Francois

My name if Francois and I are a graduate from the ENGDE Prep School. For over nine years I worked for Saudi Oger Ltd. In Saudi Arabia. I started off as a Senior Cost Controller but moved on to become the Operations and Support Department Head. 

When I decided to apply for an MBA I had already been working for nine years in Saudi Arabia for Saudi Oger Ltd., development and civil engineering firm. Even though my experiences out there were great in terms of projects, international exposure, etc, I wanted my career to move into a different direction, namely entrepreneurship in Europe. I felt that given my experience and education in accounting I had to further my education to move forward. I was 32 years old when I decided to go for the MBA program but I preferred to get a full-time MBA. That is why, after discussing with Dr. Hubert Silly I followed his advice to get a Masters in Strategy and Leadership Sloan Fellow Programme from London Business School, an elite international full-time program of nine months for mid-career professionals to develop my network and knowledge before launching my own venture.  

First of all, my background in mathematics is very limited so the GMAT was a big challenge for me. However, I was able to get the required score of 650 with the help of a personal coach given to me by the MBA Center. However, even this arrangement had its problems as I was based in Saudi Arabia at that time and had to take vacations to come to France to study as it was impossible to study there. All of my vacations and leaves were dedicated to preparing for the GMAT and MBA preparations. 

Secondly, my entire career before this was not related to entrepreneurship. So it was difficult finding the right words to convince the committee that I had the potential to further my goals and be successful. What I really appreciate about Dr. Hubert Silly and the MBA Center staff is that they helped me identify my personal life and career experiences that could convince the committee that I was a good fit for their program.

After a long time in Saudi Arabia, coming to the UK and specifically, London was a huge change for me. I came from extremely high temperatures to mild temperatures. As someone accustomed to exhausting yet thrilling work, I found the course I selected at LBS highly suited to my temperament. Living in London was also very different from what I was used to and I was able to make great contacts in the school itself. 

I cannot recommend MBA applicants to use all their vacations for their GMAT preparations, I understand that they have a family life and need to spend some time with them. But the MBA is a big commitment, especially if you are applying for the top programs and I would suggest that you do not underestimate that. Understand that that the more time you spend on your MBA the better the results, so it is a worthwhile investment.

Put time and effort into the preparations. It is tough. But the investment is worth the pain.

Another advice I’d give is to visit schools. Being based in Saudi Arabia I did not have the time to make the necessary visits because whatever little time I could get was spent on the GMAT and applications. Fortunately Dr. Hubert Silly, who travels a lot was able to guide me on the basis of his school visits. He is the one who convinced me to go for the MSc rather than an Executive MBA. 

Finally, I met a wonderful team in Paris and got wonderful support from the MBA Center team. I am aware that without their support I would never be accepted to LBS and I strongly recommend that new applicants use their services while preparing for the MBA.