How an International MBA gives you the network for a global career

An MBA program may give you the requisite skills to boost your career, but those skills are just as valuable as the opportunities to network. For many students, networking is one of the biggest reasons to pursue an MBA program. 

Building your professional network through an MBA can benefit you in multiple ways. You could unlock prestigious career opportunities through valuable referrals; meet future business partners and investors; and, in a multicultural classroom, gain necessary knowledge of how to do business in different parts of the world through your peers.

Kyo Kaen had an idea of how valuable networking could be when she moved from Japan to France for the International MBA (IMBA) at emlyon business school. After graduating from Waseda University in Tokyo with a degree in engineering, Kyo worked for almost ten years as a business consultant in the IT industry, supporting clients with cloud and AI adoption.

“I was looking for an International MBA because I wanted to challenge myself in Japan,” she remarks. “In a diverse environment, I would be able to not only broaden my horizons with regards to business, but also strengthen my own English and develop my French capability.” 

1. Access to industry and startup leaders  

With a background in AI, Kyo had recognized how programs such as ChatGPT could revolutionize business. She chose the entrepreneurship specialization on the IMBA program, knowing that this would enable her to access an exclusive network and increase her chances of successfully building an AI startup.

At emlyon, professors frequently invite business leaders into the IMBA classroom to share insights with MBAs. Thanks to this, Kyo (pictured) was able to learn about launching a startup directly from successful entrepreneurs.  

“One of the professors introduced two or three startup founders, so I had the chance to communicate with them directly about why and how they were able to launch their startup,” says Kyo. “This kind of resource is very unique.”

Later, a chance conversation with one of her professors turned into a valuable introduction to a member of the emlyon alumni network.  

“I was deciding customer sectors, because I need to show the viability of my AI startup. So I told the professor I was confused. Should I go more vertical, or should I go more horizontal?” recalls Kyo. 

“And my professor connected me with a startup founder in a similar industry. So, I had the opportunity to share my concerns and my thoughts. And he shared very invaluable, very insightful information that I finally integrated into my decision.”

As well as getting assistance and referrals from her MBA professors, Kyo also actively reached out to emlyon MBA alumni who are working in the AI industry. 

“Some of them are very happy to share their experience and their insights about the industry and the AI revolution. They are great learnings that I can bring back to Japan and apply in my career.”

2. Broadening horizons with international study trips  

Each year at emlyon, IMBA students embark on a learning trip to meet companies and professionals elsewhere in Europe. Kyo spent one week in Berlin meeting startups in the field of sustainability, and said the experience radically changed her entrepreneurial mindset. 

“Some topics seem so challenging, and they believe in what they are doing. They believe in their business and in the problems they are solving. They would love to be challenged. I think that is true entrepreneurship,” Kyo says. 

Meeting professionals from around the world also helped Kyo consider different ways of doing business, which often felt very different from what she was used to in Japan. 

“Sometimes in Japan, we tend to avoid a risk, because we appreciate harmony instead of challenge. But they would love to take risks,” she adds. “Here, all ideas are very openly taken into consideration. It’s very inspiring.” 

3. Networking inside and outside the MBA classroom

As Kyo has discovered, MBA networking doesn’t just happen inside the classroom. “After this one-year journey, I realized there are a lot of opportunities exposed to us,” she says. 

In addition to being introduced to alumni and other professionals during the program, emlyon sponsored Kyo and her peers to attend VivaTech, Europe’s largest startup and tech event, in Paris. 

“I built professional connections with real founders, business leaders, and CXOs, and understood what was happening in this industry in Luxembourg, in Belgium, and across Europe,” Kyo explains. “Those kinds of business insights are very, very valuable.” 

The impact of networking on a post-MBA career 

Thanks to the dedicated support and insights she received from professors, alumni, and other professionals during her IMBA, Kyo has since successfully launched her AI startup, KyoConnectAI, which builds customer service and customer experience AI agents for SMBs.

“This journey empowered me and exceeded my expectations,” Kyo declares. “Here, I was able to systematically, holistically learn about financial strategy, culture, awareness: all the skills that we need to be considered a business leader.” 

When it comes to networking, Kyo credits emlyon with providing her with the connections necessary to develop her skills and take the next steps in her career—whether in Japan or in Europe.

“You can first learn and then apply your skills, collaborate with a cohort, and really strengthen your business skills. So if you want to improve yourself, an International MBA is a big platform to practice.”