HEC Paris Hosts MBA Olympics

Less traditional sport such as chess, karting and ballroom dancing are also on the schedule

The students tweak the sports for each competition.  This year they introduced billiards, poker and even karting after a student ( and ex-pro Formula Two driver)  suggested it.  Other sports, such as cricket and football (soccer for Americans) are untouchables, and healthy rivalries have developed around them. Competition is stiff between LBS and HEC, especially on the soccer field.  The 2013 MBAT planning team also decided to integrate sporting events into their social programs – poker and billards will be rolled into a Casino Royale night, and the salsa competition will be complemented by a Cuban dinner during the Havana Nights party.

A FORMULA TWO DRIVER, A TENNIS STAR AND AN EX-PRO BALLROOM DANCER 

Although HEC plays a gracious host, they certainly don’t go easy on their guests.  This year the university’s team boasts a pro tennis player from France, a former Formula Two driver and an ex-pro ballroom dancer.  Flanagan herself plays rugby for a Paris team and will be entering a tag version of the sport at the MBAT.

Pulling off the event has also proved a valuable exercise in time management, Flanagan says. Juggling a full class load, networking events, job searches and rugby practices with MBAT responsibilities has proven to be the biggest challenge, she adds.  “You’re here to do an MBA, you’re not here to organize an event, but  it’s a great addition to your program and your learning experience,” she says. “It’s definitely about trying to find a good balance between the MBA essentials, which are your academics, your networking , your career after you leave the MBA, and this huge project.” She also doesn’t sleep much.

Perhaps, most importantly, it’s a fresh way for MBAs to connect with their peers in the business world. “You’re mingling with people who are hopefully going to be the future leaders of tomorrow in an atmosphere that’s much more laid back and relaxed than a case cracking competition,” Flanagan says. “It’s a new atmosphere to bring people together.”