After two years of postsecondary preparatory classes in literature, Mayada turned to EM Strasbourg, attracted in particular by the dual degree offered with Sciences Po Strasbourg. She shares a rich, formative experience that is already full of opportunities..
Why EM Strasbourg? A natural and strategic choice
Before joining EM Strasbourg, Mayada took preparatory classes at Lycée Malherbe in Caen, Normandy, the region where she grew up: "I learned a lot from history, literature, and philosophy classes. . . . This helped me develop a versatile mindset that served me well later on, as I was able to draw on my rigor and my analytical and writing skills."
Several reasons led her to choose EM Strasbourg. First, the opportunity to earn a dual degree with Sciences Po Strasbourg aligned with her career plans focused on international relations and culture, particularly with the specialization offered, which is unique in France: ERIG - Études des Relations Internationales et du Global (International Relations and Global Studies). The European character of the city and its institutions also reinforced her choice. Mayada adds: "By joining EM Strasbourg's Programme Grande École, I also wanted to maintain a versatile profile and keep my options open through a generalist study program."
The financial aid options available and the School's affiliation with the University of Strasbourg ultimately confirmed her choice.
The dual degree: Two complementary programs
At EM Strasbourg, Mayada is developing her knowledge of the business world and a detailed understanding of organizations: management, HR, strategy, marketing, etc. At Sciences Po, she is learning to analyze global geopolitical issues, structure her reasoning, and debate: "Everything is connected: I can apply the methods I learned at EM to issues facing states or international organizations. Conversely, the knowledge of geopolitics I acquired at Sciences Po enhances my overall understanding of how an organization functions in its environment."
At Sciences Po, Mayada also takes very practical courses, such as History of International Relations since 1991 and Secret State, enriched by guest speakers from the diplomatic and intelligence spheres.
I was very surprised by the richness of the network, as well as the pedagogical freedom and interactivity of the courses
The working methodologies are also very complementary: "At EM Strasbourg, we learn to produce concrete deliverables through a business-oriented, results-driven approach. At Sciences Po, we work on structuring our thinking and rigor, and we learn to debate and reason."
A dual degree prized by recruiters
As soon as her admission was announced, her profile attracted attention: "As soon as I mentioned the Sciences Po Strasbourg dual degree on my LinkedIn profile, I saw the difference: greater visibility, recruiters from various sectors consulting my profile, and I was even contacted by international institutions such as the State Department in Washington and the UN in Geneva. It's a truly recognized and valued program."
According to her, the dual degree allows students who choose it to stand out with this highly sought-after complementary skillset.
A demanding but accessible selection process
Applications are open to students enrolled in the third year of EM Strasbourg’s Programme Grande École and students enrolled in the fourth year of the Sciences Po Strasbourg degree.
Candidates for the dual degree must submit an application consisting of:
- A résumé
- A cover letter
- Undergraduate transcript
An initial review of applications is then carried out by an ad hoc committee from each institution to preselect candidates.
The preselected applications are then reviewed by a joint academic committee made up of equal numbers of representatives from Sciences Po Strasbourg and EM Strasbourg.
"The process is based on first-semester grades, a strong application, and a coherent career plan. Competition is much less intense than in a national IEP entrance exam, which makes the program widely accessible to motivated students."
Her advice: Dare to dream big
"You have nothing to lose," she insists. "Explore all possibilities and don't hold yourself back. The dual degree opens up unique professional opportunities. EM Strasbourg has many programs to finance your studies, and course schedules can also be adjusted to accommodate a student job. Everything is in place to take the plunge!"
Are you interested in the dual degree with Sciences Po? Find out more by clicking here