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Laureen SULTAN, a Grande École Program‘s Master student at IÉSEG, has made professional gender equality her personal mission. For the past three years, through the Women In Business (WIB) association, she has been working to empower women in the still male-dominated world of finance.

Laureen joined Women In Business (WIB) in 2021, which is part of IÉSEG’s student life and association scene. “I kept hearing that finance careers weren’t for women… If I had listened to that, I would have sabotaged my own future,” she shares. “Joining WIB was my way of helping other women believe in themselves and not be afraid.”

Since then, Laureen has been fully committed, helping the organization grow and raising awareness among students. “What I love about WIB is how dynamic it is. We organized 17 events this year alone, and I’ve received countless calls from women afraid to enter such a male-centric field.”

As Women In Business President, Laureen leads initiatives, coordinates events with IÉSEG and partner professionals, and acts as the key link between all stakeholders. She oversees projects and ensures each team meets deadlines with high-quality results.

This role has helped her develop crucial skills: “I’ve gained independence, especially through reaching out to many external contacts, and I’ve sharpened my organizational abilities by juggling priorities. It can be stressful at times, but I take great joy in this role because what we do truly matters: helping women envision their futures and connect with renowned companies across all industries.”

After an initial internship in wealth management in Paris, Laureen moved to Dubai to continue her internship in an international setting. She highlights how IÉSEG encourages open-mindedness: “The school pushes us to have a global perspective and broaden our horizons, which is invaluable. In Dubai, I learned to adapt my work style and understand their culture and expectations. It was incredibly enriching.”

This professional and personal immersion helped her develop key skills: “Abroad, you need to listen carefully, adapt, and understand local customs. It strengthens communication skills and initiative because you’re often on your own. Of course, when you feel motivated, you have to go for it. This is when you build your professional future. IÉSEG prepared me well before I left, which helped me excel overseas—and most importantly, truly enjoy living and working there.”

Her experience with Women In Business has undoubtedly boosted her confidence and willingness to step outside her comfort zone—an attitude that also inspired her decision to pursue opportunities abroad.