In an enlightening interview with Monaco Life, Dr. Jean-Philippe Muller, Dean and CEO of the International University of Monaco (IUM), shares his innovative vision for the university, the impact of their new state-of-the-art campus in La Condamine, and how IUM is leading the way in business education while fostering a diverse and dynamic student community.
Dr. Muller has been at the helm of IUM since 2013, championing transformative educational practices. His involvement with prestigious organizations like the Europe Accreditation Council for Business Education (EACBE) and the European Board of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) equips him to drive significant societal impacts within the global education landscape. His roles on the Strategic Council for Attractiveness of Monaco and the Monaco Private Label Executive Advisory Board further enrich his leadership at IUM.
Founded in 1986, the university, originally the University of Southern Europe, evolved into the International University of Monaco, offering English-language programs in Bachelor, MBA, and DBA. Under Dr. Muller’s leadership, IUM achieved AACSB accreditation in 2020 and has seen its student body grow threefold, with students now hailing from over 70 countries.
Monaco Life’s Features Journalist Celina Lafuente de Lavotha interviewed Dr. Jean-Philippe Muller to learn more about the significance of the AACSB accreditation, strategies for attracting prospective students, and his long-term vision for IUM.
Monaco Life: Which strategic steps did you take to obtain the critical AACSB credential for IUM?
Jean-Philippe Muller: Securing AACSB accreditation, synonymous with outstanding academic quality, bolstered IUM’s reputation. It reaffirmed our commitment to excellence in business education and positioned IUM among the world’s top business schools. This accreditation enhances our students’ and alumni’s international recognition and opportunities.
My team and I focused on curriculum enhancement, faculty development, and institutional growth, aligning our programs with global standards, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and strengthening our research capabilities. This achievement has made IUM the business school of choice for many international students, expanding our network of partnerships with several AACSB-accredited universities.
We finalized our 28th agreement with a business school, offering our second-year bachelor students diverse courses for the Semester Abroad Program, with options to attend one of the OMNES Campuses in Barcelona, Geneva, London, Munich, or Paris, or one of the numerous IUM partner institutions worldwide.
Monaco Life: What are the advantages of IUM moving to new facilities in La Condamine?
Jean-Philippe Muller: Relocating to the La Stella building in La Condamine has provided IUM with state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology-equipped classrooms, and collaborative spaces designed to enhance the learning experience. The proximity to Monaco’s business district fosters greater integration with local and international commercial communities, offering practical insights and networking opportunities.
Our strategic vision for IUM includes continued growth and innovation, embracing both distance learning and in-person education, which is favored by most students. The new building will accommodate our growing enrollment, housing additional staff and faculty, and facilitating the evolution of classroom learning and collaborative student work.
Monaco Life: Where do students come from? And where do they go after graduation from IUM?
Jean-Philippe Muller: At IUM, diversity is a way of life. Our student body comprises over 70 nationalities. After graduation, our alumni embark on global careers, taking on prominent roles in multinational companies or establishing startups. Many choose to stay in Monaco, a global center for finance and luxury, contributing to the Principality’s economic growth and international prestige.
Monaco Life: What would be the optimal size of the IUM student body?
Jean-Philippe Muller: While we have increased our student population from 300 in 2010 to 900 in 2024, our focus remains on quality over quantity, maintaining a personalized learning environment with class sizes never exceeding 50 students. We aim for a balance that allows meaningful student engagement, academic support, and diverse cultural exchange. Surpassing 1,000 students next year will be a milestone, necessitating the careful selection of new faculty members.
Monaco Life: What kind of support do you get from the Monaco Government to attract students?
Jean-Philippe Muller: Continuous interaction with the Monegasque Government is significant for IUM, based on strategic partnerships and initiatives that promote Monaco as a destination for higher education. This support enhances our ability to attract top-tier students globally, leveraging Monaco’s reputation for excellence, safety, and quality of life.
The Government’s support facilitated our move to La Stella and participation in initiatives like the Monaco Employment Forum. Prominent government figures also sit on our International Advisory Board.
Monaco Life: What academic curriculum do you feel is most critical for IUM, given the profile of the country IUM resides in?
Jean-Philippe Muller: Given Monaco’s profile as a global financial and business center, our curriculum emphasizes finance, luxury management, international business, and sustainable entrepreneurship. These areas align with Monaco’s economic strengths and prepare our students for leadership roles in sectors crucial to the Principality’s growth.
Monaco Life: What methods do you implement to increase graduation rates and assist students in their professional careers?
Jean-Philippe Muller: We promote graduation rates through personalized academic advice, proactive support services, and mentorship programs. We offer comprehensive career development services, including mentorship, networking opportunities, and hands-on projects within Monaco’s business community. Our Career Services organizes activities like Career Development Seminars and Individual Counseling Sessions to support students entering or advancing in the job market.
Monaco Life: Does IUM foster entrepreneurship, and if so, in which sectors?
Jean-Philippe Muller: IUM promotes entrepreneurship in luxury goods and services, finance, sustainable development, and digital innovation. We offer courses across all levels and have an Entrepreneurship Club led by successful businesspeople. We support entrepreneurial initiatives through international challenges like the Mark Challenge and the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge, partnering with MonacoTech to help students transform innovative ideas into successful businesses.
Monaco Life: How would you describe your management style?
Jean-Philippe Muller: I favor strategic vision, transparency, and collaborative leadership, empowering teams to achieve shared goals. I prioritize inclusivity, mentorship, and a supportive work environment that values diversity, creativity, and continuous learning.
Monaco Life: What specific qualities do you look for when hiring faculty?
Jean-Philippe Muller: We prioritize academic expertise, industry experience, innovative instruction methods, and a commitment to student-centered learning. We seek educators passionate about their subject area, dedicated to academic excellence, and able to engage diverse student populations effectively.
Monaco Life: What is the biggest challenge for university teachers today?
Jean-Philippe Muller: Adapting to rapid technological advancements and evolving educational methodologies is a significant challenge. Teachers must embrace digital tools and prepare students for a collaborative global workforce. Balancing research responsibilities with teaching commitments is also crucial for maintaining academic rigor and innovation.
Monaco Life: What is your longer-term vision for IUM?
Jean-Philippe Muller: My vision is to expand our international partnerships, enhance experiential learning opportunities, and launch new academic programs aligned with global trends. IUM aims to be a leading academic center for education and innovation, preparing graduates to excel in the global economy by leveraging Monaco’s unique economic environment. Our personalized approach and multicultural environment will equip students to tackle global labor market challenges.
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