai.
EPSCI's partners are among the best institutions in their countries, and choosing a school in a country where one would want to start his or her professional career is a good way to further enhance a young graduate's competitiveness in the target job market.
Foreign Languages
One of the school's ambitions is to develop multilingual leaders. A total of nine different languages are taught at EPSCI.Three languages are mandatory: they include English for all students, either German or Spanish as second languages, and a choice between Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, Chinese and Japanese as third languages. A score of 850/990 points on the TOEIC
TOEIC
The Test of English for International Communication measures the ability of non-native English-speaking examinees to use English in everyday workplace activities.-Overview:...
is a pre-requisite for graduation. The TOEIC is taken on campus during the second year.
The German "WIDaF" and Spanish "Bulats" tests are also taken during the 2nd year of studies, but there is no minimal score required to obtain the degree. During the third year of studies, EPSCI students take several management courses in English with international exchange students.
Some partner universities (especially those in the US and Canada) require students to obtain certain minimum scores on the TOEFL
TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL , evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English in an academic setting....
. Adequate preparation for this test is provided by EPSCI.
Student clubs
ESSEC has a very rich student culture, and EPSCI students are an integral part of it. From entrepreneurial to humanitarian, from cultural to sports-related, there are more than 100 student clubs at ESSEC, among which:- Mardis de l'ESSEC: One of the school's most famous clubs. It organizes discussions with leaders in many different fields. Former participants total more than 400 people, and have included current (and former) heads-of-state and ministers, such as Nicolas SarkozyNicolas SarkozyNicolas Sarkozy is the 23rd and current President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra. He assumed the office on 16 May 2007 after defeating the Socialist Party candidate Ségolène Royal 10 days earlier....
and Jacques ChiracJacques ChiracJacques René Chirac is a French politician who served as President of France from 1995 to 2007. He previously served as Prime Minister of France from 1974 to 1976 and from 1986 to 1988 , and as Mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995.After completing his studies of the DEA's degree at the...
, and major business players, such as Serge DassaultSerge DassaultSerge Dassault is a French entrepreneur and conservative politician. According to Forbes magazine, he was the 96th richest person in the world, with a net worth of $9.3 billion....
. The first participant was Salvador DaliSalvador DalíSalvador Domènec Felip Jacint Dalí i Domènech, Marquis de Púbol , commonly known as Salvador Dalí , was a prominent Spanish Catalan surrealist painter born in Figueres,Spain....
, in 1961;
- Junior ESSEC Conseil: France's leading student consulting association. Run by ESSEC Project Managers, it provides companies with market studies, internal auditing, communication strategies evaluations, and more. Its revenue stands at €1,5 million/year, through about 250 missions per year;
- Reve FM: The school's radio;
- ESSEClive: ESSEC's community website, the first student website in France (by number of visits);
- Melt: Melt is a student association that aims to bring together international students (more than 900) and ESSEC students in order to encourage and develop intercultural relations on campus. It organizes various activities for international students throughout the year;
- Foyer des élèves (Foy's): Founded in 1973, the Foy's is a student-run pub located at the Cergy-Pontoise campus. It serves ESSEC students from noon to midnight, offering fresh sandwiches for lunch and a wide variety of drinks all day long. In addition to every day operations, the "Foy's" also organizes many concerts, events, and themed parties.
Value of work experience
The work experience time required for graduation is typically 11 to 18 months. The extensive work experience required by the school allows students to find out what they really enjoy doing, start orienting their career paths, and be more competitive on the job market than graduates with lessprofessional experience under their belts.
Statistics
- International placement
After graduation, 65% of alumni work abroad or in an international context, and 45% work in a position requiring three languages.
- Further studies
30% continue their studies, of which 12% choose to join an MBA.
Of all BBA students who apply for a Specialized Master program at ESSEC after EPSCI, 70% are admitted. Naturally, students may also apply to enter the ESSEC MSc in Management program.
EPSCI students seeking postgraduate education outside ESSEC have historically joined prestigious French schools such as Université Paris-Dauphine, EM Lyon, Sciences-Po, or the Ecole des Mines de Paris, and major foreign schools like the London School of Economics
London School of Economics
The London School of Economics and Political Science is a public research university specialised in the social sciences located in London, United Kingdom, and a constituent college of the federal University of London...
, the Bocconi Milan, the London Business School
London Business School
London Business School is an international business school and a constituent college of the federal University of London, located in central London, beside Regent's Park...
, or McGill University
McGill University
Mohammed Fathy is a public research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The university bears the name of James McGill, a prominent Montreal merchant from Glasgow, Scotland, whose bequest formed the beginning of the university...
.
Rankings
Among French undergraduate business programs, EPSCI was ranked:- 1st by "Le FigaroLe FigaroLe Figaro is a French daily newspaper founded in 1826 and published in Paris. It is one of three French newspapers of record, with Le Monde and Libération, and is the oldest newspaper in France. It is also the second-largest national newspaper in France after Le Parisien and before Le Monde, but...
" in 2007; - 1st by "Le Point" in 2009;
- 1st by "Challenges" in 2009;
- 1st by the Nouvel Observateur in 2009.
- 1st by Le Point in 2011
It is indeed most often ranked as the best Bachelor-level business program in France.
