After a lifetime in London, Antje Moor moved to Paris and joined EMLV to pursue an MBA. Earlier this month, she posted an article on Linkedin titled: “Why I decided to do an MBA in Paris?” We asked Antje a few questions about her time on campus, her study abroad experience in Paris and the coronavirus lockdown.
Antje put it well in her article for Linkedin where she explained that “after all, it really doesn’t matter why and when and which age (is right to do an MBA). It is everyone’s choice, and when the right time comes, the options are there and hopefully suit everyone.” We followed up, asking Antje if she wanted to share her story. Here’s what she had to say…
From London to Paris after Brexit
Hello, I’m Antje Moor, I’m German, and for the last 20 years I lived in London. I started in retail banking and moved into international banking when I decided to do a Bachelor in Business Management studies in London. There, I developed my passion for marketing and technology and started to work for The O2, one of the largest music and entertainment arenas in the world and the first Tall Ship hospitality company during the London 2012 Olympics. After that, I started to work for an automobile, IT and software company.
I’ve got a wide range of knowledge working with local and international B2B and B2C businesses in Germany and the UK. For the last five years, I mainly worked in digital marketing for digital marketing & PR agencies in London.
My expertise is SEO, content & digital PR, Paid and Social Media. In my last job, I worked on digital transformation, data analytics, blog content & social media, partner marketing and chatbot. Due to Brexit, I moved with my family to Paris last year to build up a new life. And voila here I am.
It’s always a big step, and very busy when moving countries; however, I had some time before the MBA started last October. I loved all the touristic tours, discovering Paris by boat and foot. I can’t wait until we are back to normal, so really enjoy the Parisian life and explore the city, go to some great restaurants and meet up with some students I met during my studies.
“EMLV– the Leonard de Vinci Business School was my first choice as it had the right course subjects for an MBA, was close to home and offered all classes on campus. A bonus for me was having help, a base when living abroad, getting help with the culture, daily life, and supporting students with French language courses, job fairs, I pitch & meet.” (“Why I decided to do an MBA in Paris?)
Moving to a new country is for sure a major change. There is a new culture, a new language and many things and customs to learn. I knew I had to build up a new life and make new contacts to work in France.
“Nobody says an MBA is easy, it’s tough, and that’s no lie. I’ve worked hard on individual exams, group presentations, reports, homework, Harvard Business case studies, online tools and the most challenging of all was learning the French language.” (“Why I decided to do an MBA in Paris?”)
The university helped me to get started and showed me how things work here in France, i.e. job interviews, recruiters, life, the French language, and so on. I understood that it is crucial to have a French degree when applying for a job here in France. Showing that I was familiar with the recruiting process and the job market industry helped me to be confident in getting and speaking during interviews.
As I’ve got a broad knowledge of digital marketing, it helps me to understand how all digital channels work together to compose an integrated strategy. Furthermore, the MBA helped me to decide in the areas I really enjoy working. I wanted to deepen my knowledge further learning from tactical to strategic spectrum as well as specialising myself going forward. I really enjoyed Data Analytics, SEO, UX, web design and e-commerce where I actually want to move.
What Coronavirus can teach us about adaptation and resilience
When I decided to do an MBA, I wanted to have more offline lessons and go to university as I really enjoyed the human interaction with teachers and other international students, group works, discussions, etc.
During the strike in December, we already had online classes, so I was kind of prepared and used to it, which has helped in the current situation with Coronavirus. We need to adapt and continue our studies online. Due to the nature of digital marketing, working remotely online, from other countries etc. is a great benefit of working in this industry.
The university gives support and webinar through its online portal in French and English while being at home. It’s a base where we can go back to, stay in touch, not feeling too much isolated, which is very helpful.
“Overall, I’m delighted that I’ve done this MBA. It helped me to find my way in a new country, meet wonderful new people, make new friends and find an internship.”(“Why I decided to do an MBA in Paris?”)
It’s been a great learning curve. I started last year by working hard on my French, personal development, bilingual LinkedIn profile, building up my contacts through university teachers and practicing through events and fairs interview situations.
Employer checking Antja’s CV at a Pitch & Meet event
I finally got an internship, however due to the current situation it has been postponed until mid of May.
In the meantime, I study French and prepare for my internship by deepening my SEO knowledge in French and updating my Google Analytics and SEO tool certificates.
Thanks to the university for being cooperative and flexible on the starting date during such challenging times. So hopefully, my internship will take place soon.
If she had any advice for anyone who struggles with his(her) plans to study abroad in Paris …
As long as students have done their preparation why they want to do an MBA, live and study in Paris, there is no reason to panic. It’s important to make the most out of it, i.e. studying and enjoying one of Europe’s most beautiful and metropolitan cities.
“Living and studying in Paris, one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities, with its rich culture, history and cuisine is undoubtedly a unique experience.” (“Why I decided to do an MBA in Paris?”)
In regards to the current situation, it’s very important that we stay and keep ourselves occupied on a daily basis. We need to adapt, so keeping a routine and getting up in the morning is the first step. Our lives have already changed how we communicate through Zoom or Skype, and the way forward will be online. Having a daily plan and weekly objectives to work towards is crucial while working from home. A bit of self-discipline and determination is needed to be successful during these times of isolation and good to test out if not to be improved and taken advantage of until it’s over.
“Thanks to all the teachers, MBA Program Manager, admin and support staff at EMLV working offline and online – keep all safe.” (“Why I decided to do an MBA in Paris?”)
