With the inception of the ESSEC & Mannheim Executive MBA in 2004, two of Europe's leading business schools — ESSEC Business School and Mannheim Business School — joined forces to create a program that is European in tradition but international in outlook.
The program is ranked #15 wordwide (FT EMBA Rankings 2023), #3 in Diversity (QS EMBA Rankings 2023) and #6 in Career Outcomes (QS EMBA Rankings 2023).
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Benefit from an executive-friendly format, designed to minimize out-of office time. The program takes place once every 6 weeks, for a duration of 6 days on average, with a total of 66 days of coursework and 43 calendar weekdays. |
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Develop a 360-degree view of business and expertise in all corporate functions, and prepare for the future by incorporating trending topics such as ESG, AI and Innovation. |
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Gain a cross-cultural business perspective through courses in Europe (France and Germany), international residencies in the United States and Asia, and through culturally diverse classes with more than 15 different nationalities represented. |
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Join a combined alumni networks of excellence, which include more than 75,000 former students from both ESSEC and Mannheim Business Schools |
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Gain exposure to world-class faculty and visiting experts who combine real business know-how with cutting-edge insights from research and case studies |
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Reap the benefits of a unique and strong collaborative approach through:
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Boost your career through a Leadership & Career Development Track. Enhance soft skills, strengthen leadership abilities and help achieve individual career goals through team building exercises, individual and group coaching, leadership workshops, networking and career events |
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MBA degree from ESSEC Business School
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Recognized Bac+5 degree (“Grade Master”) from the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation*
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MBA degree from Mannheim Business School
The Diploma "Stratégie et Dirigeants ESSEC & Mannheim EMBA" is a certified Grade de master and registered by the French Ministry of Labour, Employment, Vocational Training and Social Dialogue code(s) NSF 310p, professional certification Level 1 (FR) and Level 7 (EU), registered in the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles (RNCP: 36814) by Decree on 6/07 2015 and published on 27/08/2015.
“I chose the ESSEC & Mannheim EMBA program because of the reputation of both business schools. ESSEC was particularly appealing due to the strong entrepreneurial background of its alumni.”
Founder & CEO at PACEUPinvest® GmbH // Alumna 2020
“My background is in telecom engineering, which is very technical. I wanted to broaden my field of expertise, to go into more business and operational subjects, to have a better knowledge of company management.”
CEO and Founder at LIVANGE // Alumnus 2016
“I wanted new learning experiences and I specifically wanted an international Executive program to help me get out of my comfort zone, and to mix with people from other cultures. The ESSEC and Mannheim Executive MBA made a virtue out of the international element of its MBA.”
CEO of R Systems Europe // Alumna 2016
“The joint ESSEC & Mannheim Executive MBA has great international clout and the partnership between the two highly-reputed institutions means a doubly valuable curriculum, especially when it comes to management, leadership and entrepreneurship.”
Vice President at HCL Technologies // Alumnus 2022
“I chose the program based on a recommendation from a colleague who’d recently completed it and also for its social and entrepreneurial spirit. I was excited to develop my business skills and to really immerse myself in an international context.”
Head of B2B Services Delivery Bouygues Telecom // Alumna 2021
“Beyond the excellence of an academic program with a holistic view across business, you may take the chance of becoming a better version of yourself and being more impactful in society.”
Business Lawyer at HSY Law Firm // Alumna 2020
“As a marketing specialist, I really wanted to gain good general knowledge in all fields of business administration. I recognized that an EMBA program was the best way forward. I wanted to understand finance and HR management, and acquire deep knowledge about strategy and leadership.”
Marketing Director at Conventya // Alumna 2020
“I wanted to earn my executive master’s from ESSEC, a strong business school. It turned out to be the best decision. It not only deepened my academic knowledge and supported me with practical tools as an entrepreneur, but I also became a member of two powerful alumni groups.”
Future Entrepreneur // Alumna 2021
"The diversified program with a very international focus helped me a lot to prepare for the next career step in an international environment."
