Élodie Couturier: finding her path and seizing opportunities

Each year, many students choose the SESAME Exam to join a top business school. Among them is Elodie Couturier, now a first-year student in the Programme Grande École at Paris School of Business. In this interview, she looks back on her journey, her first months within the institution, her involvement as class representative, and her ambitions for the years ahead.

Academic background and choice of orientation

Can you tell us about your background before joining Paris School of Business?

Before joining Paris School of Business, I was in high school preparing a general French Baccalauréat with Mathematics and Economics & Social Sciences as my specialties, and I had also chosen the “Expert Mathematics” elective. In my second year of high school, I also studied Chemistry and Physics as a specialty.

Why did you choose to take the SESAME Exam through Parcoursup?

I discovered the SESAME Exam at a Student Fair in Paris, which helped me discover the schools included in the exam. I chose to take it because it provides access to major international business schools.

What made you want to join Paris School of Business over the other schools in the exam?

When I received my SESAME Exam results, I hesitated between several schools, but Paris School of Business was my first choice because of its international focus and its new campus. It seemed like the best fit for me, as during the oral admission sessions I felt comfortable with the student ambassadors and the professors conducting the interviews. I also did some research on the school, and the accreditations already obtained and those underway immediately appealed to me, as they reflect the institution’s credibility, prestige, and international stature.

Integration and involvement in campus life

How have your first months at Paris School of Business been since the start of the academic year?

My first months have gone very well. During the first days, the integration activities helped me meet new people and become part of the Programme Grande École cohort. In my class, I integrated quickly as we are not very many, which makes it easy to get along with everyone. Since I am in the International Track, I can discuss many topics and discover the culture of other countries thanks to the various nationalities represented in my class.

As for the courses, there are many new things: we are discovering new subjects taught by very dedicated professors who offer interactive classes, which help us fully grasp the concepts, most of which are new to us. I am very satisfied with the courses, and I find them extremely useful for our future careers in business and management.

What are your main responsibilities as a class representative?

I take my role as class representative very seriously because I believe it is important to represent my group within the school and to the administration.

As a representative, my first mission is to ensure that all classmates feel included both in the class and at school. My main role is to act as a bridge between my class and the school’s different administrative services. I gather and relay questions, feedback, and suggestions, and represent everyone during delegate meetings to convey their opinions to the management and administrative teams.

What do you appreciate the most about your experience at Paris School of Business so far?

I would say it is the opportunity to be actively involved in the school. I was able to participate in the EQUIS audit, which was a great opportunity to contribute to the life of the institution. I also greatly appreciate the cultural diversity, which was something I was actively looking for when choosing my school. I really enjoy being able to speak with people from all around the world.

Future plans and advice

Do you already have an idea of the academic path you would like to follow in the coming years?

I am still unsure about the exact direction I will take. In my third year, I will study abroad at a partner university, either in Asia or in North America. For my fourth and fifth years, I haven’t yet decided on my specialization and I am hesitating between Luxury Brand Management and International Business.

Finally, what advice would you give to high school students preparing for the SESAME Exam and making their choices on Parcoursup?

From my experience, when preparing for the exam, look at the expectations of the schools you are aiming for and start preparing as early as possible to avoid unnecessary stress. For Parcoursup, the best advice I received was to diversify your applications: choose selective programs that inspire you, such as the SESAME Exam, but also include a few safety options. It will help you approach the process with more peace of mind.