In field-specific rankings, EPSCI is sometimes ranked higher than traditionally more prestigious "Grandes écoles
Grandes écoles
The grandes écoles of France are higher education establishments outside the main framework of the French university system. The grandes écoles select students for admission based chiefly on national ranking in competitive written and oral exams...
" (master-level, and accessible after preparatory classes).
For example, in 2009 it was ranked the 6th best business school in France for Marketing, higher than EM Lyon, EDHEC and Audencia
Audencia
Audencia Nantes School of Management is one of the foremost business schools in France, accredited by EQUIS , AACSB and AMBA...
, among others.
Admissions
The admission process is primarily carried out right out of secondary school. Admissions to the ESSEC BBA program are made through the competitive Concours SESAME, an examination common to 7 different French business schools.The test first evaluates language skills, logic (quantitative and general), and capacity for analysis during an 8-hour written session. If the candidate is successful, (s)he then has to pass a series of graded interviews conducted at the school (conversations in the chosen foreign languages, and a general interview).
Admissions to EPSCI are highly selective: in 2008, the acceptance rate was slightly over 4.2% (~185 students admitted out of ~4,800 candidates).
It is also possible to join EPSCI later on in one's studies, as a transfer student, although this is much rarer.
Notable alumni
EPSCI is part of the ESSEC Business School network, which boasts 32,000 alumni. Below is a non-exhaustive list of prominent EPSCI alumni:- Corinne Vigreux, Co-founder and General Manager of TomTomTomTomTomTom NV is a Dutch manufacturer of automotive navigation systems, including both stand-alone units and software for personal digital assistants and mobile telephones. It is the leading manufacturer of navigation systems in Europe. TomTom's customer service is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands...
- David Chambeaud, Human Resources Director, Thomson SAThomson SATechnicolor SA , formerly Thomson SA and Thomson Multimedia, is a French international provider of solutions for the creation, management, post-production, delivery and access of video, for the Communication, Media and Entertainment industries. Technicolor’s headquarters are located in Issy les...
; - Brigitte Brayer, Marketing Director, CapgeminiCapgeminiCapgemini is a French global IT services company, one of the world's largest management consulting, outsourcing and professional services companies with a staff of 114,274 operating in 40 countries. It is headquartered in Paris and was founded in 1967 by Serge Kampf, the current chairman, in...
; - Benoit Godeau, Marketing Director Europe, Johnson & JohnsonJohnson & JohnsonJohnson & Johnson is an American multinational pharmaceutical, medical devices and consumer packaged goods manufacturer founded in 1886. Its common stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the company is listed among the Fortune 500....
; - Frederic Grard, Deputy General Manager, Altran Technologies;
- Mathieu Dufresne, International Trade Marketing Manager, Coty, Inc.Coty, Inc.Coty, Inc. is the world's largest fragrance company, founded in 1904. It is also a beauty products manufacturer whose main businesses are fragrances , followed by color cosmetics , toiletries and skin care...
- Olivia Thiolon, Business Development Director, DartyDartyDarty, founded in 1957 by the Darty family in France, is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK-based KESA Electricals Plc specialising in Electrical retailing...
; - Antoine Baggioni, General Manager, Headstrong FranceHeadstrong (company)Headstrong is a global IT consulting company with presence across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, operating in more than 14 locations. It was formed in 2000 when Arjun Malhotra led Techspan was merged with James Martin Associates who today sits as Headstrong's chairman emeritus. Arjun...
; - Stanislas Chavanat, Marketing Director-Acquisitions France, American Express Card;
- Christian Barre, CEO Switzerland, Pernod RicardPernod RicardPernod Ricard is a French company that produces distilled beverages. The company's eponymous products, Pernod Anise and Ricard Pastis, are both anise-flavoured liqueurs and are often referred to simply as Pernod or Ricard...
; - Pierre Combet, Business Development Director, CamaieuCamaïeu (company)Camaïeu is a French retail clothing company which manufactures and sells its own collections of women's clothing. Mainly aimed towards women 20 to 40 years old, the company operates a chain of Boutiques in France, Poland, Spain, Italy, Russia, the Czech Republic and Belgium. In 2007, the company...
; - Emmanuel Perrin, President and CEO, Cartier North AmericaCartier SACartier S.A., commonly known as Cartier , is a French luxury jeweler and watch manufacturer. The corporation carries the name of the Cartier family of jewellers whose control ended in 1964 and who were known for numerous pieces including the "Bestiary" , the diamond necklace created for Bhupinder...
; - Cedric Gobillard, General Manager North America, Club MedClub MedClub Méditerranée , commonly known as Club Med, is a French corporation of vacation resorts found in many parts of the world, usually in exotic locations. It is considered the original all-inclusive resort.-Foundation:...
; - Jean-Christophe Jourde, Managing Director Germany, Estée Lauder CompaniesEstée Lauder CompaniesEstée Lauder Companies, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The company has its headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.-History:...
; - Frank Waechter, General Manager France, Laurent-PerrierLaurent-PerrierLaurent-Perrier is a Champagne house founded in 1812 and is the main company of the Laurent-Perrier Group, whose other flagship brands include the houses of Salon, De Castellane and Delamotte. Laurent-Perrier Group also acquired Chateau Malakoff as of 2004...
;