Managing Director at WirelessMobility Automotive GmbH
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1 Core Essence: Strategic Leadership |
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Our ESSEC & Mannheim participants are equipped with the acumen to successfully lead their teams and organizations. Strategic thinking becomes ingrained, enabling participants to make informed decisions that align with organizational goals and industry trends. |
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3 Key Pillars: Sustainability, Intra- and Entrepreneurship, and Digitalization |
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The program stands out for its three pillars: sustainability, intra- and entrepreneurship, and digitalization. Through this program, participants are equipped with essential tools to navigate the evolving business landscape, integrating responsible business practices into their decision-making processes while fostering innovation. |
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3 Guiding Principles: Insights, Immersion & Impact |
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Our curriculum is structured around core modules designed to equip participants with essentials skills and knowledge across key business domains. These core courses encompass essential topics such as leadership, finance, marketing, and strategic management. Each core module comprises two or three core courses.
Examples of core courses:
- Corporate Finance
- Business Ethics
- Financial Accounting
- Marketing Management
- Strategic Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Strategic Leadership
Participants are able to personalize their Executive MBA experience by selecting from a number of Advanced Immersion Modules (AIMS), electives designed around cutting-edge business topics.
Examples of AIMS include:
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Entrepreneurial Thinking
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DNA of German Industry
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Leading with Data-Driven Strategies and Analytics
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Innovation Management
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Organizational Change & Transformation
- Advanced Finance & M&A
A core component of our Executive MBA program, the international study trips in North America and Asia provide participants with cross-cultural business perspectives, global networking opportunities and real-world business insights. Composed of company visits, speaker sessions, networking events and cultural visits, the residencies offer a unique blend of academic rigor, cultural immersion, and practical experience that prepares participants to excel in the global business arena.
The ESSEC & Mannheim Executive MBA includes international residencies in the following locations:
- Washington DC, USA: Georgetown University | Strategy & Geopolitics
- Singapore: ESSEC APAC | Doing Business in Asia
* Accommodation for the international residencies is included in the program fees.
Combining Leadership in Theory and Leadership in Practice, our ESSEC & Mannheim Executive MBA aims to provide participants with a greater understanding of themselves, their values and their skill set in order to become a more effective leader.
The program offers a framework and time for self-reflection, and allow you to progressively develop these skills through team building exercises, group coaching and experiential training sessions. By the end of the track, you will have gained a greater understanding of yourself, your values and your skill sets with the end goal of becoming a more effective leader.
Leadership-specific courses include:
- Strategic Leadership
- Talent Management & Inclusive Leadershi
The Leadership Seminar
The 3-day Leadership Seminar is the opportunity for participants to put into practice their team-leadership skills, through a series of miltary-led group exercises and challenges.
A Leadership Certificate
On top of the Executive MBA degree, participants have the option to earn a Leadership Certificate based on several in-program criteria.
Participants directly apply the knowledge they have acquired during the program to a Strategic Project, a value-creating group response to a real business issue faced by a company today.
The project lasts a total of 15 months and includes workshops and seminars on financing, communication and business planning. The end goal is the implementation of the project by the chosen company or the creation of a company based on the suggested business plan.
The Social Class Project (SCP) is a key feature of the ESSEC & Mannheim Executive MBA that aims to incorporate Social Responsibility directly into the curriculum. It is designed to contribute to the betterment of society, to foster teamwork and to strengthen class spirit. The SCP delivers a strong ethical framework for addressing the complex challenges of today's world, ultimately preparing participants to be conscientious, socially responsible leaders who can drive positive change in their organizations and society at large.
A unique feature of our EMBA programs, the Multi Competency Teams (MCTs) are groups formed of individuals from a diverse range of industries, nationalities, backgrounds and functions. Participants are assigned a group at the start of the program and conduct most group projects, case studies and assignements with this same group during the 18 months of the program. This unique learning experience is enhanced by team coaching sessions with professional coaches.
Professional coaches engage with you throughout the 18-month program to develop an action plan, address new challenges, reflect on your current position and increase your impact as a leader.
- 10+ hours of individual coaching
- 4 group coaching sessions
- 3 flash sessions with experts
Academic Director of the ESSEC & Mannheim EMBA // Leadership and Diversity Chair
Junko Takagi
"The program emphasizes the importance of sustainable management by taking an ethical, social and environmental approach to current and future challenges.
By the end of the program, participants gain a greater understanding of themselves, their values and skill sets and how they can combine these elements to become a more effective leader.
