Schiller Paris Pitch Competition 2026 Highlights Student Innovation and Career Readiness

Students from Schiller Paris presented entrepreneurial ideas and career visions during the 2026 End-of-Year Pitch Competition, receiving feedback from an international panel representing business, technology, luxury, education, and nonprofit sectors. The event celebrated innovation, communication skills, and career readiness while providing mentoring, internship opportunities, and professional development experiences that prepare students for success in today's global workplace.

Key Takeaways 

• Six students from Schiller Paris presented innovative career and entrepreneurial pitches before an international panel of industry professionals.  
• Participants demonstrated strong communication, critical thinking, presentation, and personal branding skills.  
• The event connected students directly with professionals from sectors including luxury, entrepreneurship, coaching, technology, sports, international development, and education. 
• Professional development prizes, mentoring opportunities, internships, and career guidance sessions were awarded to support students' future career growth. 
• The competition reflected Schiller's commitment to experiential learning and career readiness through real-world engagement with industry leaders.  

Students Pitch Their Vision for the Future 

The Schiller Paris campus recently hosted its End-of-Year Pitch Competition, bringing together six students from across Schiller's business and international relations programs to present their aspirations, ideas, and professional ambitions before a distinguished panel of industry experts. The competition challenged students to develop and deliver compelling 10-minute presentations centered on entrepreneurial concepts or long-term career goals, providing an opportunity to showcase both their expertise and their ability to communicate with confidence and impact.  

This year's participants represented a diverse range of academic backgrounds: 

• Chloi Athina Balanou – BA in International Relations and Diplomacy  
• Hilary Audrey Tchomeni Leumale – BS in International Business  
• Deepak Basavaraju – MBA 
• Felipe Fonseca – MA in International Relations and Diplomacy
• Matti Iilonga – MA in International Relations and Diplomacy
• Kiran Reddy – MA in International Relations and Diplomacy

Their presentations highlighted not only innovative ideas and professional aspirations but also the confidence and strategic thinking required to succeed in today's global workplace. 

Learning from Industry Professionals 

A key highlight of the competition was the opportunity for students to engage directly with an accomplished panel of professionals who challenged participants with insightful questions and constructive feedback. 

The on-campus judging panel included professionals from luxury, entrepreneurship, coaching, communications, and sports management, including representatives from LVMH, Agence Deux Hélènes, Pim Pam Pum, HumanXperience/Outthink Coaching, and Paris Basketball. Joining remotely were experts from CARE France, Zoho, and the London School of Economics, bringing additional international perspectives to the discussions. 

By presenting to professionals with experience across multiple industries, students gained valuable insight into how ideas are evaluated in professional environments and what employers, entrepreneurs, and leaders look for when assessing innovation, communication, and strategic thinking. 

Celebrating Excellence 

Following a highly competitive series of presentations, Kiran Reddy was named the 2026 Pitch Competition Champion. His presentation impressed the judging panel with its clarity, confidence, and compelling vision, earning the highest overall score of the competition.  

The event also recognized the importance of professional development and career exploration. The winner received a prize package that included a mentoring session with entrepreneur Jodi Doherty, and fast-track access to a paid remote internship opportunity through CareerOS. 

In addition, all participants received certificates of participation and gained access to further development opportunities, including coaching sessions, internship opportunities, and career guidance from industry professionals.  

Building Career Readiness Through Experiential Learning 

More than a competition, the event served as a practical career development experience. Students were challenged to articulate complex ideas, refine their personal brand, defend their proposals, and communicate their goals to an audience of experienced professionals. 

These experiences reflect Schiller's approach to experiential learning, where classroom knowledge is combined with real-world challenges and industry engagement. By presenting to external professionals, students developed essential workplace competencies including public speaking, critical thinking, adaptability, and professional communication; skills that are increasingly valued across industries and sectors. 

The event also demonstrated the strength of Schiller's professional network, bringing together industry leaders willing to invest their time and expertise in mentoring the next generation of global professionals. 

A Platform for Growth and Future Success 

The End-of-Year Pitch Competition illustrates how experiential learning and career development work hand in hand at Schiller. Through opportunities like this, students gain practical experience, receive meaningful feedback from industry professionals, and learn how to communicate their ideas with confidence and purpose. 

By connecting students with employers, entrepreneurs, coaches, and industry leaders, the competition helps bridge the gap between academic learning and professional success, empowering students to enter the workforce with clearer goals, stronger networks, and greater confidence in their abilities.  

A special thank you goes to all judges, mentors, and participants whose enthusiasm and commitment made this year's competition a memorable celebration of student achievement and career readiness.