Dan, June 2020, Student of the Month, MIF ESSEC, International Business school in Europe

Dan Denamou is a French Citizen. Having a strong background in the finance department, Dan has gotten accepted to the MIF program at ESSEC Business School. Talking about his journey more closely, he already had a master's degree from Université Panthéon Assas (Paris II), France. Having clear goals to have access to the entrepreneurship programs and to be a part of firms such as Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, Citi, and more, Dan wanted to have another master's degree from one of the top-tier business schools. He knew that it would be difficult to get work experience from these organizations if you don't have a degree from a top-tier university such as ESSEC. Dan did a couple of internships with an exchange program, saying they have their own role in contributing to your application process. Since he'd also done an exchange program, it helped him grow and widen his network, meet new people, and have international exposure. Let's have a look at his journey so far!

Could you tell us more about yourself?

My name is Dan Denamou. I'm French. I completed my first master's degree in France at Université Panthéon Assas with an exchange program from Singapore specializing in finance. I wanted to get another master's degree in finance from a top business school because I want to be a part of the leading financial firms.

Why did you choose MIF over an MBA or any other program?

I already have a master's degree from France with a specialization in finance, and I wanted to do another master's from a top business school. And have access to a summer internship program in entrepreneurship in South America in organizations such as Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and Citi. If you don't have a degree from a top business school, it isn't easy to join these organizations. 

As you have done many internships, how important are internships to get into such programs?

I think it's really important to do internships as you develop a good network which is important to grow in the finance or management sector. It's also essential because you have a lot to say about your application, what you have learned in your internships, what you have achieved, etc. 

So, as we know, you have an exchange program in Singapore. How important it is to have it, and does ESSEC have any international exchange program?

First of all, it's essential (for French people especially) to have more international experience and network. I have met a lot of people who gave some great professional advice. ESSEC also has an exchange program wherein you can spend your first semester in Paris and your second semester in Singapore. Or you can start your masters in Singapore and do the next part in Paris.

How complex was the application process for you?

For ESSEC, the essay part was where I faced a bit of difficulty as there were a lot of essays to write.

How was your association with Dr Hubert and the MBA Center? 

It was great working with Dr Hubert. He's really supportive and guided me throughout the application process, making it easier to get into my dream school.

It was such a nice conversation Dan, thanks a lot for taking the time.