How Marina Romanelli, a Brazilian Scholar, Secured a PhD in Sustainability and Innovation at NEOMA Business School, France Through the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship

My name is Marina Romanelli, and I am from Brazil. I completed my undergraduate degree in Social Sciences, and during that period I realized that I wanted to build a career as a researcher. This was a decisive moment in my academic trajectory, because it led me to think seriously about how I could develop my research profile, strengthen my methodological foundation, and pursue opportunities that would allow me to contribute meaningfully to knowledge in my field.

I decided to continue my education because I wanted to deepen my academic preparation in an area that aligned with both my intellectual interests and my long-term professional goals. I became particularly interested in sustainability and innovation-related topics, especially in areas connected to operations, organizational practices, and the broader relationship between firms and sustainability challenges. I saw graduate study as the next step toward building the kind of research career I wanted to pursue.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Details

I received the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship at NEOMA Business School. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €2,000 and was a very important opportunity for me because it supported my doctoral studies in a highly international academic environment. For me, this was not only financial support, but also a recognition of my academic trajectory and a concrete step toward my long-term goal of developing a research career in sustainability and innovation-related topics.

This was also a particularly meaningful achievement because I was the first doctoral applicant at NEOMA Business School to be awarded the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship. Before this, the institution had primarily submitted applications for master’s-level students, so this was an important milestone not only for me, but also for the institution itself. The outcome was so encouraging that NEOMA is now preparing other students to apply for similar opportunities in the future. In addition, I was the one who identified this scholarship opportunity and proposed it to the institution after discovering that it could be feasible for my doctoral trajectory. After discussing the possibility with the institution, they approved the idea and decided to pursue the application. This process reflected both my initiative and the alignment between my academic profile and the scholarship’s objectives.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes. Throughout my master’s and doctoral studies, I have actively sought and received several scholarship and research funding opportunities in Brazil, including support from CAPES and CNPq, which helped me continue my academic development and strengthen my research trajectory. In addition, I was awarded the Academy of Management Travel Grant for two consecutive years, which was a significant recognition of my work and an important contribution to my international academic development.

Although I have received other funding opportunities, the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship was especially important because it aligned directly with my goal of internationalizing my research career and supporting my doctoral work in a high-quality academic environment.

Educational Background

Before my doctoral studies, I completed my undergraduate degree in Social Sciences. This academic background was crucial in shaping my interests and in helping me understand the social, organizational, and institutional dimensions of the issues I wanted to study. It also helped me develop the analytical and critical thinking skills that later guided my decision to pursue graduate education.

My academic background prepared me well for this path because it gave me a strong foundation in research, critical analysis, and understanding of complex social and organizational phenomena. As I progressed, I became increasingly interested in sustainability and innovation-related topics, which led me to pursue graduate study in a more focused field and to seek opportunities that would help me become a researcher in this area.

My GPA was not the only factor that shaped my application, but it was part of my academic record. What matters most in scholarship applications is not only grades, but also the coherence of the academic trajectory, the clarity of the research interests, and the ability to present a strong and convincing academic narrative. In my case, my profile was built through research experience, academic motivation, and a clear long-term purpose rather than through GPA alone.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to NEOMA Business School?

I prepared for the application process by building on the academic relationship I had already established with NEOMA during my doctoral research stay. Before applying for the scholarship, I had already spent time at the institution, developed contact with faculty, and gained a clearer understanding of the research environment and opportunities available there. Once I was in France and had a clearer view of my academic trajectory, I began exploring additional funding opportunities that would allow me to continue my doctoral work in a more sustainable and internationally integrated way. This process was not based on a generic search alone; it was informed by the relationship I had already built with the institution and by my decision to strengthen my long-term research goals through internationalization.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I did not complete a formal English proficiency exam for this scholarship process. However, my language ability was supported by my academic context, my engagement in international research environments, and the academic endorsement of professors who supported my application. In my case, the combination of academic preparation, research experience, and institutional support was sufficient to demonstrate my readiness for an international doctoral environment.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?

I prepared for the scholarship application by studying the selection criteria in detail and making sure that my documents reflected both my academic profile and my long-term research interests. I paid close attention to the application requirements, the structure of the motivation letter, and the way in which my research trajectory was presented.

One of the most important aspects of the process was understanding not only the formal requirements, but also what the selection committee was looking for. I learned that scholarship applications are not only evaluated based on academic records, but also on the coherence of the applicant’s story, the authenticity of their motivation, and the clarity of their academic goals. I therefore focused on presenting a consistent narrative: my research interests, my academic development, my motivation for pursuing this opportunity, and the way this scholarship aligned with my future as a researcher.

I also prepared my documentation carefully and aligned it closely with the scholarship’s objectives. I studied the call for applications in depth and tailored my materials accordingly. This process was extremely important because it helped me understand how to present my experience in a way that was both honest and strategic.

How is Your Experience at NEOMA Business School?

My experience at the institution has been highly enriching so far and has already reinforced the importance of this academic opportunity for my development. The environment is intellectually stimulating, and I have been able to engage with a strong research culture, a diverse academic community, and a highly international setting. Even at the beginning of this phase, I can already see how valuable this experience is for my growth as a researcher.

