Sitting With A Student

Some people think it ’s too late in their life to make a change and never take a chance to transform Jonathan found himself in his late twenties and unhappy with the direction his life was going when he started EHL’s Bachelor program . Learn his story and why EHL was the best place for him to be .

Interview with Jonathan Matti

Tell us a bit about yourself, Jonathan .

JM : Gladly, yes , I ’m 30 years old , a Bosc 2 student, and before EHL I did 2 CFC ( Certificat Féderal de Capacité , one in mechanics ( for motorbikes ), and another one in electronics at ETML ( Ecole technique - Ecole des métiers de Lausanne) in Lausanne

I worked two more years after my CFC as a mechanic for Honda and then Triumph Crissier. It was an amazing experience and I met amazing people but I finally joined EHL to unlock more opportunities and become independent in the future

Why did you choose to go to EHL after studying these other courses ? How did that happen ?

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JM : Both my grandparents ( Peter Barakat and Richard Gérald Matti ) and my great grandfather ( Alfred Gérald Matti ) are EHL Alumni . Crazy right ? I was actually born super close to EHL . My family always spoke so fondly about it so the school has always been in the back of my mind .

To be honest, it took me a while to get started because the level required is very high and I was afraid to fail But I took my chance and so far it ’s not going so bad * laughs*. I ’m actually super happy to be here .

Why was EHL the right school for you then ?

JM : Well , I was feeling a bit stuck in mechanics , not making as much money as I would have hoped . And as for how the world goes , mechanics is not the most interesting job . Well , not as interesting as it was in the past, at least

Also , a big goal of mine is to be independent, and opening a workshop is not easy.

You said you’ve heard about EHL throughout your entire life How did those expectations meet the actual reality of studying there?

JM: I was really afraid Not only because of my age, being older than everyone else in my intake, but the level of study I was scared of the academic level and I felt like I didn't have the equivalent maturity for this Also, I was afraid of all the younger people, everyone being in their early twenties

As far as things go, the academic part is quite hard but I am managing well. Regarding the students, I met the most amazing people, guys, and girls who are so open and mature for their age The age difference was never a problem and I easily integrated It was a daily pleasure to discover this new world.

Even the teachers and staff are welcoming and so interesting, everyone speaking so many languages fluently EHL has met my high expectations at every level, everything is perfect I love being there I learned so much I realize that every subject we study is useful and applicable in the field, I give tips to my sister. I feel like I learned so much in only one semester.

What are your expectations for the remainder of your studies?

JM: I want to learn more and more every semester, like a new sponge. Honestly, I’m really looking forward to my next internship and to learn more about finance because I want to work for a moment for one of the Big Four

You’ll find this crazy, but I already have an SBP group. I know it is super early, but that’s how excited I am. I believe I have a great team. I don’t think I will ever leave the school, I will just want to live there forever *laughs*.

How do you see your own personal transformation?

JM: Physically, I see a huge difference from the time when I was working as a mechanic Now I need to maintain my beard properly shaved and I’m well dressed to the point my friends comment on how I look, ‘’oh, you’re wearing a tie’’ *laughs*.

I'm also more organized Before I wasn't very hands-on, quite a mess actually, and now I get more and more organized I also take pleasure in both studying and working, this is crazy

Even my French has improved, believe it or not, being Swiss and all My vocabulary seems more advanced and I feel more comfortable expressing myself in front of people Lastly, whenever I have any type of work to do, I always want it to be perfect now. At the end of the day, this is the main point I aim to achieve; to reach for excellence, every day

HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR JONATHAN FOR HIS UPCOMING INTERNSHIP AND/OR SBP?