Required Training for Managers in 2025: Six Courses They Need to Complete
Got a need to upgrade your skills as a manager in 2025? Topformation has got you covered. Here are six badass programs that'll transform you into an indispensable asset in the eyes of your company. From risk management and digital transition to AI, corporate social responsibility, and performance management - these courses tackle the most pressing issues in the business world today.
📸 Illustration via our site / Freepik By Charlotte Rousset Employment section journalist, covering social law, career, and worker remuneration updates on our site
Going back to school in your 40s or 50s is no longer a crazy gamble. Every year in April, top managers start thinking about it - planning their return to work and actively seeking out the most suitable programs that meet the needs of their teams. In 2025, focus areas include risk management, digital transition, AI, corporate social responsibility, and performance management. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the sea of possibilities, we've partnered with Topformation to bring you six outstanding programs offered by some of the best French schools. These programs address the challenges faced by managers and HR teams in 2025.
1. Risk Management Bootcamp from CentraleSupelec Exed
A time-tested program from top engineering schools, now updated for today's world. From cyber attacks and environmental regulation to pressure on quality and technical incidents, no company is immune to what we call "risks." Instead of acting reactionarily in individual situations, some companies choose to be proactive. That's exactly what the Risk Management program from CentraleSupelec Exed offers in its 112-hour training for experienced executives. By the end of the training, you'll be ready to lead a crisis cell in case of a digital attack - and even have to put together a project directly linked to your company. Register now for the May 12, 2025 session in Paris, and expect to pay 8,500 euros for the 112-hour training program. The program is eligible for the Professional Training Account (CPF).
👉 Learn more about this program here
2. Sustainable Performance and Risks Executive Master from IAE Paris-Sorbonne
Another program that dives deep into risk management: the master's degree offered by IAE Paris-Sorbonne on sustainable performance and risks. This program equips you to identify potential financial, social, and environmental risks in a company, integrate them into a budget or CSR action plan, and to eventually rise to roles as a management controller or internal auditor. The university master's degree, offered over 18 months on a part-time basis, covers the professions of performance management and auditing. Sign up now for the 2026 academic year, starting in January.
👉 Discover more about this program here
3. Executive MBA from HEC Paris
One of the most recognized programs worldwide, the Executive MBA at HEC Paris attracts seasoned professionals (with at least eight years of experience) due to its advanced teaching in strategy, financial management, and marketing. This program boasts a strong international focus, with courses taught in English. Complete the 15-18 month journey and present a strategic project based on a real business issue. The "blended" format combines on-site and distance learning, allowing you to continue working while studying. Start dates are flexible, with options in September 2025, January, and March 2026. The tuition fee is 110,000 euros.
👉 Get more information about this program here
4. Executive Master Business & Management from EDHEC
A shorter duration and price, but just as competent: the Executive Master Business & Management at EDHEC targets professionals who want to boost their skills in management, strategy, or piloting activity without aspiring for an MBA. This program, which takes 16 months, has a rhythm compatible with professional life, with three days on-site each month followed by modules to be completed online. Your project at the end will focus on a real business issue. Study in Paris or Lille starting October 2025, for 22,000 euros. Partly fund your studies using the CPF.
👉 Find out more about this program here
5. Executive MSc Business Development from NEOMA Business School
Become a pro at B2B negotiation: that's what NEOMA Business School promises with its Executive Msc Business Development program. The program ranks #1 in France in its category by Eduniversal university ranking company in 2023. The 12-month program combines distance learning and on-site sessions at the Paris campus, with the Sales Bootcamp and workshops on commercial assertiveness being high points. Join the program starting September 2025.
👉 Get more information about this program here
6. Inclusive Enterprise Program at ISC Paris
A one-day program addressing a major need in the workplace today: diversity, disability, and inclusion. The morning focuses on corporate culture and inclusive employer branding, while the afternoon covers internal and external communication around disability and diversity. This program, led by Anissa Djabi-Saidani, is essential for HR, communication managers, and leaders looking to integrate these issues into their daily work.
👉 Find out more about this program here
These programs cover the critical competencies managers need in 2025 to effectively handle risks, lead digital transitions, embed corporate social responsibility, and optimize performance management[1][3][4][5]. Stay ahead of the curve and secure your place in the new era of management by taking advantage of these exceptional programs offered by top French schools.
- In 2025, aspiring to become an indispensable asset in one's company may involve upgrading skills in risk management, and the Risk Management Bootcamp from CentraleSupelec Exed could be a suitable option for experienced executives, offering 112 hours of training for 8,500 euros, eligible for the Professional Training Account (CPF).
- For those interested in sustainable performance and risks, the Sustainable Performance and Risks Executive Master from IAE Paris-Sorbonne is a comprehensive program spanning 18 months, aimed at equipping participants to identify and manage financial, social, and environmental risks, leading to roles as management controllers or internal auditors.
- The prestigious Executive MBA at HEC Paris, lasting 15-18 months, is an advanced teaching program in strategy, financial management, and marketing with a strong international focus, attracting seasoned professionals due to its tuition fee of 110,000 euros.
- The Executive Master Business & Management at EDHEC is a 16-month program targeting professionals who want to improve their management, strategy, or piloting skills without aiming for an MBA, with a compatible rhythm for professional life and a tuition fee of 22,000 euros, partly fundable through the CPF.
- The Executive MSc Business Development program at NEOMA Business School aims to turn participants into pros in B2B negotiation, with a 12-month program starting in September 2025, combining distance learning and on-site sessions.
- To address the need for diversity, disability, and inclusion in the workplace, the Inclusive Enterprise Program at ISC Paris offers a one-day program focused on corporate culture, inclusive employer branding, internal and external communication, and is essential for HR, communication managers, and leaders.
