Nurturing future changemakers at four of Europe’s top business schools

Europe is both big and small. With 51 countries, each with its own unique history, there’s a lot of diversity within this continent. Not only is it very multicultural, but it’s also home to the globe’s largest economic centres. This makes it an ideal study destination for future changemakers, visionaries, and leaders. 

Beyond a world-class education, prospective master’s students get to take advantage of infinite exploration opportunities. How so? Within the European Union, hopping from one place to another is easily feasible and affordable. Along with strong cross-border agreements across 26 European countries, strong international academic communities can be found everywhere. 

With a global mindset, diverse networking happens left, right and centre across the continent. Learners get to broaden their perspectives on everything from art to business and much more. Getting to know business hubs from ground zero in places like London, Paris and Stockholm (to name a few) will definitely lead to an impressive CV. 

Building up a reputable status while gaining a top-class education is all part and parcel of studying in Europe. It’s well-known that companies are constantly on the hunt for global talent so employment opportunities are in abundance even before graduating. With an eye on the future, Europe’s state-of-the-art research facilities and technology will set you on a path of innovative career fulfilment. If you’re hungry for more, take a look at four of the continent’s best business schools:

Hanken School of Economics

Small university, with personalised attention for each student. The “Triple Crown” of accreditation by the three most commonly acknowledged accreditation agencies for business schools: EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB. Diverse cohort. Well-respected alumni, 96% of whom are employed before they graduate. Located in the happiest country in the world. These features define the Hanken School of Economics.

What sets Hanken apart is its combination of master’s degrees in English — where you can specialise in your field of interest — and its robust career development services. At this international business school with strong connections to industry and society, you can focus on Economics, Finance, Accounting, Management, Marketing, Humanitarian Logistics, or even IP Law. Whichever you choose, you can expect a high quality of education in smaller groups.

Hanken’s comprehensive Career Services ensure you will not only gain professional experience while studying but become sought after by companies too. They act as a link between you and the corporate world, helping you find relevant employment. Through Hanken International Talent’s company-oriented university collaborations, you can join internships, land summer jobs and/or take on thesis projects. Armed with insights into Finnish business culture, you  are many steps closer to your dream job.

“What I would remember would definitely be the friendships that I made and my group projects for different Finnish organisations,” says graduate Zara Usmani. To learn more about one of the oldest business schools in the Nordic countries, click here.

Emlyon Business School

Besides the International MBA and the Executive MBA, Emylon offers 13 master’s programmes, all of which aims to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. Source: emylon business school/Facebook

Despite being France’s third-largest city, Lyon’s constantly overlooked. It also boasts being the country’s gastronomic capital and home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites well-worth a visit. From a large renaissance old town to Roman ruins, and historical industrial districts — you won’t run out of places to visit.

As France is now Ireland’s closest neighbour in the European Union, its market offers an ideal environment for Irish investors. With this business-friendly presence in Lyon, it’s little to no wonder as to why schools in this industry are revered. Take Emylon Business School, for instance, located nearby the city centre with campuses designed for students to be in the best learning environments.

Besides the International MBA and the Executive MBA, Emylon offers 13 master’s programmes, all of which aims to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. Professors and researchers here encourage students to learn how to face social and economic issues over a broad spectrum that includes subjects like artificial intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship.

An example of this can be seen with the MSc in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy. If you want to find out what else Emylon offers, take a look here.

Cologne Business School

At CBS, 11 Master’s programmes are on offer which doesn’t include the MBA course. Source: CBS International Business School/Facebook

Much more than its joyous attitude and party spirit, Cologne is also known to be an ancient cathedral city with 12 of the most beautiful Romanesque churches. Back then, it was established as a Roman provincial capital and military fort. This cultural hub, situated near the Rhine River in western Germany, has retained more than 2,000 years of history.

Besides history, Cologne is globally recognised for its long-time repertoire in trade and industry. Now, it’s a leading commercial industry and an international tourist destination. As an important economic area in Europe, Cologne Business School’s (CBS) main campus is right, smack, in the middle of the metropolis. Because of the school’s strategic location, students enjoy the cosmopolitan lifestyle and vibrant startup spirit which is ideal for the workforce environment.

There’s the additional benefit of getting work experience through internships while studying. At CBS, 11 Master’s programmes are on offer which doesn’t include the MBA course. Have look at all of the courses in detail here.

SKEMA Business School

SKEMA’s multi-campus structure helps students and companies alike to form strong bonds. This can be seen in the school’s campuses in Brazil, China, South Africa, the US and Lille in France. Source: SKEMA Business School/Facebook

Another French hub often overlooked is Lille in northern France. With roots in the Middle Ages, it’s the country’s fourth-biggest city with access to three big European hubs — Brussels, Paris and London. Lille is nestled close to the border of Belgium and there’s much more to it than meets the eye. 

As well as being a colourful, welcoming and dynamic environment, Lille also gained a well-earned reputation as a hard-working industrial city with Flemish heritage. That’s why students at SKEMA Business School stand a chance to experience history through an abundance of baroque buildings and unique architecture while gaining a top-class education.

SKEMA’s multi-campus structure helps students and companies alike to form strong bonds. This can be seen in the school’s campuses in Brazil, China, South Africa, the US and Lille in France. The school’s major player role contributes to local communities and environments in Lille. Along with the Global Executive MBA in store, there are many options for master’s students you can take a look at here.