From Lebanon to Paris, Haissam chose EMLV’s MSc Digital Business Analytics to enhance his career in fintech and expand his global perspective.
The international dimension of EMLV’s MSc programmes attracts graduates from diverse backgrounds who wish to strengthen both technical and managerial skills. For Haissam, originally from Lebanon and with professional experience in fintech, the choice of EMLV was shaped by the diversity of the programmes and the support available throughout the student journey.
Building Expertise: Why Haissam Chose EMLV for His Next Step
Haissam graduated in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing at the Lebanese American University.
Before joining EMLV, he worked as a team leader in the fintech sector. Motivated to gain advanced expertise, he enrolled in the MSc Digital Business Analytics, a programme designed to explore the intersection of data and business strategy.
According to him, this programme represents “an added value” because it combines theoretical courses with hands-on training in tools and software, preparing students for the realities of the digital economy.
Why EMLV?
The choice of EMLV was influenced by the recommendations of family members and by the range of specialised programmes offered.
Haissam highlights the school’s international environment: “What I appreciated the most was the diversity of the classroom. Students come from different countries and professional backgrounds, which creates a stimulating learning atmosphere.”
The faculty, many of whom combine academic knowledge with professional experience, also played a central role in his decision: “Learning from professors who have worked in the business field provides insights that go beyond theory.”
Research and Career Development
Haissam is conducting his master’s thesis on fintech adoption in the Middle East, drawing on his seven years of experience in the sector. He observes that despite the growth of financial technologies, adoption rates remain limited in certain regions.
Beyond academics, EMLV provides extensive career support. He mentions workshops such as career bootcamps, where students learn to refine their CVs, prepare cover letters, and train for interviews. Career fairs and company networking sessions further connect students with employers.
He also values the availability of the administrative team: “From the moment I arrived, I always received clear answers to my questions. This support has been important in guiding me through the programme and preparing for my internship.”
Life in Paris as an International Student
Studying in Paris has been, in his words, “an incredible experience” because of the exposure to different cultures and opportunities to build professional connections. For him, Paris is a city where the global business environment is accessible every day.
He summarises his advice to future international students in three points:
Be ambitious: the competition is with yourself, and growth comes from personal effort. Leave your comfort zone: as he puts it, “the only way to get out of a circle is to fly upward.” Engage fully in the opportunities provided by the school and the city.
For Haissam, EMLV has been a platform to merge academic growth, professional development, and international experience. “The MSc Digital Business Analytics is a valuable programme in today’s digital world, and EMLV offers the support needed to make the most of it.”
