Selecting a university and a course of study are some of the biggest – and most far-reaching – decisions you will make in your life. In fact, for many, the Bachelor programme is essentially the kick-starter of their career (and adult life).
Do you have any doubts about what to pay attention to before making your choice? Here are ten key questions to think about before you apply.
1. What do I want out of life?
What excites me? Motivates me? Drives me? What concrete projects might enable me to fulfil my ambitions?
Never forget that it’s your life you’re talking about. You have to figure out what is really important for you, not what your friends and family think is significant. Take your time.
It can also happen that you still feel confused about which profession to choose. In this case, instead of choosing a career, move towards a course of study that leaves you as many doors open as possible for the future, such as ESCP’s Bachelor in Management (BSc).
2. What am I capable of?
How much do I genuinely want to succeed in an international career – whether in business or some other field? Am I a self-starter? Do I have the adaptability, openness, and leadership qualities a successful candidate needs?
Yes, the future can seem quite demanding to a young student, but as time goes on, you will see how exciting and challenging it will be to become the best version of yourself.
Although, keep in mind that when choosing a programme, you don’t have to possess all these skills already, but make sure that the Bachelor of your interest is designed to help you develop them.
READ ALSO: The 7 Management Skills for a Changing World
3. How do I intend to develop myself as a person?
What character traits would I like to accentuate or acquire? How would a Bachelor programme help me do this?
Alongside developing your professional skills, personal ones also require your attention. Becoming a citizen of the world, capable of interfacing with different fields of human knowledge and interacting with people with a varied multicultural background, is as essential as knowing how to draw up a perfect business plan.
READ ALSO: The value of intercultural skills. From the classroom to the global workplace
4. Have I got what it takes to successfully apply to – and graduate from – this kind of course?
How can I strengthen my CV, references, academic results, and fluency in English? Am I willing to stand up for my values and aspirations and think outside the box? What’s my USP (Unique Selling Proposition)?
Suppose you are not sure how to improve on these aspects. In that case, you can find numerous online resources that will help you make your application more effective. Your job is mainly to understand your strengths and bring out your authenticity!
5. How well-prepared am I to go through the application process for the programme I’m interested in?
Have I attended any relevant webinars, presentations, or open days? Have I been able to talk to a current or former student? Do I feel I have a real grasp of what the programme entails and what it will require from me?
If not, it’s never too late. Make it your top priority now to maximise your chances of success. Do you want to know more about the ESCP Bachelor in Management (BSc), for example? Check out our upcoming events or review past ones with the on-demand option.
6. What kind of grounds do I want my programme of study to cover?
Do I want a narrow focus or a broader curriculum? Does a curriculum that includes modules in the liberal arts and humanities with a view on creating better-rounded students and professionals – like the one designed for the ESCP’s BSc in Management – fit in with my personal vision and preferences?
Today, the educational landscape offers much more variety than in the past. Still, it can sometimes be overwhelming and thus difficult to understand which path is right for us. If you are unsure about the right direction, try comparing multiple programmes on 2 or 3 features that are most important to you.
READ ALSO: BA vs. BSc vs. BBA: How ESCP’s Bachelor in Management (BSc) Combines the Best of All Three Degrees
7. Am I ready to start interacting with the world of work since the first year of my Bachelor?
Do I want to try my hand at an internship even before reaching the last year of my studies? Does the chance to work on real-world cases with international companies in class appeal to me?
Having many opportunities to ‘meet’ the world of work already during your studies is a precious advantage that must be fully exploited. At ESCP, we provide our students with numerous activities that make the transition from academic to professional life much smoother.
For example, there are two compulsory internships in our BSc programme and several collective projects with the chance to work for blue-chip names like JP Morgan, Bloomberg, and Uber. Not to mention the countless extracurriculars available.
READ ALSO: #StudentLife at ESCP Business School: Discover the Enriching Extracurricular Activities Available
8. Am I interested in going down the social entrepreneurship route?
What about starting to work on my own business already during my bachelor years? Could ESCP help me on this path?
Some of us are born entrepreneurs, and not making the most of this vocation already as a student is a lost opportunity to grow. In fact, several of our BSc students have successfully ventured into creating startups, combining the skills acquired in class and taking advantage of the hubs and tools made available by the School and the European capitals hosting our Campuses.
9. How highly rated is the Bachelor programme that I’ll be applying to?
What is the international ranking of the University or Business School I will be attending?
Well, in the case of ESCP, the world’s 1st Business School (est. 1819), it benefits from the best international accreditations. The Bachelor in Management (BSc), in particular, has been ranked 1st by Le Parisien in 2021 and is considered among the top undergraduate programmes worldwide.
READ ALSO: The History of ESCP Business School: The World’s First Business Management School
10. Am I interested in the opportunity to study abroad?
Am I ready to live in three different locations around Europe throughout the programme, or would I find it hard to adapt to that level of change? ESCP values adaptability and multiculturality, do these values resonate with me?
Well, trading everything you know and love for the unknown is never easy, much less comfortable. But according to all our BSc students, it is an unforgettable experience that you share with your classmates, who will remain friends for life.
READ ALSO: Where can the ESCP Bachelor in Management (BSc) take you?
Choosing a Bachelor programme is not an easy decision.
Spend a reasonable amount of time figuring out what is crucial for you. Do your research, keep our 10 questions in mind, and you will soon be able to make the right decision without a doubt.
Have you matured an interest in continuing your journey with us? Click here for more information about the Bachelor in Management (BSc) at ESCP Business School.
