Wenyan LUO gives her take on the Executive Advanced Master Leading International and Industrial Projects (LIIP)

Before entering the Executive Advanced Masters Leading International and Industrial Projects, what was your educational and professional background?

I first graduated from the Master of Finance-Asset Management from the Paris Dauphine University and then studied and worked in many countries in the financial sector, among which China, several European countries and the USA. Most of my experiences took place in large groups such as BNP Paribas, La Banque Postale or Allianz after several internships in the Paris Hospitals and AXA IM.

Why did you choose to apply to the LIIP program?

The LIIP program offered a successful combinaison between the top of French engineering schools and Business schools. It provided me with both technical and soft skills with a strong focus on leadership and team building. In addition, the international dimension of the program and its location in the business district of Paris, La Défense strongly appealed to me. Apart from Chinese, French and English, I speak German fluently, and have some notions in Japanese. Therefore, my international background made it essential for me to find this kind of internationally-oriented advanced executive master.

Which elements of the program did you appreciate most?

I found many elements in the program very interesting. First of all, the program put a strong focus on the development of soft skills. Once the program started, we were immersed in a one-week class on self-mastery and personal effectiveness in stressing environments. As there was a great deal of role play and interactions with professors and classmates, we immediately discovered our strengths as well as our potential. We then had three full days of negotiation classes during which we were placed in real situations with different cases.

I also appreciated the project methodology classes, which came later in the year. I had previously worked in several organizations, but never with such a complete take on project management methodologies. Those methodologies helped us to manage complex project environment from start-up to closing. And we learned project planning, scheduling, control, scope definition and integration in detail.

At the end, we experienced a study trip, during which we were immersed in large international industrial projects. For example, this year, I have participated in two study trips, in Dubai and in France when I had the chance to interact directly with large industrial players such as Alstom, MI-GSO, Veolia, Airbus, DCNS, EDF, etc.

Give us your take on the program’s organization and calendar.

Honestly, the program is intense. There are many milestones to achieve during six months, followed by a thesis and six months in a company applying the methods and teachings learned throughout the year. High-pressured moments include periods when we had to work on several projects at the time. I remember participating in four or five group projects over two months, which necessitated to stay focused and tightly manage my schedule. However, the program was fortunately very well organized with many interesting sponsors and participants.

Do you have other remarks or suggestions to make about the LIIP program?

Simply that the LIIP program was very interesting! I look forward to the next phase: the thesis and integrating a company. I would also naturally encourage anyone who is interested in taking the lead on projects in international and industrial contexts.

You successfully graduated. The 1^st theoretical half of the program is over, what now?

Until the end of April, we are supposed to choose the subject and director of the thesis. Since I know my subject, I have started writing my thesis and I am already in contact with my thesis director. The focus will set on negotiation, intercultural environment and project management.

Find out more about the Advanced Executive Master Leading International and Industrial Projects (LIIP)

Wenyan's LinkedIn Profile