Can you tell us more about yourself?
My name is Christian. I hold a Master's degree in Materials Science Engineering from Grenoble INP Phelma. Right after my Masters, I joined STMicroelectronics as an Ion Implantation Process Engineering Intern. I moved to EDF- Nuclear Engineering Division as an Engineering Project Manager where I worked for almost 4 years.
What prompted you to apply for an MBA?
I love science and mathematics and right after my high school diploma, I went for a Bachelors's and a Master's degree in Engineering. Since I was based in Grenoble I decided to work for the most innovative company based there STMicroelectronics. I continued my career at EDF but I started to feel that since EDF is a state-run company, my career would be stuck in a rigid and slow-moving path with a lot of internal politics, very few responsibilities and no recognition for my job. At the same time, being of Lebanese origin, I wanted to internationalize my career beyond France and I understood that with the kind of experience and education that I had, it would be difficult for me to find the dream job that I wanted. Hence the idea for the MBA.
Why LBS?
The first reason was the quality of the program. When I applied to LBS, it was ranked number one in the Financial Times. Secondly, I was looking for a very dynamic and international city to be based out of and London fit the criteria perfectly. Finally, I was looking for a two-year program, based in Europe and that is what I got.
What did you find the most difficult in the application process?
The most difficult part was definitely the application. I felt that my profile lacked leadership experiences and extra-curricular activities. I also found it difficult to explain the frustration I felt every day in my workplace without sounding ungrateful for the opportunity. I did not want my application to carry negative tones. Fortunately, I met Dr. Hubert Silly at the MBA Center who reassured me that these types of situations are very common amongst young professionals and they also will not have the chance to exhibit leadership mainly because of the lack of opportunities to exhibit them. Dr. Hubert Silly also helped me to look within my life, my extra-curricular activities and hobbies and find where I had exhibited said qualities.
What is life like at LBS?
Life at LBS has been a wonderful experience so far and I have been very happy with the progress and turn my life has taken. The classes at LBS and the facilities provided rank amongst the best and I have been lucky to have got a chance to study in a city like London, with its diverse and multicultural environment.
What would be your advice to someone applying for an MBA program?
When I met Dr. Hubert Silly at an MBA Fair, my objective was to apply to HEC Paris and I thought that I was very ambitious for that. How wrong was I! My advice is more ambitious. Aim higher than what you think you can do. It is thanks to the interaction with Dr. Hubert Silly that I gained confidence and started to aim high while remaining realistic.
I also spent time attending fairs and visiting campuses like IESE, IE, INSEAD, HEC, LBS and I felt that I was the happiest at LBS as I loved the atmosphere, the approach, the campus, etc. Similarly, you need to find the right fit. Rankings are just one part of the equation.
Finally, get professional help from experts like Dr. Hubert Silly and his team at the MBA Center. I met many people at LBS who had been part of Dr. Hubert Silly’s classes and each of them was very happy to have had the chance to work with Dr. Hubert Silly. He is a great whiz when it comes to the MBA market and you would be at a loss without his help.