Interview with Ying CHEN

Ying CHEN

MSc in Management programme

Graduated from MSc in Management programme, CHEN Ying is the Business Development Director of Essilor (China) holding company. She has now expatriated to the company's headquarter in Paris for a new position.

Firstly, the classical question, why did you choose to study abroad?

When I graduated from the University (a famous univerisity of Shanghai), majored in French, I was quite confused about my future. I felt that I didn’t have the skills working in a company and dealing with the real world. I did an internship as assistant, and I was a terrible assistant as the basic Excel I did was a crap! So the idea of studying abroad and learning something really practical came to my mind, and it was strongly supported by my mother. She understood my confusion and encouraged me to pursue my studies.

So you passed the exam and integrated EMLYON. Did you learn what you wished to learn at EMLYON? Did you achieve your goals?

Yes. What we leant at EMLYON was very practical and valuable. Moreover, all the internships led to real opportunities. I was well prepared for the job market after graduation.

What did you do after graduation?

As I was majored in finance and I did three internships in this area, I was recruited by a large French company in 2003 for a financial controlling position. However, to be honest, I have been always interested in marketing. But at the time as a foreign student, it was easier to find internships and more job opportunities in finance than in marketing, as the latter was representing more risks for non native speaker in the job market.

You worked three years at this company in France and then you decided to come back to China. Why?

In France, my job was very stable and I couldn’t see any interesting career development. I felt that I would have more potential and real opportunity in China. I found a job in Shanghai when I was on annual leave and told the company that I was quitting. They really wanted to keep me so they offered me a position I liked in Shanghai. I have to say that the Asia-Pacific HRD at that time had really an open-mind, because I had only limited experiences in M&A but they still let me try.

But you didn’t work for this position for very long. One and a half year right? Then you went to another business school for pursuing an MBA.

Well I already began to work on my MBA application when I was in France, as that was one of things on the list that I wanted to do in life. I had a good GMAT score which would be only valid for 5 years. When I went back to China, I still kept this in mind. And I found out that this business school was a good fit for me: a top business school + both campuses in Asia and France. So when I got accepted, I did not hesitate to pause my career for a year, and went to Singapore, which turned out to be an incredible year of my life experience.

And after graduated from this business school, you joined your present company as BD Director, still in charge of the M&A. I heard that you’ll move to Paris soon as an expat for a brand new position: strategic marketing. Can we say it's another turning point?

Yes. I said that I was already interested in marketing when I was at EMLYON but I chose finance for the convenience. I think doing marketing will allow me to use my strengths in full: I have a good feeling on products and a good insight of the market. I’m a good communicator and I like also execution. Moreover, I really love new challenges.

Well, when looking at your career path which is really well developed, I have the impression that changes and challenges mean a lot to you, right?

Yes, new challenges are always exciting and you’ll always be able to learn a lot of new things from that. I enjoy very much the learning curve and the possibility of developing my potential.

Do you think the experience at EMLYON has brought radical changes in your life?

Absolutely. I would have a totally different life if I didn’t go abroad. The experience at EMLYON gave me the international perspective and openness. It’s a big treasure at work and it allows me to have a higher starting point. This experience was like a joyful adventure which sent me to where I’m today.