From engineering to international marketing : Zhou Hangyu’s experience
The Master of Science in International Marketing & Business Development at emlyon business school offers students a dual expertise in in global marketing and strategic business growth. Designed for graduates aiming to operate in a global business environment, the program combines strategic marketing insights, practical negotiation skills, and international exposure. With a curriculum rooted in real-world application, students engage in market analysis, global strategy, and international business operations. The program includes a study abroad period, an international seminar, and close industry and company collaboration, preparing graduates for roles such as marketing director, international marketing manager, or business development analyst.
From Engineering to Business: A Career Transformation
For Zhou Hangyu, a student from China, this Master of Science offered a clear path to shift his career focus. After nearly five years in engineering, he sought to move into a more market-facing role.
“Before I joined this program, I had worked as an engineer for nearly 5 years. At that time, I was looking for some opportunities to achieve my career transformation, from a technical function to technical sales or consulting roles,” he explains. “While the technical expertise was my advantage, the lack of business and market insights was my shortage. So that the program in International Marketing & Business Development matched with my ambitions perfectly.”
The program’s structure supported his goals, combining marketing, sales, and business strategy to provide a broad and applicable foundation.
Global perspectives through international experience
International exposure is a core element of this MSc program, and students travel abroad for both coursework and immersive learning. They have the choice between two destinations in partner universities : Vietnam, at French Vietnamese Center of Management (CFVG) in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City or South Africa, at Stellenbosch Business School near Cape Town.
Hangyu highlights the value of these experiences. “In general it is good. Both South Africa and Vietnam are different from Europe market, which could provide a brand new vision. So it is very helpful for me to gain insights of different markets and regions and to build up a solid base for my international career,” he shares.
Despite challenges—including visa issues in South Africa—Hangyu appreciated the school’s commitment to its students: “I was impressed by the student-centric responsibility demonstrated by the school and the program management team. This experience of students and the school confronting and solving problems together strengthened my connection with emlyon.”
From study to work: building a career in France as an international
After completing his internship, Hangyu transitioned into a permanent role in Paris. His current position focuses on sales operations and data analysis in the electric vehicle sector, where he draws upon both his engineering background and newly acquired business skills.
“I just finished my internship at the end of May, and I am continuing with a permanent contract (CDI). My role is focusing on sales operation and data analysis in the field of electronic vehicle, working for a Chinese brand.”
For international students, job searching in France comes with added complexity. Hangyu reflects candidly: “It can be difficult to find a job in France, especially for the international student who can't work in French-speaking environment. And not all of companies would like to provide support in terms of Visa sponsoring. The most important thing is to clarify self-positioning, clearly understanding our own expertise, abilities and advantages. In this way, we can find a well-matched position. The school's long-standing excellent reputation has indeed enhanced our competitiveness in the job market. I'm very proud of this.”
Zhou Hangyu’s experience reflects the essence of the MSc in International Marketing & Business Development: a rigorous academic foundation, valuable international exposure, and practical pathways into global careers. For students seeking to pivot professionally or deepen their expertise in international business, the program offers both the tools and the prospect to succeed. As Hangyu’s journey illustrates, with commitment and clarity, the transition from classroom to career can be both challenging and rewarding.