As the low-carbon transition accelerates worldwide, the energy sector faces significant challenges in both talent recruitment and development. The MSc in Management of Energy Transitions at emlyon business school offers a new pathway for students who aspire to drive energy transformation in a sustainable and innovative world.

Training the Future Leaders of the Global Energy Sector

The two-year MSc in Management of Energy Transitions is designed to prepare the future leaders of the international energy industry. According to Program Co-Directors Thibaud Voïta and Xavier Blot, the programme equips students for a wide range of career opportunities, including large-scale infrastructure project management (such as nuclear power plants and offshore wind farms), cleantech, energy finance, and public affairs.

During the first year, students build a strong technical foundation by exploring key topics related to the energy transition, including wind energy, solar power, hydrogen, nuclear energy, energy storage and batteries, carbon capture, and energy efficiency.

The curriculum even includes courses on fossil fuels. While this may seem unusual in an energy transition programme, the directors explain that students should also understand the fundamentals of the oil and gas sector, even if they do not plan to work directly in the industry later in their careers.

A Unique Combination of Technology and Business

As energy-related programmes continue to emerge around the world, emlyon’s MSc in Management of Energy Transitions stands out through its distinctive positioning.

The programme combines comprehensive technical foundations covering all major energy sources with strong exposure to the business world, particularly entrepreneurship within the energy sector.

Students work on real-life climate tech projects and case studies while interacting with leading industry players. Corporate partners involved in the programme include RWE, Waga Energy, Engie, Verkor, Orisun, SNCF, Vattenfall, EDF, Holosolis, SOFIAC, and Fastned.

An International Perspective Throughout the Learning Journey

Archibald André, currently enrolled in the programme, joined the MSc after completing a Master’s degree in International Affairs at Sciences Po Lyon and gaining experience in environmental transition consulting. He describes his academic experience in China as particularly inspiring.

Archibald André

Student of MSc in Management of Energy Transitions

Today, China installs more photovoltaic capacity than all other countries combined. Being here and engaging directly with industry leaders provides valuable insights into China’s strategic choices regarding the energy transition. It also allows us to learn from some of its achievements while maintaining a critical and analytical perspective.

Combining Corporate Projects and Major Industry Events

Beyond the exchange semester in China, the programme offers several highlights throughout the academic journey:

• Corporate Missions
• Start-up Creation and Entrepreneurship Projects
• Paris Energy Week

Paris Energy Week is co-organized by emlyon business school alongside leading French institutions, including PSL University, Mines Paris, École Polytechnique, and Sciences Po. The event brings together students, academics, and industry professionals to discuss key challenges and innovations shaping the future of energy.

Career Opportunities and Employability

The leadership and professional skills developed throughout the program open the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates may join major energy companies, work in energy management or decarbonization departments within large corporations, or launch their own cleantech ventures.

Archibald André

Student of MSc in Management of Energy Transitions

One of the program’s key strengths is its dual focus on public affairs and energy expertise. I aspire to become an energy analyst—a demanding role that requires both a solid understanding of the energy sector and the ability to analyse political, regulatory, and economic dynamics in depth.

Another student in the program, LIU Yunong, hopes to pursue a career in market analysis and strategic marketing within the energy industry.

To support students in achieving their professional ambitions, the program benefits from a strong industry ecosystem and extensive professional network.

Archibald André

Student of MSc in Management of Energy Transitions

The emlyon alumni and industry network is a major advantage for young graduates. The school provides personalized career guidance and employment support, which makes a real difference in such a competitive sector. In addition, the curriculum remains closely connected to real-world developments. Almost every major energy topic discussed in the media has already been explored in depth during classes or seminars.

Student Testimonial

Why did you choose the MSc in Management of Energy Transitions?

Yunong LIU

Second-Year Student of MSc in Management of Energy Transitions

What attracted me most to this program was its position at the intersection of energy, economics, and business. Compared with other programs I considered—some highly technical and others more generalist—this MSc offers a multidisciplinary approach that is closely connected to market realities and aligns perfectly with my career aspirations.

What do you consider to be the program’s main strengths?

Yunong LIU

Second-Year Student of MSc in Management of Energy Transitions

I would highlight several key strengths:

• A comprehensive and cross-disciplinary perspective on the energy sector;
• Course content closely aligned with current market developments;
• High-quality guest speakers and instructors from industry;
• Strong emphasis on developing analytical and strategic skills that can be directly applied in a professional environment.

Has the program helped you better understand a particular topic?

Yunong LIU

Second-Year Student of MSc in Management of Energy Transitions

Absolutely. The program has given me a much deeper understanding of how energy markets operate and how pricing mechanisms are formed, particularly in a context increasingly influenced by geopolitical factors. I especially enjoyed the courses on electricity markets and energy policy, which effectively connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications.

Who would you recommend this program to?

Yunong LIU

Second-Year Student of MSc in Management of Energy Transitions

I would recommend this program to students and young professionals interested in energy transition challenges and looking to develop their careers in an international environment. It is particularly well suited to individuals seeking a program that combines strategic thinking, analytical capabilities, and strong business relevance.