Even before she began her undergraduate studies, Lucía Durán knew she wanted to pursue an MBA. In fact, she explained that she chose the Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Administration because of what the program had to offer: “I felt it was a broad enough degree to adapt to whatever I wanted to do in the future. I was certain it would give me the tools I needed for any career path.”
Meanwhile, I never lost sight of the possibility of studying abroad. “One of the things that led me to study at ORT was the opportunity to earn a dual degree. I remember reading an article in the newspaper and thinking, ‘This is for me.’”
I liked the idea of earning another degree at the end of the program—one that could contribute to my professional development, help me continue to grow, and open up new opportunities sooner.
During his eight-month stay in France, Durán chose a specialization in financeHe explained that this field piqued his interest after taking certain courses during his undergraduate studies: “Knowing how much I had enjoyed the finance-related courses, I decided to pursue what I liked best and thought it would be a good fit.”
The Master of Science in International Finance —“the school’s most prestigious master’s program”—required intense dedication over two semesters, with classes taught in English by international professors and a course load that included Saturdays. “There were about 140 students. In the first semester, there were five Spanish speakers in my class, and in the second, just one Mexican student and me.”
He said that the academic standards met his expectations, highlighting the program’s reputation and its triple-crown accreditation—a distinction held by few business schools worldwide.
The experience in Rennes not only broadened her knowledge but also had a profound impact on her personal development: “It was my first experience of total independence, figuring things out on my own in an unfamiliar place, speaking a language I barely knew. Stepping out of my comfort zone helped me discover sides of myself I didn’t know existed.”
In that regard, he emphasized the value of the connections he made: “The bonds I formed with people from different countries will last a lifetime. The cultural exchange and the conversations we shared were incredible.”
To the students: do your research, ask questions, and go for the experience. It has its challenges, but in the end, it’s worth it. I don’t regret a thing, and I’d walk that path all over again.
After completing her master’s degree and final project in Rennes, Lucía Durán is in the final stages of earning both degrees. She says this achievement marks an important step in her professional career toward a career in finance: “It’s another step in the right direction, providing me with key tools such as networking and specialized knowledge in the field.”
Learn about the dual degree program with Rennes School of Business