Meet The HEC Paris MBA Class of 2017

Marlene Brakhane                      

HEC Paris

Hometown: Bad Driburg, Germany

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Paderborn, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Deutsche Bank AG, Securitized Markets Trader on Foreign Exchange and Commodities, Associate

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? Take time to practice and prepare yourself to finish the test. It is not only necessary to learn and know all the concepts and tricks, but also essential to be quick and confident in using them. Answering a question incorrectly will hurt you, but not as much as leaving the question unanswered will.

Based on your own selection process, what advice do you have for applicants who are trying to draw up a list of target schools to which to apply? Do not choose a school only because of its prestige and ranking, since it is not necessarily related to the real value of what it has to offer for you. Take time and effort to reflect on your career objectives and personal goals. As the saying goes: It is not just a question of whether you fit with a school’s character, but also whether a school fits with yours. Through this exploration, you should be able to tell which schools feel right for you.

What advice do you have for applicants in actually applying to a school, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf? Take time to reflect and let your personality show on your application. Formulate a clear brand about who you are, what makes you different from the thousands of others applying, and what value you would bring to an MBA class. Make sure your message is consistent and that you show your uniqueness to the admission committee on every single stage of the application process.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? First, HEC Paris profiles itself as a career changer and has implemented an unique “hunter/explorer” approach. As an explorer, I am aware of my talents and potential, but excited to use the MBA experience to consider various career paths. The MBA program at HEC offers me the opportunity to transform and possibly change position.

Second is he geographical aspect. HEC Paris plays a central role in European business with an outstanding alumni network. It is known to educate Europe’s top executives and political elite, and has many notable alumni in business and politics. Since I aspire to work in the European market after graduation, this central role is important to me. Additionally, HEC is located in the cultural heart of Europe – Paris. Having spent half a year in France during school, I have always had the deep desire to come back.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? I want to leave my comfort zone behind and push my personal boundaries, learn as much as I can from as many people as I can, and find a niche or a specific field I want to specialize in.

And finally, I hope to feel confident and ready for whatever the world has in store for me once I graduate.

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