Romain Rochas (MSc in Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship) – an immersive learning experience at Oulu Business School, Finland
Among the many key goals of the MSc in Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship is to immerse students into entrepreneurial ecosystems in other parts of the world whilst learning from peers of emlyon’s partner universities and business schools. Romain Rochas recounts the personal, academic and business takeaways of the three months spent in Finland as part of the program.
What attracted you to emlyon and the MSc in Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship?
“In terms of the school, the brand and prestige of emlyon were definite advantages for me, as was the clear emphasis placed on innovation through its program offerings. I already had an international background, having spent time in both Vietnam and Hungary prior to starting the MSc, so the school’s and program’s strong diversity felt like a natural continuation. The opportunity to spend the second semester in Oulu (Finland), as I have just done, the third term in Ho Chi Minh City and then complete the mandatory internship anywhere in the world therefore suits me down to the ground.”
How did you settle into your term spent in Finland?
“I was one of only three from emlyon who opted for student housing — a decision that turned out to be a masterstroke, as we must have met around 40 fellow students on our very first day. Integration was also made easier by the group work we were assigned early in the semester, along with the many activities we could take part in. Very quickly, we found ourselves surrounded by like-minded peers from all four corners of the world. Looking back on my time there, I realize that the only moments I really spent with my classmates from France were during emlyon-specific lessons. The rest of the time I was with my new-found friends from Oulu.”
How did you find dynamics learning during your studies?
“When you have people from various European countries, China, Taiwan, Africa and North America, it’s fascinating to observe how they interact — who steps up to take the lead in project work, who embraces being out of their comfort zone. Students were tackling the same issues, often with different methodologies and ideas, which became especially evident when working on business cases and simulation exercises. There was also quite a range of educational backgrounds within the group, from generalist programs in business administration to those who had previously specialized in HR, management, or finance, not to mention a notable age range. For me, this diversity was truly something to embrace and learn from.”
What was the entrepreneurial aspect of your time spent in Finland?
“I took part in entrepreneurship societies which organized workshops and ran Startup Weekends, — intensive events where we worked in teams to create a company from scratch, often under tight deadlines, and even started generating revenue in the process. These events brought together people from outside our program and even from other universities, which made the learning experience more interesting. There were also events lasting, in some cases, a whole week where we had the opportunity to pitch your business ideas. Also of great value were the opportunities we had to visit business incubators, research funding centers and the health test lab of the university during our time there.”
What extra-curricular activities were available to you during the semester?
“One of the traditions in Finnish universities is to host a particular kind of party where you’re placed at large tables intentionally next to people who do not know one another, to encourage students to meet and make acquaintance. Tours of the city were also organized to ensure everyone became more familiar and comfortable with their new surroundings. At every student event, whatever its nature, there was a clear effort on the part of the organizers to make sure that everyone was not only having a good time but also feeling completely safe. I’d arrived in Oulu with the preconceived notion that Finnish people would be relatively closed but this turned out to be a misconception! The Finns can be reserved at first but once you’ve been introduced, as it were, they’re very welcoming. The diversity within the university, which was far greater than I expected, also helped a lot in this regard.”
What differences did you notice compared to your previous learning environments in Lyon and Vietnam, where you are now in your third semester?
“In Oulu, greater emphasis was placed upon theoretical teaching and learning, whereas the emlyon approach is very much hands-on and practical. Similarly, the way of doing business is very different from one country to another, so you gain different insights from each country’s situation. The same goes for the economic and cultural climate in each part of the world. Vietnam is going through incredible growth and dynamism, which changed my perception of Asia as a business and learning hub, especially when compared with France and Finland which are more similar in that respect. I would say that sustainability and High Tech played an even more prominent role during my time in Oulu (which is renowned as the flagship city for 5G and 6G), whereas in Vietnam I fully expect to gain deeper insight into innovation and international business. This varied experience has already given me ideas about the kind of business venture I could embark upon once I’ve completed the MSc in Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship.