What is an International Business Development Master’s degree at ESCE?
The Master International Business Development specialization in ESCE’s Grande École Program is designed to train operational managers capable of marketing products and services in a dynamic and competitive international environment. This specialization enables students to develop in-depth expertise in managing business development on a global scale.
The aim is to train professionals capable of managing international business strategies and meeting the challenges of global trade.
- RYTHM: 4th year in a conventional program with a trip to an international partner university – 5th year in a sandwich course in Lyon, or a choice of sandwich or conventional courses in Paris.
- CAMPUS: Available on the Paris and Lyon campuses.
- LANGUAGE OF TEACHING: English.
- DIPLOMA: Awarded with the internationally recognized Master’s degree.


What are the career prospects for the International business development master’s specialization?
The Master’s in International Business Development opens the door to a multitude of careers in companies operating on a global scale. Thanks to the practical and theoretical training provided by ESCE, graduates can move into positions of responsibility in a wide range of sectors. Possible career paths include :
Country/area manager
Manage all operations in a specific country or region.
- This includes supervising teams, strategic planning, managing resources and achieving the objectives set for the area.
International Sales Manager
Manage international sales activities.
- This includes defining sales strategies, developing relationships with international customers, supervising sales teams and achieving global sales targets.
International Marketing Manager
Design and implement global marketing strategies
- This includes developing advertising campaigns, brand management, international market research and adapting marketing strategies to different cultures.
Product/Service Manager
Manage the life cycle of a product or service.
- This includes development, launch, promotion, pricing, and ongoing management to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction.
International digital marketer
Implement digital marketing strategies on an international scale.
- This includes the use of digital channels such as social media, online advertising, SEO and other tools to reach international audiences.
International Business Development Manager
Identify and develop new international business opportunities
- This can include seeking out partnerships, exploring new markets and creating strategic relationships to foster the company’s global growth.
Management Analyst
Analyze a company’s operations and processes to identify potential improvements.
- This often involves collecting and analyzing data, recommending solutions and implementing organizational changes.
PRESENTATION
Join the Master International Business Development!
Objectives
Objectives of the Master International Business Development specialization
This specialization in the International Business Development Master’s program at ESCE is structured around six key objectives, enabling students to develop comprehensive expertise in the field of international business:
- Strategic vision of export development: Analyze international markets, identify risks and define appropriate methods for export development.
- Protect the company in all its aspects: guarantee the legal, logistical and contractual security of international transactions, while protecting the company’s interests.
- Ensuring economic equilibrium: Managing financing, insurance, and monitoring budgets and financial forecasts, to guarantee the profitability of international projects.
- Establish marketing and business development plans: Design marketing and business development strategies adapted to international markets, while managing a high-performance sales network.
- Develop an export department: organize the relationships and information systems needed to manage an export department, establishing fluid communication between companies and within multinationals.
- Managing projects, collaborating and negotiating in a cross-cultural environment: Acquire the skills needed to manage international projects, negotiating and collaborating effectively in cross-cultural contexts.
International

An enriching international experience
The Master’s in International Business Development offers a truly international dimension through academic exchange opportunities. In 4th year, students can choose to go on a semester-long academic exchange to one of 190 partner universities around the world. This experience enables them to develop a deep understanding of international markets and diverse business cultures.
For those who wish to go even further, it is also possible to complete a double degree for a full year at an international partner university. This pathway enables students to diversify their skills and strengthen their international profile, a major asset on the job market.
Pedagogy

