Core values at ESCP Business School
ESCP’s organizational culture is rooted in values that reflect its mission to educate leaders for a sustainable and responsible future. Some of the key values adopted by the European school include:
Excellence: A focus on academic rigor and professional success.
Singularity: Embracing the school’s legacy and individual identity.
Creativity: Encouraging innovation in solving global challenges.
Plurality: Building bridges through diversity and global partnerships.
These values guide both the curriculum and daily interactions at the school, shaping how students and faculty approach education and business challenges.
A multicultural heritage
Founded in 1819, ESCP is the world’s oldest business school and its heritage reflects a strong European identity combined with a global outlook. The school has campuses in six major European cities: Paris, London, Madrid, Berlin, Turin, and Warsaw. This geographic spread is mirrored in its organizational culture, which encourages multicultural collaboration, as well as in its core values, which specifically emphasize plurality and diversity.
More than 10,000 students from 135 different nationalities are brought together within the school’s degree programs. This diversity contributes to an inclusive space for learning where different cultural perspectives can be celebrated. It’s a place where global professionals can not only learn about core business concepts but also develop cross-cultural intelligence – one of the most critical skills for today’s leaders.
Communication styles
When it comes to communication between students and faculty at ESCP, you can expect an open, respectful, and professional approach. Faculty members are available for questions and feedback and they often encourage debates and discussions during lectures.
Peer-to-peer interaction is equally important during in-class exercises, networking, and of course – socializing. With English as the primary language of instruction in the MBA in International Management program, students find it easy to connect, regardless of their native language, and they end up forming lifelong bonds. “My classmates from the online cohort were extremely supportive and tried to help me out whenever they could,” highlights Michèle Gorissen, MBA Class of 2024, who had to balance an MBA at ESCP with the responsibilities of new motherhood. “It’s an amazing feeling to know that this MBA family is there for you and supports you and is happy to help out with anything. I cannot thank them enough!”
Hands-on learning environment
ESCP’s culture emphasizes experiential learning. The MBA in International Management integrates classroom teaching with real-world applications through:
Company Consultancy Projects: Students collaborate with global firms to solve business problems, applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
International exposure: With the opportunity to study across two ESCP campuses, participants experience the culture of multiple European cities.
Events and seminars: Focused on leadership, innovation, and career development, and held both on campus and online, these events are interactive and engaging.
Upon starting his studies at the London campus, Edoardo Peruzzi, MBA Class of 2023, was quickly impressed by the school’s focus on practical learning. “I appreciated how we not only learned theory but also applied it to real-world situations through case studies, simulations, and projects. This approach enabled me to develop the problem-solving and critical thinking skills required for success in business,” he says.
The program nurtures a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, making it ideal for professionals who wish to challenge the status quo and create meaningful impact.
Norms and expectations
Students at ESCP Business School, including those in the MBA program, share a spirit of professionalism, curiosity, and respect for others. Developing and appreciating these qualities in everyday interactions and group work will go a long way for students to be able fit in at ESCP.
Some specific norms that MBA aspirants can expect within the culture at ESCP include:
Punctuality: Whether it’s attending lectures, meetings, or events, punctuality is a sign of respect for others’ time.
Collaboration: The program requires participants to work in diverse teams. Active participation and willingness to compromise are essential.
Global mindset: Embracing different perspectives and adapting to various cultural nuances is not just encouraged; it’s necessary.
The school promotes a work-hard, play-hard culture – one that enables students to combine intensive work with plenty of socializing and self-development. While academic rigor is a hallmark, participants from all levels – Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA – can explore extracurricular activities, networking events, and cultural exchanges. “On the six ESCP campuses across Europe, students […] can get involved in over 80 societies to grow their practical skills through exposure to experts and management projects, informing and supporting one another,” according to ESCP.
Rooted in its long-standing history and diverse global network, ESCP Business School tries to create an environment that nurtures both professional growth and personal transformation. It closely follows its core values – excellence, singularity, creativity, and plurality, and shapes a collaborative and experiential experience for its MBA in International Management participants.
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