Ideas with Impact
UNB Faculty of Management

Photo: Ismael Gbane came to the faculty of management’s BBA program through UNB’s pathway program with the Center for Management Studies in English (CEFAM), based in Lyon, France.

Ismael Gbane's journey to the Bachelor of Business Administration program at the University of New Brunswick's (UNB) faculty of management is nothing short of remarkable. From the picturesque landscapes of the Ivory Coast to the historical charm of Lyon, France, and finally finding his academic home in Fredericton, Gbane has traversed borders and cultures to pursue his passion for business.

Gbane started his academic journey by leaving his home in the Ivory Coast to study business at the Center for Management Studies in English (CEFAM) in Lyon, France. Through CEFAM's pathway program with UNB, he found his way into the faculty of management last September, entering the BBA program in the third year.

Upon arrival, he was smitten by the campus's timeless beauty. “I love the trees and the way they change throughout the seasons, the buildings, and the atmosphere. UNB was founded in 1785 so there is a lot history in the buildings along with a modern environment.”

The vibrant networking events hosted by the faculty of management and the Business Administration Undergraduate Society (BAUS) have been great learning experiences, Gbane says. These include Data Challenge BMO Apex Business Plan Competition. “These allow students to learn, network, grow and get hands on experience. Maybe even win prizes.”

Gbane also highlights UNB's commitment to experiential learning through the Co-op program and real-world projects integrated into many courses. “This emphasis on practical exposure allows students to collaborate with local companies and industry experts, providing valuable work experience within the university setting.”

Looking ahead, Gbane is eager to delve into UNB's flagship investment courses. The Student Investment Fund presents a unique opportunity for students to manage real investment portfolios, follow the CFA study path, and work with a fund exceeding $13 million. Additionally, the Venture Assessment course guides students in making genuine investment decisions by evaluating real start-ups.

As a French native speaker who started learning English at CEFAM, Gbane appreciates the bilingual environment in New Brunswick. He says it allows him to continuously enhance his English skills while maintaining proficiency in French.

During his time at UNB, Gbane plans to take advantage of all the opportunities UNB offers and meet as many people as he can. “To put it simply, I aim to graduate with some awesome experiences - social, academic, and professional.”

Established in 1986, the Franco-American Center for Management Studies (CEFAM) in English is an international business school located in Lyon, France specializing in Management, Finance, Consulting and Marketing. Since 2020, CEFAM students are able to complete years 4 and 5 of their business studies at UNB’s faculty of management to obtain internationally recognized France and Canada BBA degrees. Students graduate with dual degrees, a BBA from UNB and one from CFAM.

Gbane's journey from the Ivory Coast to CFAM and then UNB's faculty of management is a testament to both CEFAM and UNB’s commitment to providing a globally enriching academic experience for business students.

Learn more about the Faculty of Management’s Partnership with CEFAM.

Media contact: Liz Lemon-Mitchell