Innovative and Immersive Pedagogy
At ESCE, teaching is centered on innovation and the practical application of skills through concrete projects. Our students have the opportunity to take part in real-life projects in collaboration with partner companies, enabling them to develop strategic solutions while responding to the challenges of the professional world. A prime example is the ” Les Jeunes Talents de l’Export” project, in which students worked on strategic international missions for companies such as Fives, QR Gestion and La Fabrique de l’Exportation. These projects enable students to put their ideas to the test and develop concrete expertise in the field of international trade.
Recognition
Recognized training in International Business Development
ESCE’s Master’s in International Business Development is an internationally recognized program of excellence, accredited as a Master’s degree and in line with global standards. This degree offers high added value, opening the way to an international career thanks to its practical approach and network of partners.
High rate of professional integration
The program boasts a high integration rate, thanks to personalized support and a solid network of partner companies. Thanks to its specialization in international business development, our graduates are highly sought-after in key sectors such as international trade, international project management, global marketing and consulting. They find employment opportunities in renowned companies such as IBM, Schneider Electric, Saint-Gobain, KPMG and Airbus, which are actively recruiting profiles specializing in international business development.
Professionalizing training with internship or work-study options in 5th year
In 4th year, students follow a classic classroom-based curriculum, integrating theoretical and practical teaching with a focus on international skills. In 5th year, they can choose between a 6-month internship or a sandwich course. This flexible rhythm enables them to gain significant professional experience while continuing their training, boosting their employability in a dynamic and competitive sector.
ESCE actively supports its students in their search for corporate opportunities, thanks to its Corporate Relations department, which offers internships and work-study programs, and organizes job dating events to connect students with recruiters. This professional experience enables our graduates to stand out on the job market.
SKILLS
Key competencies of the Master International Business Development
The International Business Development specialization provides students with solid expertise enabling them to successfully navigate a global business environment. Here are the essential skills developed:
- International strategic decision-making: Identify opportunities and define priorities to optimize global performance.
- Foreign market analysis and selection: study trends and select the most promising markets for your company.
- International risk assessment and management: Identify, quantify and mitigate the risks associated with global expansion.
- Design market entry strategies: Select the optimal entry mode and establish effective marketing plans.
- Creation and development of sales subsidiaries: Oversee the establishment and growth of foreign entities.
- Managing sustainable value and supply chains: steer international operations while integrating environmentally-friendly practices.
- Coordination with stakeholders: Collaborate effectively with distributors, agents, head offices and other strategic partners.
- Ensuring financial viability: developing forecasts, evaluating performance and guaranteeing the profitability of international operations.
- Control and audit of international groups: Check compliance and optimize processes worldwide.
- Management and negotiation in a cross-cultural environment: Managing complex projects while taking into account cultural differences and global dynamics.
MATERIALS
Subjects taught in the International Business Development Master’s program
ESCE’s Master’s in International Business Development offers a multi-dimensional training program focused on the challenges and opportunities of international business. Here’s an overview of the main subjects taught:
- Global and international market analysis: Identify global trends and assess growth opportunities.
- Development strategy: Develop strategies for entering and expanding in foreign markets.
- International sales and digital marketing: Integrate digital tools to optimize international sales performance.
- Strategic supply chain: designing efficient logistics solutions adapted to global contexts.
- Logistics design, geopolitics and sustainability: Understand the impact of geopolitics and integrate sustainable practices into flow management.
- Advanced data management and analysis: using data to support international development and improve supply chain performance.
- Inter-organizational management and international contract law: Manage relations between companies and master the legal aspects of global partnerships.
- Strategic value chains and sustainable practices: Adapting to changing markets with approaches such as outsourcing, offshoring and relocation.
- Financial management, audit and control: Ensuring the economic viability of international operations.
- Intercultural management and international negotiation: Work effectively in multicultural environments and negotiate with foreign partners.
ALTERNANCE

Year 5 sandwich course: a professional opportunity
ESCE’s Master in International Business Development offers a work-study option during the 5th year, enabling students to combine academic learning with professional experience. This organization offers a unique opportunity to put acquired skills into practice while developing solid expertise in a real-life working environment.
To support its students in their search for a work-study contract, ESCE provides a Corporate Relations department. This service assists students with :
- Exclusive offers via the Job Box platform,
- On-campusjob datings,
- Coaching sessions to optimize CVs and interview preparation.
This close collaboration with the professional world encourages rapid and successful integration. Proof of this effectiveness is that 75% of ESCE apprentices receive a job offer before the end of their course.
ADMISSIONS
How to apply for the master’s program International business development
ESCE offers a range of admission options, depending on the level at which you wish to enter the Grande École Program. Here are the different possibilities:
- 1st year: Admission is via Parcoursup and the SESAME competitive entrance exam, which is common to several grandes écoles de commerce. After creating your file on Parcoursup, you must select ESCE among your choices and register for the SESAME competitive entrance exam. This exam assesses your skills through written tests (online) and an oral test (in person at one of our campuses). Admission is open to post-baccalaureate students, provided they have a baccalauréat or equivalent diploma.
- 2nd year : Admission is by application and interview. Applicants must submit an application including transcripts and a CV, followed by a motivational interview to assess their interest in the program and their career plans.
- 3rd and 4th years: You can enter ESCE in 3rd or 4th year via an internal entrance exam. Admission is via specific sessions offered from February to August, with online written tests and a face-to-face oral test on one of our campuses.
For international students, there is a specific admission procedure, with detailed information available on our website.
FINANCING

Financing aids
ESCE helps its students finance their studies through partnerships for low-interest student loans, scholarships and support with administrative procedures related to state aid.
State scholarships
Students on the Grande École program can apply for a state higher education grant, subject to nationality, age and income criteria. Applications must be made before May.
Merit scholarships
Honors earned in the baccalaureate may also reduce tuition fees:
- Mention Bien: -10% for the first year.
- Mention Très Bien: -20% for the first year.
CAMPUS


ESCE campuses offering this Master’s specialization!
ESCE’s Master International Business is available on two exceptional campuses:
- Paris: Located in the heart of the Esplanade de La Défense, in the prestigious Cœur Défense building, this modern campus offers 2,700 m² of collaborative, relaxation and work spaces, including a tree-lined rooftop and panoramic terraces with breathtaking views over Paris. This dynamic, international setting is ideal for an enriching academic experience.
- Lyon: Housed in the Citroën building, an emblematic example of Lyon’s architecture located close to the historic center, the Lyon campus combines heritage and modernity. This historic site, once a huge Citroën garage and a national heritage site, welcomes students in an inspiring setting shared with other OMNES Education schools.
Both campuses offer stimulating environments perfectly suited to students’ international ambitions.
CONTACT

A QUESTION ABOUT SPECIALIZATION?
Nadjet Mennequin, Head of Admissions Grande École Parallel Admissions Program
- +33 1 81 51 15 69 / +33 6 07 68 15 28
- nadjet.mennequin@esce.fr
- PERSONAL APPOINTMENT
TESTIMONIAL

ALUMNI TESTIMONIAL
“This specialization is made up of around ten subjects, with, as always at ESCE, professors who, working in large companies or SMEs, share their professional experience with us. Debates, interactions and lots of group work make up the specialization.”
Sander Louf, 5th year student