Pictures of You: loving yourself as the first investment in your future

Before you lead, you must learn how to lead yourself. Before creating value, you must recognise your own.

In ancient Greece, students crossed the threshold of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, home of the Oracle dedicated to the god of light, music and prophecy, under the profound words “Know thyself”. At our private university, this is not merely a piece of historical advice; it is a direct challenge and a guiding philosophy. It is an invitation to step into a higher version of yourself by discovering what you may be reluctant or unable to see.

But how can one truly “know themselves”? Our perceptions are too often limited to what others tell us, and to what we are conditioned to believe. To see your own strengths clearly and embrace your weaknesses requires not only a healthy self-interest, but a profound self-love. At the European School of Economics, we believe that your future is not only built on what you study; it is built on who you are, who you think you are, and ultimately, who you become.

More than a business education

At ESE, education goes far beyond standard lectures and exams. Across our international campuses, students undoubtedly gain invaluable business knowledge, practical experience, and global connections, but the real transformation is something far more valuable and deeply personal.

We foster confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to present oneself with undeniable impact. The unshakable certainty that you belong in elite professional and international environments is what turns a British degree into a lifelong strategy for success.

The moment everything can change

To help students capture their inner state and project it outwardly, ESE holds at least one ‘Picture Day’ per term per centre. Many students arrive feeling unsure of themselves, claiming they are not photogenic or simply not ready. Then, they step into a professional setting and face the camera.

At first, there is hesitation. Then, something magical shifts—a new expression appears, revealing a natural elegance, a stronger posture, and a piercing look of confidence. The image becomes much more than a photograph; it becomes a turning point. Photographer John Mosca, both ESE Creative Director and an ESE graduate, masterfully guides students to view their images and pose together, capturing their true essence.

Witness the change: inspiring student journeys

We invite you to explore the defining moments of our students. Each portrait traces a unique journey where a student who recognises their own presence finds true confidence and identity, becoming the visionary individuals they were destined to be.

Khalima: Khalima joined our business school in September 2024 with a graduate degree in finance and a clear mission: to change gears to a career in the Music Industry. An accomplished cellist, she wanted to marry her love of music with her knack for numbers and her dream of ‘getting things done’. With the guidance of ESE’s Careers Placement, she landed an internship with the Royal Chamber Orchestra, which shortly after turned into a paid position.

Mattia: Mattia joined ESE for a Gap Year Programme in the Fall. Coming from an entrepreneurial family, he wanted to experience life abroad and have the chance to better define his career goals. Embracing the philosophy of creative leisure, he recently updated his CV and is now the lead candidate for vocational training with a government organisation—his very first job.

Diletta: Diletta’s dream to live abroad was realised when she joined ESE last year. Currently completing a Specialisation in Finance, she turned in some of the best results ever on her required internship. Virtually unrecognisable to lecturers and peers for her newly acquired work ethic, Diletta has gone from uncertain to certainly committed in finding a career path she deeply loves.

Rudi: Hailing from a family of business owners, Rudi started a number of ‘side hustles’, including a clothing brand sold through both eBay and Amazon. Working full-time, he cultivated his passion for beauty and product design through engineering courses before coming to ESE to focus entirely on business. He loves to drive and arrives for classes in central London on his own four wheels almost every time.

Making Potential Visible

‘Ex-duco’ is the Latin root of the word ‘education’, and it means to bring out something from within. A dream is often invisible at the beginning of the journey, requiring the right environment to properly emerge.

When you are supported, guided, and challenged through our specialized courses, you begin to trust your own voice, define your identity, recognise yourself, and see your future with absolute clarity. Whichever side of the nature vs. nurture argument you take, the effects of ‘nurture’ here are undeniable. At the European School of Economics, you are not only preparing for a career—you are aimed to discover the very individual who will create it: You.