Participants also benefit from personal development support, which includes individual coaching sessions, career advancement workshops and networking events."
As participants, we are offered one-on-one sessions with amazing coaches who help us track our progress throughout the journey and I’m so grateful for these deep and meaningful discussions.
Vice President at HCL Technologies // Alumnus 2022
The Strategic project was a great memory with various pivots over the course of several months. We worked with a start-up which implemented our product and released the product we defined
Head of B2B Services Delivery Bouygues Telecom // Alumna 2021
One of the best was the high-level leadership. The key takeaways from these three days: We’re stronger in a team; responsibilities within a team must be clearly defined; team leaders need objectivity, perspective, and the full picture before making decisions.
Marketing Director at Conventya // Alumna 2020
The EMBA has been much more than an educational experience. I think the entire program is very well-designed and challenges you continuously to reflect on your management practice. It has a top faculty, combining in a very international environment the entrepreneurial strength of ESSEC Business School with the academic rigor of Mannheim University. It has been a phenomenal development experience.
Associate Director at Mutares // Alumnus 2022
You benefit from a tailored career offering until the end of your program
Aligned with the ethos of ESSEC Executive MBA programs centered on collaborative learning, participants engage in three group coaching sessions over the 18-month program. These sessions aim to provide leadership skills, facilitate understanding through peer interaction, nurture a cohesive bond among participants, and collectively navigate challenges by tapping into diverse perspectives and expertise.
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Kick-off coaching session to take stock of your professionnel project and define an action plan
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Coaching sessions to guide you in your professional transition and repositioning, the construction of your project or your leadership posture
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Experts counselling sessions to be advised on specific themes such as LinkedIn, salary negotiation or strategic relooking
- Build your professional project: assessment, collective thinking, action plan
- Look for a job: search strategy, CV, interview…
- Expend your network: personal branding, LinkedIn, corporate political strategy…
- Develop your talents: leadership, conflict management, crisis communication...
- Exchange at inter-promos evenings
- Network with alumni
- Participate in thematic conferences
"The coaching sessions are extremely enriching, and enable us to develop our skills in a targeter manner. The Talent Center's constant commitment is remarkable and prepares us to meet every challenge."
ESSEC & Mannheim EMBA
“Before the program, I think I saw the world from quite a narrow angle. But I now see things from a much wider perspective, to the extent that some of my work colleagues have actually mentioned it. I am much more open to dealing with, and developing solutions, for change and most of that is down to meeting – and working with – such a variety of international people.”
Head of technology, mobility solutions, Cloud, AI and Security at Aruba // Alumnus 2020
“It made me much more willing to tackle change. I am now much less wary about trying something new. The course gave me more confidence to try things and not to be afraid of failure. That was a great learning experience.”
CEO of R Systems Europe // Alumna 2016
The ESSEC & Mannheim Executive MBA candidates must meet the following requirements:
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A 4-year Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree*
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At least eight years of work experience, including 5 years of management experience
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Experience in an international work environment
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Advanced English level (English test or proof of academic degree obtained in an English-speaking country required)
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Two reference letters (please use the following template)
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Significant international exposure, excellent work performance and strong leadership potential
*For candidates holding a 3-year Bachelor's degree, a specific process of VAP (Validation of Acquired Professional and Personal knowledge) will apply
Contact our EMBA International Recruitment Manager for a one-to-one discussion about your career plans.
Complete your online application for the Executive MBA here.
The following supporting documents must be included in your application. Please attach them via the online application system.
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A complete file includes the following documents |
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Application Fee |
A fee of 150 euros must be paid online. Please note that this application fee is non-refundable. |
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Curriculum Vitae |
Your curriculum vitae (CV) can be in any format. |
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Scanned copies of your transcripts and diplomas |
Official and authenticated copies from all colleges and universities attended. |
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Reference Letters |
Two professional recommendation letters are required, providing information about your leadership and management potential. |
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Identity Card |
A copy of any of the following:
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Photograph |
One copy of your most recent ID photo |
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*Please make sure that all supporting documents are in English. |
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Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an official jury in Paris, at the La Défense Campus or via video conference, during which candidates will have the chance to present themselves in person, and go deeper into their motivations for attending the program.
