A powerful example of the entrepreneurial culture at the heart of emlyon business school’s Global BBA
Paul Simonin
Global BBA
A dual degree student at emlyon business school and Sungkyunkwan University, Paul Simonin perfectly embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and global mindset fostered by the program. After an unconventional journey shaped by his passion for esports, he found new opportunities through the Global BBA at emlyon business school. From student leadership and international experiences to a specialization in market finance, Paul reflects on his journey, shares his ambitions, and offers valuable advice to future students.
An Unconventional Journey, A Clear Direction
Paul Simonin has never followed a conventional path. "I attended a private high school in the Yvelines region and chose a science-focused track, but my true passion has always been esports," he explains. From middle school onwards, Paul immersed himself in the competitive gaming world, quickly becoming a manager for professional esports teams across Europe and the United States. "This experience also allowed me to become fluent in English," he adds.
This experience naturally led Paul toward a business school rather than an engineering school. During a student fair, he discovered the Global BBA at emlyon business school, and that was the turning point. "I was immediately drawn to the school’s approach and its sports program, which aligned perfectly with my passion for sport. In addition, emlyon business school seemed to be the best place to prepare me for a career in consulting, a field that greatly interested me at the time."
Making the Most of Student Life at emlyon business school
From the moment he arrived at emlyon, Paul threw himself into campus life. "I can’t stand being idle, so from my very first year, I applied to become a school ambassador," he recalls. As an ambassador, he traveled across France to represent the school while also becoming actively involved in campus life. "We were the first cohort to study at the Écully campus, and everything had to be built from scratch. That’s when I took the initiative to launch the very first BBA Student Union. Things quickly gained momentum, and we went on to organize major events, including the end-of-year gala."
Although his sporting ambitions initially led him to join La Horde’s reserve team, emlyon business school’s handball team, he remained involved throughout his first two years while also serving as a school ambassador and Student Union president. It was only towards the end of his studies that his focus gradually shifted to another of his passions: management and student-led projects.
Living an International Experience Through a Double Degree with Sungkyunkwan University
One of the defining moments of Paul’s journey at emlyon business school was his decision to pursue a double degree with Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea. "When I first heard about the program, I was still undecided. I was hesitating between a traditional exchange program and a double degree. What really attracted me to Sungkyunkwan was the opportunity to experience a different culture and immerse myself in an academic environment focused on market finance," Paul recalls. He then embarked on thorough preparation, learning Korean and extensively researching the university.
"The program at Sungkyunkwan was incredibly flexible. You could choose around ten intensive courses in specialized fields such as market finance or FinTech. This gave me the opportunity to take highly technical courses, particularly in finance."
An Immersive Experience at Sungkyunkwan: Expanding Networks and Skills
At Sungkyunkwan, Paul discovered a completely new academic and cultural environment. "The immersion was total. From the moment I arrived, the university provided excellent support with my visa application and settling in. There was also a buddy system that makes it easy to connect with Korean students, and I had the opportunity to meet and exchange with students from across Asia," he explains. For Paul, this international network, particularly in dynamic hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore, has become a major asset for his future career.
"Thanks to my double degree, I’ve built a network that is very different from the one I would have developed at emlyon business school alone. I met students from all over the world and even took part in student fairs in South Korea. It has opened up new opportunities and broadened my horizons for the future," he adds.
A Bachelor’s Degree That Opens Doors
This program is a true springboard to ambitious career opportunities, particularly on an international scale. "The Global BBA at emlyon business school has helped me stand out in the job market, especially in industries where experience is highly valued," Paul explains. As he approaches graduation, he is firmly focused on a future in market finance, with a clear objective: working in fund or portfolio management. "The experiences I gained throughout the BBA will make all the difference in my career."
For Paul, the program has been a powerful launchpad. As he points out, "What truly sets the program apart is the professional experience you build along the way. With several internships integrated throughout the curriculum, the Global BBA gives us a real competitive edge."
Tips from Paul for Future Students
For those considering joining emlyon business school and the Global BBA, Paul has one simple piece of advice: "Get fully involved, whether in student associations, entrepreneurship, or sports. Make the most of the freedom and opportunities available to bring your ideas and projects to life. And of course, never underestimate the importance of academic performance. The program is demanding, and admission to double degrees such as the one with Sungkyunkwan is heavily based on your grades."
In many ways, Paul Simonin’s journey perfectly illustrates what the Global BBA at emlyon business school can make possible: unique international opportunities, hands-on professional experience, and highly specialized expertise, all within a stimulating academic environment. For Paul, these four years are only the beginning of an even more ambitious journey. In his view, the Global BBA at emlyon business school is the ideal launchpad for going even further.