Manhal Fadloun, Executive International MBA, 2025

What was your background before the IMBA?

Coming from a civil engineering background, I graduated from Damascus University with a specialization in Engineering Management and Construction. My career in Syria started in 2007 in the construction industry, initially as a Site Engineer and later as a Supervising Engineer, working on different construction and infrastructure projects. Over the years, this led me into project management, where I worked as a Project Manager on several projects.

 After several years in construction and project     management, my last role in Syria was as Head of the Engineering Department at a bank, overseeing engineering projects and the department’s operations and budget, before moving to France.
 

Why did you choose the IMBA?

When I moved to France, my goal was to continue my professional career in project management. The transition was not easy, mainly because of the language barrier and because I was entering a new professional environment. At that point, I started thinking about what could help me make the most of the experience I had already built and prepare myself for this new chapter.

I felt that there was a missing piece in my profile that could help me take the next step. I wanted to better understand the business environment and see how I could connect my experience in project management with the wider business side of an organisation. This is what led me to start looking into different master’s programs.

During my research, I came across the Executive International MBA at iaelyon,  and something about the program made sense to me. It offered a way to build on the experience I already had while developing my understanding of the business environment. Being taught in English and designed for working professionals also made it a practical fit for my situation, while the reputation of the school gave me additional confidence in my choice.
 

What impact has the IMBA had on your career development?

The IMBA helped me look at the experience I had built over the years from a different perspective and gave me a better understanding of the business side of organisations. It also helped me strengthen my profile, which I believe played a role in being selected for my current position as a Project Planning Engineer on the ITER project, a one-of-a-kind global collaboration to build the world’s largest experimental fusion facility.

What I also really appreciated was being part of a diverse class. Being surrounded by people from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds gave me the chance to experience an international environment before stepping into one professionally. When I joined ITER, I found a very similar environment, with colleagues from different cultural and professional backgrounds. I think that experience during  the IMBA helped me understand the environment and integrate more quickly.
 

What are the advantages of the program?

What I appreciated about the program was its format, which made the learning experience flexible and well adapted to professional life. It was a format that fitted well with the realities of professional life.

Another thing I really valued was the range of experience brought into the classroom. The professors came from varied academic and professional backgrounds, and each brought a different approach to the way topics were presented and discussed. This made the discussions more dynamic and gave us the chance to learn from different perspectives and experiences.

The practical side of the program was also something I enjoyed, especially working on a real business case. It was interesting to take what we had discussed in class and apply it to a real situation, where there was no single straightforward answer. Along with the variety of topics covered throughout the program, this gave me a more complete understanding of the business environment.

4 tips for future participants

• Give yourselves some time to adjust. Getting back into an academic rhythm after a long break may feel unusual at first, but you will soon find yourselves  enjoying the experience.
• Keep your goal in mind. The journey may require some effort and perseverance, especially when different parts of life come together. Having a clear goal will help you stay motivated.
• Bring your experience to the table. Do not hesitate to share what you have learned through your own experience. The people you meet become an important part of the journey, and the exchange of ideas can stay with you beyond the classroom.
• Be yourselves and enjoy the journey. Make the most of the experience. Taking part in the group work, the conversations and the moments in between are often what make the journey memorable.
 

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