Candidates will be notified of the outcome within one week after the interview. Accepted candidates will have three weeks to confirm before the offer of acceptance is withdrawn.
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Early Bird Offer: 31st December 2024
Requirements: the early bird offer is applicable for fully submitted applications (filled application required documents) before or on the day of the deadline. All applications to the ESSEC & Mannheim Executive MBA delivered before or at this date will benefit from a €6,000 discount on the total program fee. -
Scholarship Deadline: 1 week following your Admissions Interview
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Intake: 21st October 2025
The recruitment team will guide you through the different financing options available based on your personal and professional situation.
Participants can finance their program through different ways :
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Personal funding
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Partnerships with Banks and Loan providers: LCL, Société Générale, BRED, Prodigy, etc.
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Company financing
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French public financing options for executive programs (CPF, Fongecif, etc.)
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Scholarships
ESSEC provides a diverse array of scholarships aimed at facilitating the career advancement of executives, managers, and leaders
Description: This scholarship is awarded to candidates who have been involved in an entrepreneurial project/start-up or plan to create one.
Criteria: The candidate's ability to demonstrate the potential or desire to develop a successful business.
Description: This scholarship is awarded to women who are driven to pursue positions of leadership in the future.
Criteria: The leadership potential of the candidate will be assessed through her responsibilities, her involvement in clubs and organizations, her general visibility and her career progression.
Description: This scholarship rewards a candidate who has demonstrated exceptional career advancement, in any function or sector.
Criteria: The ability of a candidate to demonstrate success in their career and who shows potential to evolve rapidly in a company or public organization.
Description: This scholarship rewards candidates who have worked in an international environment, in several countries, have a deep understanding of intercultural business environments and can speak several languages.
Criteria: The ability of a candidate to understand international challenges, the nature and number of projects led abroad, the number of languages mastered and the ability to demonstrate how these have uplifted their career.
Description: This scholarship is awarded to candidates from an emerging or developing country, who is able to demonstrate their positive impact on the local economy of that country.
Criteria: The nationality of the candidate and for French candidates, the country of residence.
Description and criteria: This scholarship is awarded to candidates who have shown their contribution in the below listed sectors aligned with ESSEC’s values and strategic challenges:
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Digital Transformation
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Sustainability
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Entrepreneurship & intrapreneurship
Description: This scholarship is awarded to candidates working in a small company which contributes to the French economy.
Criteria: Confirmed work experience in a small French company
ADMISSION
The candidate must be in the process of applying, or be admitted to a post-experience/executive program at ESSEC Business School.
APPLICATION
The candidate must write a cover letter indicating their choice of scholarship(s) and illustrate using concrete examples
COMMISSION DECISION
The Admissions Team informs the candidate of the commission’s decision: acceptance (along with the amount of scholarship) or refusal.
The admissions team will guide you through the various financing options available based on your personal and professional situation, as well as the chosen program:
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This program is eligible for the Personal Training Account (CPF). |
At ESSEC Executive Education, we understand that financing a program can be a significant investment. That's why we have partnered with banking institutions to offer you the opportunity to secure a loan at an attractive rate to further your education. These partnerships enable you to benefit from favorable terms to finance all or part of your training expenses. Our advisors are available to provide you with more information on the available financing options and to guide you through the process of obtaining a loan.
A Network of Excellence
You have completed a degree, certification or short program? You are now part of the ESSEC Executive community!
Take advantage of networking, mentoring and continuous learning opportunities to advance your career in an ever-changing world.
21
janvier
2025
MASTERCLASS: Faire de l'incertitude une chance (in French)
Learn how to turn uncertainty into strategic opportunity and balance control with adaptability, with Professor and Doctor Laurent BIBARD.
18:30 - 20:00 | Paris - La Défense Campus
23
janvier
2025
WEBINAR | NEW! Discover the ESSEC Hybrid EMBA
Join our webinar and discover the brand new addition to our Executive MBA portoflio, the ESSEC Hybrid EMBA, a groundbreaking program tailored for global professionals seeking flexibility and impact.
12:00 | Online
1
fevrier
2025
Executive Open day - ESSEC Executive Education
Managers, Executives, Leaders, or Entrepreneurs, join us to discuss your professional development goals.
09:00 - 13:30 | Paris-La Défense (CNIT)
