Oh, to be a MaastrichtMBA student… Walks along the Seine, baguette in hand, croissants for breakfast, an impeccable glass of French wine at sunset – and, most importantly, a deep-dive into the future of Digital Business. The Perspectives on Digital Business week took place in, you guessed it, Paris. Beyond immersing in French and Parisian culture, the week was, above all, a rich exploration of academic ideas and insights. For many students, this international week was a true highlight, described as the cherry on top of their MBA experience: “an all-round success”.

Hosted at IESEG School of Management in Paris, France, this week gathered 28 students from both tracks for a deep dive into Digital Business perspectives through sessions, corporate lectures, and company visits, alongside group assignments that continue beyond the week itself. With study days running from early mornings into late evenings, students also took time to enjoy Paris, often extending their stay to make the most of their experience.

Uniquely memorable and inspiring

The unique blend of an international week’s intensive academic learning and social connection adds an extra dimension to the Executive MBA journey, turning classmates into lifelong friends while gaining fresh perspectives on the future of Digital Business. “Coming from an online track, I find the elective weeks – whether international or not – to be profoundly enriching, as they provide a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds,” says student Cosmin Nicolae. “Being in Paris, a city celebrated for its cultural and business vibrancy, amplifies this experience. Walking through iconic neighbourhoods while engaging in academic discussions makes the journey uniquely memorable and inspiring.”

A powerful blend of academic depth, real-world exposure, and cultural immersion

Anchored in the elective theme of Digital Business, the Paris week centred around critical topics such as Leadership in the Digital Age, Digital Transformation Strategy, and the evolving dynamics of competition and collaboration within digital ecosystems. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Paris and the business-driven atmosphere of La Défense, students engaged in interactive lectures, group assignments, and company visits to leading firms including Amadeus, La Poste, and D-Edge. These visits brought classroom concepts to life, offering candid insights into how digital strategies are actively reshaping industries.

“Sessions emphasised that digital transformation is not merely about implementing IT systems, but about leading organisations through complex, ever-changing environments with adaptability and vision,” MBA student Shima Maraghi explains. “This mindset resonated deeply, especially with examples from visited companies. They shared how they balanced competition and collaboration, utilising technology to touch every organisational layer. The idea that businesses can grow only when they grow together stayed with me.”

A particular highlight for many was the visit to D-Edge, where students witnessed firsthand how the company blends competition with strategic partnerships in its approach to digital transformation. The group also engaged in a collaborative assignment, envisioning the ‘Future of Galeries Lafayette Sports Floor in 2050,’ an exercise that sparked lively discussions, creative challenges, and laughter, reinforcing the week’s collaborative spirit and providing a hands-on opportunity to apply the Digital Business principles learned throughout the week.

An all-round success

The international week had some obvious highlights, but to students, it was “an all-round success”. Student Joachim Kämpf: “Overall, the week in Paris was a win for me and will be a highlight of my Executive MBA studies. We were able to gain a wide range of insights into companies in the old and new economies and learned how these companies deal with the challenges of digitisation and take advantage of them. The speakers were very experienced, the companies were totally transparent in their exchange with us, and evening events were chosen in such a way that we could gain wonderful impressions of Paris.”

Outside the classroom, students bonded over shared meals, cultural outings, and the occasional glass of French wine. The blend of business, learning, and connection gave the week a unique flavour, bringing Digital Business theory to life while forging professional friendships that will last long after the Executive MBA journey is complete. Whether it was the in-depth discussions during lectures, the laughter shared over dinner, or the deep bonds formed through group work, the week left a lasting impression: “A transformative 10/10,” says Shima Maraghi. “Culturally, intellectually, and personally.”

This article presents a recap of the elective week on Perspectives on Digital Business at IÉSEG School of Management, Paris, France. This elective module of our Digital Business elective is part of the executive modular part-time MaastrichtMBA programme. The programme has a Triple Crown accreditation and is aimed for professionals with at least 5 years of working experience.