"After an ECG preparatory class in Rennes, I joined NEOMA, and I went to Italy under the Global Experience scheme. I followed a double degree course in Milano at Bocconi University. For me, these prestigious institutions are the very symbol of excellence. 

In Italy, this is above all assessed by your marks, with a marking system out of 30 and a striving for the famous ‘cum laude’ (with distinction). Going beyond the results, what makes the difference is this: to obtain honours you have to have shown greater interest, participated more, researched more extensively, asked questions, asked for more projects to do. The professors demand more of those they feel capable of surpassing themselves. They are passionate and fully committed, creating a synergy that encourages everyone to give the best of themselves, and never be satisfied with doing the minimum.  

At Bocconi, the workload and commitment expected was greater than anything I had ever known. It’s not negative pressure, but a desire to do well, for yourself, for the team, for the professor. I felt the same positive pressure in the preparatory class, that need to make a piece of work perfect, to go the full distance even if that meant reworking a project at nearly midnight the day before the presentation. 

For me, excellence is first and foremost a requirement, a curiosity, a constant willingness to get out of your comfort zone. But it’s not only performance, it’s also consistency, organisation, curiosity, and the ability to fully commit to what you are really interested in. You can’t be excellent without enjoying what you’re doing.”