When Eric Bakan Koffi graduated from emlyon business school’s International MBA, it was on the back of an impressive CV working in the fields of sales and engineering within high voltage energy. In search of the business savviness needed to see the “big picture” of organizations, understand the key business drivers, and work in teams to produce profitable growth, he delayed his plan to take the IMBA for two very contrasting reasons – the global pandemic and his wife falling pregnant. Determined to take the plunge of leaving his family for a year and quitting his job for extra studies, he tells a tale of sacrifice and reward.

You had a wealth of experience before making the switch back to studying for the IMBA. “I had a good 10 years of experience under my belt before deciding to resume studies. Areas I had worked in included oil and gas drilling and mining sales operations in my native Ivory Coast, and in Bordeaux, then in General Electric Africa back home, and most recently at AEE Power specializing in high voltage. However, despite my CV, I knew I needed to top up my professional experience with something extra including financial literacy and strategy to be able to manage businesses and organizations. Thanks to the choice I made at the time, I now find myself in a leadership position working on tendering back in General Electric, providing technical solutions to the global high voltage market, tailoring offers to customer needs, and negotiating with companies and factories so that they prioritize the right markets whilst meeting client expectations. High Voltage Brokering is a complex business, so you need a broad skillset.” What motivated your decision to stop working and resume studying? “I had to postpone my original application for the IMBA due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, on a happier note, the fact that my wife was pregnant with our first child. However, neither of these events meant that I lost sight of what was missing from my profile – business acumen and financial literacy. I had honed my technical and commercial skills through the various posts I had held up until then but was patently aware of the importance of upgrading my business skills. It was a calculated risk leaving a leadership role in my country and an emotional wrench saying goodbye my family for a year, but both these decisions were part of a clearly formulated plan.” Why the choice of emlyon? “France and Europe were both significant draws for me considering my future perspectives and plans, plus I had been recommended the IMBA at emlyon by friends. They had shared with me how the curriculum was organized, and it seemed the perfect match for me and my career aspirations: a program oriented towards entrepreneurship to tailor my business sense and a focus on that point with the ELP (Entrepreneurial Leadership Project) at the end of the year where I got to work on a real business case within a company while being a student. I also sensed it would enable me to stay in touch with the market and current trends, plus maintain contact with former companies and colleagues with whom I had dealt in previous positions in France. In short, it ticked all the boxes from a professional and personal perspective.” Which highlights do you retain from the program and the student experience? “The international dimension to the program, both in terms of opportunities for study trips abroad and the diversity within the cohort. There were 14 nationalities represented by the 38 of us, which made the learning experience especially enriching. The curriculum is truly designed to prepare graduates for the industry of their choice post-studies, not least because you have alumni coming in to give presentations and actual business representatives working in industry delivering parts of the syllabus. It also hones the ability not just to assimilate new knowledge but also how to transmit it to others through a lot of group work – it’s not just what you know but how you use it! By developing new competencies such as leadership, teamwork, and team management, and instilling new business acumen in the cohort, the IMBA really marks the transition from student to business professional.” What advice would you give to students contemplating a similar path to yours? “A program such as emlyon’s IMBA will be crucial in your professional and personal development. However, you are ultimately the master of the trajectory your career will take after graduation. My advice when starting out would be to ask yourself three questions: What area do you want to work in? Do you aspire to a more senior role? Which gaps do you need to close to achieve your goals? The IMBA facilitates your ability to make clear, well-informed choices and will definitely improve your chances of being captured by the employment market, but it is ultimately down to you to devise a clear career strategy and follow it. Oh, and one other piece of advice – make sure you enjoy the city of Lyon, the country and the IMBA student experience. Making new friends within the city will really help balance distance from family and may be useful for those who want to stay in France and need to learn the language!”

Javier Ramirez Salgado has emerged as a standout figure within Hitachi Rail, showcasing a unique blend of exceptional skills and humility. His journey as an emerging transit leader is underscored by a combination of academic and professional achievements and a practical mindset.

