Learning expeditions: IÉSEG Executive Education welcomes University of Baltimore students to work on consulting projects in Paris
05/03/2018
IÉSEG Executive Education in Paris recently welcomed a group of 14 participants from the University of Baltimore, Merrick School of Business in the USA, who are currently following an MBA or a BSBA program.
The group embarked on a four-day journey in March with local start-ups, the aim being to develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills by working on consulting projects. This project emerged from a collaboration between Eusebio Scornavacca, Parsons Professor of Digital Innovation at the University of Baltimore, and Tiago Ratinho, Assistant Professor in Entrepreneurship at IÉSEG.
Eusebio Scornavacca explained, “Students had to hit the ground running and work to address real business challenges presented by the partner companies. They were able to immerse in a new business environment, as well as experience firsthand how local entrepreneurs are new building businesses.”
Participants met four start-ups and then worked in small groups to research and formulate relevant recommendations. These real-life cases encouraged participants to submerge themselves in the “French way of life” and to make a positive contribution towards the start-up companies that welcomed them.
“Students had the unique opportunity to address a real-life company challenge while living in Paris. Everyone had to deal with commuting, daily briefings with professors and companies, and evidently experiencing the city life,” added Tiago Ratinho.
This learning expedition was in partnership with Paris&Co, an economic development and innovation agency that prospects and hosts local/foreign start-ups, situated at Le Cargo in Paris. The four local start-ups had questions primarily about entering the US market.
“This is a complex project with many stakeholders and moving parts, the support of IÉSEG Executive Education team and Paris&Co was vital for the success of this project,” Eusebio Scornavacca explained.