Discover the testominy of Ana Lucía Soto

What is your educational background?

I am originally from Mexico, where I have lived all my life. I completed my high school education at a high school named “Liceo Freinet” in my hometown. Throughout my academic journey, I have always been passionate about business and how companies work, which led me to pursue further studies at EDHEC.

Why did you choose the EDHEC International BBA?

I chose EDHEC Business School because of its outstanding reputation as one of the top business schools in Europe. I wanted to have an international experience beyond just studying outside my country. Specifically, I was attracted to the EDHEC International BBA because of its strong emphasis on professional experience and its international environment. The school's focus on entrepreneurship was particularly appealing to me since it is a path I am motivated to follow. I believe that the hands-on learning and global opportunities provided by the BBA program will equip me with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today's competitive business world. Alongside the international experiences and learning in class, EDHEC was the best choice to fulfill my professional career.

Why did you choose the Business Management track?

I chose the Business Management track because I wanted a program that would allow me to specialise in a concrete area while still maintaining the international aspect of my studies. I appreciate that EDHEC offers multiple opportunities to go abroad regardless of the programme you choose and having the ability to decide how I will organise my studies regarding internships, exchanges, and experiences was utterly important to me.

Why did you choose Lille?

I chose Lille because of its vibrant student life and its perfect location. Being close to other major European cities meant I could easily explore new cultures and meet new people. But what truly captured my heart was the EDHEC campus itself; it is more than just a place to study, it is full of life, with big facilities, and full of people from different backgrounds. I truly believe this was the best choice and it contributes to my current studies.

How was your integration?

My integration at EDHEC was easy and welcoming. I managed to make friends quickly mainly thanks to the integration activities. EDHEC was very helpful with administrative procedures, especially since I am an international student, I felt supported every step of the way. The multiple activities the student body organises make it easy for you to adapt quickly. Thanks to this I was able to become part of a student association called ACE (Arts et Culture Vie Etudiante) focused on integration among students at EDHEC and they have truly become my family over this short time. France has been a wonderful experience so far, and it has definitely been a new and exciting chapter in my life.

Which class did you prefer this year and why?

My favorite class this year was Microeconomics, which focused on the behavior of companies. I discovered that I really enjoyed economics thanks to this class and I believe this will ultimately guide my professional path forward because it helped me discover a new interest in Finance. This class challenged me to think critically and collaborate effectively with my peers, which has been incredibly rewarding.

If you could give some advice to future students about your experience, what would they be?

My advice to future students would be to be fully involved in the multiple experiences EDHEC offers. Get involved in student clubs, take advantage of networking events, and do not hesitate to step out of your comfort zone. In terms of classes, you will have time to learn how to stay organised and discover what works for you, so do not worry. Take time to explore and enjoy the local culture in this amazing country. Adaptability and open-mindedness are crucial to grow both personally and professionally. Being open to new experiences and challenges is key to making the most of your time at EDHEC.