The Monaco MBA Experiential Learning Approach
As part of our coverage of the Monaco MBA and its unique focus on experiential learning, we sat down with Maximilian Rapp, Partner at EY Studio+, and Adjunct Professor at IUM, to discuss the impact of the Corporate Consulting Project. In this exclusive interview, he explains how students move beyond theory to tackle real business challenges, from market entry strategies to innovation use cases, working directly with leading companies.
Maximilian highlights the value of diverse international teams, the career opportunities that emerge from these projects, and why this hands‑on approach is considered one of the most transformative experiences of the program. His insights shed light on how the Monaco MBA prepares future leaders to engage with top executives, deliver strategic impact, and build networks that last well beyond graduation.
How does this project reflect the program’s experiential learning approach?
It reflects it very clearly, as the project goes far beyond a purely theoretical approach. Students are actively involved in a real corporate consulting project, working directly with companies.
What is often striking, and sometimes surprising, for students is that this is not just an academic exercise or a time-filling activity for the companies. The organizations we work with genuinely seek impact from these projects. This creates a high level of responsibility for the students, as their work contributes to real business challenges.
The outcomes we deliver are often presented at the C-suite level and can influence strategic decision-making. While companies may not always implement our recommendations exactly as proposed, we consistently provide well-developed, thoughtful strategies that guide their direction.
This is precisely what our curriculum aims to achieve: encouraging students to test ideas in real-world settings, engage with clients, and deliver meaningful results rather than focusing solely on theoretical work.
What kinds of business challenges or strategic questions do students typically work on?
For example, students are currently working on the market strategy for a company in the automotive sector. They are exploring whether the company should enter a specific market and, if so, what entry strategy to pursue. From an innovation perspective, this is where our Innovation Management and Design Thinking approach becomes particularly valuable. It allows students to consider questions such as: how can we co-create with customers? How can we involve innovators at a very early stage of a product launch? The objective is to move beyond a purely corporate perspective and integrate the customer’s viewpoint into the strategy.
Another example would be identifying use cases and potential business opportunities for new technologies within a company. A few years ago, in collaboration with one of the world’s leading sports brands, students explored how AI could be implemented in stadiums and sports communities, while also developing a financially viable business case.
Overall, projects can range from use-case development and in-depth strategic analysis to market entry strategies. They may also involve creating new product concepts or digital solutions for corporate partners. This diversity reflects the broad scope of challenges students are exposed to throughout the program.
How does working in diverse teams enhance the learning experience?
I believe this is one of the most important and valuable aspects of the experience. At IUM, students come from very diverse backgrounds, whether in terms of professional experience, culture, or geography, and that diversity is a real strength.
In innovation, we often say that heterogeneity is a key ingredient for success. There’s a well-known quote often attributed to Jeff Bezos: “If I have 10 people in a room and they all think like me, I can fire 9 of them.” It highlights how essential different perspectives are to drive innovation.
In this context, not only do companies benefit from students’ diverse backgrounds during the project, but students themselves gain a great deal from exposure to different ways of thinking. They learn to understand and accept different perspectives, and more importantly, to find common ground, something that is not always easy.
Working in diverse teams also means navigating group dynamics, which can sometimes be challenging. Managing these dynamics becomes part of the learning experience. In fact, in corporate consulting projects, issue management and team alignment are often just as important as delivering the strategy itself.
Have you seen examples of projects that directly opened career opportunities or new professional paths for students?
Yes, absolutely. I believe this is a major benefit for students, as they can connect directly with the major brands we collaborate with. These interactions can lead to valuable connections and even potential job opportunities.
For example, in one case involving a consulting firm, five out of five students applied to the company. Thanks to the relationships they had built during the project, they were able to bypass some of the initial recruitment stages because they were already known internally.
Beyond immediate job opportunities, these projects also help build a strong professional network. If students later work in the same industry, these early connections can evolve into long-term collaborations, co-creation opportunities, and strategic partnerships. So even if they don’t end up working for these companies directly, they may very well work with them in the future.
In your opinion, what makes the Corporate Consulting Project such a transformative experience for Monaco MBA students?
The main value lies in working on real-life business cases, often complex challenges addressed at the C-suite level, particularly during critical moments for a company. Engaging with these kinds of strategic issues is an incredibly valuable experience.
Secondly, there is the team dynamic. Students work closely together over an extended period, which allows them to develop strong collaboration skills and learn how to navigate group dynamics effectively.
Third, from a content perspective, the depth of research is significant. Whether exploring topics like AI or its applications in industries such as sports (as we’ve seen in recent projects), students gain a much deeper understanding of the technologies, strategies, and broader implications involved.
Finally, the direct connection with the company itself adds another layer of impact, as students engage with real stakeholders and potentially contribute to tangible outcomes.
Altogether, these elements make the experience highly enriching and truly transformative.
What advice would you give to future MBA students who will participate in this project?
I would say it’s important to bring a certain level of patience, especially when it comes to group dynamics and working with different personalities and perspectives. To make collaboration effective, you need to be understanding and adaptable.
At the same time, always strive to give your best. In the end, you are working with major corporations that genuinely rely on your input, so it’s essential to remain professional at all times, especially in your communication.
You are not only representing IUM and Monaco, but also the company you work for. This means you are acting as an ambassador in a very visible and important context.
So overall, my advice would be: be professional, take responsibility, give your best, and remain patient when working with others.
Through the Corporate Consulting Project, students go far beyond theory, engaging directly with leading companies to solve real strategic challenges. As highlighted by Maximilian Rapp, Partner at EY Studio+, this hands‑on approach equips participants with essential skills in strategy, innovation, and cross‑cultural management, while building powerful networks in Monaco and internationally.
Set in the unique environment of the Principality of Monaco, the program offers a transformative journey: working in diverse teams, tackling high‑level business issues, interacting with C‑suite executives, and opening doors to new career opportunities.
For more information about our Monaco MBA program, check our website
If you have any questions, contact the admissions team at admissions@monaco.edu
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