The Grenoble Ecole De Management MBA: What You Need To Know

One of the first triple-accredited schools in France, Grenoble Ecole de Management is in a thriving city in the South-East of France, close to the Italian and Swiss borders and with stunning old-town and views of the Alps.

Grenoble is one of the most international cities in France, and naturally, Grenoble’s MBA class reflects this – with 100% of the students being international. Unlike some universities, Grenoble ensures diversity by making sure there is never more than 15-20% of one nationality in an incoming class.

“It is really a dream situation, to have that many nationalities in the classroom, to be teaching a course where they’re actually practicing it as they talk about it. It’s really interesting because I also see a process of self-questioning and awareness happening, which is the goal,” says Associate Professor Michelle Mielly in a YouTube video on Grenoble’s site.

In the first academic year, or 10 months of the program, Grenoble MBAs take 450 core business course hours and learn theory and real-world examples of written and live cases, including the 90 hours of chosen electives with professional practitioners. They also partake in a study trip to Berlin.

Participants then return for the second year, and complete the Final Management Project, which consists of a final paper. This portion of the program can be taken full-time or at-distance in parallel with an internship or job and can be either applied or theoretical.

MBAs can choose from three specializations, including Entrepreneurship: Leadership for transformation, Financial Management & Advisory – Valuating, and Transformation of Luxury for Digital and Sustainable Age.

Grenoble takes into consideration its impact on the environment and society – a theme that runs throughout all aspects of the MBA. In early 2021, the school became the first business school to be awarded Société a Mission status, meaning that it is a “mission-driven” organization. In other words, it aims to be responsible in all its activities, for instance taking into consideration its impact on the environment and society. The school also focuses on internationalism and technology – the two most popular sectors for the program’s graduates.

Outside of the required curriculum, Grenoble MBAs can attend personal development sessions at the Career Center, take a wide array of workshops, attend career fairs, guest lectures, conferences, and networking opportunities.

Mark Thomas, Associate Dean & Director of International Graduate Programmes

The great benefit of this MBA? You do everything in English but you’ll be living in France. The weather’s better, the food’s better, the lifestyle’s a lot better. The international diversity in this institution is second to none. Half the faculty is international and a third of staff. Not to mention the students who across the university come from 30 different countries.

Grenoble is one of the most international cities in France, with 500 foreign owned companies based in Grenoble, 130 American companies, 40 UK companies and 40 German companies, so it’s incredibly international. Unlike some universities which can have an awful lot of students from particular countries, we make sure there is never more than 15-20 percent of one nationality in a class.

I think that covid has shown us that we can manage more globally, so we will be looking at that more. Also, a shock like the pandemic throws up winners and losers, so a big focus for us is going to be looking at the business models that have proved to be winners.