“French Embassy-EDHEC scholarship means a lot to students with humble backgrounds.”
Ananya Rajpoot, Indian, Master in Management, Business Management student (Class 2018) has been able to fulfill her dreams of studying in a French business school thanks to a scholarship. She shares her journey from New Delhi to Lille.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND PRIOR TO EDHEC.
In high school, in my hometown, New Delhi, I studied Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and Economics; Economics being one of my favourite subjects along with English. But I did not want to pursue mainstream engineering like my parents did before me, I wanted to explore something unique, thus I chose Fashion Engineering (Apparel Production and Management). So, I applied for the prestigious National Institute of Fashion Technology and I ranked 4th nationwide on the entrance exam.
In my 3rd year, I had the opportunity to come and study for six months at ENSAIT, a French school specialised in textile engineering and innovation to learn about Design and Distribution Management. I really enjoyed being in France and I knew I wanted to come back. Plus, France is the hub for Fashion and Luxury!
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE EDHEC?
I did some research and talked to EDHEC Alumni who were in the fashion industry. It convinced me that it was the right business school for me. Moreover, I come from a humble background, EDHEC’s co-financed scholarship, taking 50% off the tuition fees, really helped me in making my dream, and that of my parents’ come true. I am also the recipient of Charpak BCS Scholarship from Campus France.
EDHEC’s scholarship means a lot to students like me. It shows EDHEC is willing to support your education, dreams and aspirations.
HOW HAS YOUR JOURNEY AT EDHEC BEEN SO FAR?
It’s a very challenging, yet enriching experience. I have indeed learnt a lot. When I was elected to the Students Council, it was a big moment for me to be chosen by a majority of French students who trusted me. I have been able to be a member of two associations: EDHEC Nations Unies and EcoThink of which I became president. This experience challenged me, because I managed and worked with both French and international students. We organised various events!
With EcoThink, we started a project to provide organic products from a farmer to students, staff and faculty members on a weekly basis. It was also exciting for me because the meetings with the other presidents, the files… were all in French, a language I’m not fluent in.
But I believe that if you put yourself 100% into something, you will find your place! I know I did.
EDHEC’s academic life is quite different from India, where we focus on theory and methodology. At EDHEC, we have presentations for everything, lots of interactions, we learn to speak our minds in very diverse groups. We also have the opportunity to get close to companies. I was lucky to participate in a business innovation challenge and a workshop with Christian Dior. It was a great experience to get an inside look on the luxury sector. Something I would not have experienced if I had stayed in India!
A new place and every group project teach you to get out of your comfort zone. It’s an advantageous and valuable skillset.
WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP FOR YOU?
For my professional immersion year, I have several companies to choose from- Coty, Etam, Estée Lauder. I wish to work as a Product Manager in the Fashion and Luxury sector someday!
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FUTURE EDHEC STUDENTS?
To international students, I would advise not to fear to step out of your comfort zone. Take the Leap! But also work on your language skills, that would really help.
And to French students, I would say, be open and welcoming to international students, you might find lasting friendships! As I did!