The experience has been especially meaningful because it connects directly with the long-term academic path I have been building. It is not only a matter of studying in a different environment, but also of being in an international setting where research, collaboration, and academic exchange are central.

How Do You Rate NEOMA Business School Academically?

I would rate the institution very highly academically because of its research environment, its academic standards, and the quality of the intellectual setting it offers. What stood out to me was not only the institutional reputation, but also the opportunity to study in a context that values rigorous academic work, international collaboration, and strong research engagement. For me, this was a decisive factor in choosing to pursue this scholarship opportunity.

How Does NEOMA Business School Support International Students?

The institution supports international students by creating an academic environment that is both rigorous and welcoming. In my experience, the environment is highly international, and that is particularly valuable for students who are pursuing research and academic development abroad. This support is essential because international students often face both academic and cultural challenges, and a strong institutional environment helps them adapt and thrive.

For me, this support is especially important because it allows students to focus on their academic work while also developing professionally and personally in a new setting.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or French?

The institution is French, but the academic environment is international, and the program is conducted in English. This was an important factor for me because it allowed me to continue my academic development in a highly international setting while also being in France. In practical terms, this combination was very valuable because it enabled me to benefit from the academic environment of the institution while also engaging in a global research and professional context.

What Did You Pursue After the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?

After the scholarship, I plan to continue developing my research agenda and to pursue opportunities that align with my long-term goals as a scholar. My objective is to continue building a career in research, with a particular focus on sustainability and management-related questions. For me, the scholarship is part of a larger strategy to strengthen my academic profile, increase my international visibility, and position myself for future opportunities in academia and research.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing French?

Studying in a country where the native language is different from your own can be challenging at first, especially in academic settings. However, this challenge is manageable, particularly when the academic environment is international and students are supported by the institution. In my experience, language barriers are not insurmountable when the student is academically prepared, motivated, and supported by a strong research environment.

This is especially relevant in the context of international doctoral study, where students often need to adapt to both a new academic setting and a new cultural environment. I believe the ability to adapt, learn, and engage with the academic community is more important than language fluency at the beginning, as long as the student is committed to learning and growth.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

What made my application stand out was the coherence of my academic trajectory and the clarity of my motivation. I had already built a strong research profile over time, and I was able to demonstrate that my application was not driven by a single opportunity, but by a long-term commitment to research and academic development. I had been building my profile step by step through research experiences, scholarships, and academic preparation, and this gave my application a strong sense of continuity.

I also believe that the application process should be understood as more than a collection of documents. It is a way of telling a credible and authentic story about who you are, what you have done, and why this opportunity matters for your future. In my case, my application stood out because it showed clear academic direction, genuine motivation, and a realistic vision of how this scholarship fit into my broader research trajectory. In addition, being the first doctoral applicant at NEOMA Business School to be awarded the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship gave my profile a unique element of novelty and institutional relevance, which made the application even more meaningful.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would begin preparing even earlier and pay even closer attention to the way I structured my narrative and documents. I would spend more time understanding the specific interests of the selection committee and refining my application to make sure that my motivation and research fit were expressed as clearly as possible.

I would also be more intentional about building my academic profile continuously, because I now understand that scholarship applications are not isolated events; they are part of a longer process of preparation, intellectual development, and research-building. I think that planning, clarity, and authenticity are essential throughout this process.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My main advice is to think of scholarships as part of a longer process of academic and professional development rather than as isolated opportunities. I have always seen my path as a gradual construction of a research career. After completing my undergraduate degree in the social sciences, I realized that I wanted to work as a researcher and began building that identity through research projects, academic engagement, and a growing interest in sustainability and innovation-related topics. I understood that the next step was not only to continue studying, but to strengthen my profile in a more focused and strategic way.

From that point onward, I actively sought opportunities to continue developing as a researcher. In Brazil, I looked for scholarships and research funding opportunities that would allow me to keep moving forward academically without losing momentum. This was part of a broader strategy: to build a sustainable research career, improve my skills, and create room for international development. I learned that scholarships are not simply rewards; they are tools that support growth, research, and long-term career planning.

Another important lesson is that international exposure matters deeply. Participating in academic conferences and international research environments helped me understand how the research field operates globally and how important it is to be present in spaces where ideas, collaboration, and innovation are developed. This made me more aware that internationalization was not only a personal goal, but also a strategic component of my career as a researcher.

My advice to future applicants is to build a coherent academic path, be intentional about your goals, and seek funding opportunities that align with your long-term research vision. Scholarships can be transformative, but they are most meaningful when they are connected to a clear purpose and a sustained effort to develop as a researcher. I also believe that planning and authenticity matter enormously. The strongest applications are not only academically solid; they are also clear, honest, and consistent in showing who the applicant is, what motivates them, and what they are capable of achieving. In the end, the most important thing is not only the number of publications or the depth of academic credentials, but the potential of the researcher and the clarity of the trajectory that supports that potential.