Central to Ramirez's success is his academic foundation. He earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in civil engineering, with the latter pursued in Turin, Italy, providing him with a comprehensive grasp of transportation systems. Complementing his technical education is his International MBA from emlyon business school in France. These qualifications are fortified by his linguistic prowess, demonstrated through his fluency in English, Italian, French and Spanish. Ramirez's potential was recognized early on by Hitachi Rail, leading him to participate in the Global Talent Development Program, a rigorous 12-month initiative designed to accelerate leadership and technical capabilities. Ramirez's colleagues say his blend of academic rigor, practicality and humility made him a natural fit for his role as project manager on the Hurontario Light Rail Transit Project, Hitachi Rail's inaugural endeavor in Canada. In this capacity, he navigates the challenges posed by a culturally diverse team, partner organizations, subcontractors and clients. Ramirez is credited with taking a proactive approach to problem-solving, regardless of complexity, which highlights his innate talent for breaking down issues, identifying solutions and harnessing collective input for effective resolutions. One example is his implementation of software solutions to streamline daily operations and manage subcontractor-related changes efficiently. This technology-driven approach has enabled Hitachi Rail to swiftly identify and address potential roadblocks in the project's execution. Beyond his professional accomplishments, colleagues say it is Ramirez’s humility, dedication and unwavering determination that make him an outstanding ambassador for the transit industry. He actively contributes to discussions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), including LGBTQIA+ population. Is there a defining experience that brought you to your current situation? "While my international experiences have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping my journey, the deepest influence on my path comes from my childhood. I attribute my present position not only to my diverse encounters across the globe but, more importantly, to the values instilled in me by my parents. They taught me the virtues of discipline, hard work and, above all, being a compassionate and empathetic individual. Their guidance and teachings have been the foundation of my character, driving me to strive for excellence while remaining mindful of the impact I have on others. It is this foundation of values that has pushed me forward, enabling me to navigate the world with a sense of purpose and integrity." What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job? "What I find most gratifying about my job is the opportunity to collaborate with people from diverse nationalities, backgrounds and life experiences. Interacting with such a variety of perspectives brings an incredible sense of enrichment and fosters a vibrant and inclusive work environment. Within my current team in Hitachi Rail Canada, we represent more than 20 different nationalities. The constant exchange of ideas, cultures and stories creates a dynamic atmosphere that fuels creativity and innovation. Another fact that truly energizes me about my job is the direct impact it has on the development of cities and the enhancement of people’s quality of life. Being actively involved in projects that shape transportation infrastructure and positively influence urban areas gives me a deep sense of fulfillment." What's the most challenging aspect of your job? "As the program manager overseeing the daily operations of the Hurontario LRT, I find the most challenging aspect of my role to be the coordination and alignment of various project requirements. Ensuring that we meet all expectations and standards, whether internal within the company or in collaboration with partners, vendors and clients, demands constant attention to detail and effective communication. Juggling these diverse elements and stakeholders while maintaining project integrity presents a formidable challenge that I eagerly embrace with my team in the pursuit of successful project delivery." Article posted by MassTransitmag.com

International MBA graduate

Kurt Schröder 

A self-confessed cricket nut who rubbed shoulders in his formative years with international athletes, Kurt Schröder was hell-bent on broadening his horizons by studying abroad. The plan ? To follow in the entrepreneurial footsteps of his close family. The circumstances? A Campus France application made without his knowledge that led to a highly fruitful learning experience at emlyon business school. He tells the tale of reviewing his sporting ambitions, uprooting from his native South Africa to France, and the work ethic that has made his entrepreneurial journey a growing success.

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Entrepreneur

Pedro PRADO

More about the program

The 2024-25 academic year will see the launch of the International MBA in part-time format, the full-time version having formed a part of emlyon  business school’s program offer since 1972. Designed to enable young professionals to resume studies and boost their profile without having to put their career on hold, the program has been conferred full state-recognized Masters status. The Executive Director of the IMBA and a member of emlyon’s esteemed international faculty recount the motives behind offering this new option and the key selling points.