Meet the HEC Paris MBA Class Of 2019

Oron Amsalem

HEC Paris

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Integrates sharp thinking, rational, sensitivity and awareness. Just like everyone else – one of a kind.

Hometown: Ashdod, Israel

Fun Fact About Yourself:  Escaped over 50 Escape Rooms (and still counting…).

Undergraduate School and Major: Tel Aviv University, Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Additional undergraduate program in Management.

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Associate at WILLI ITZHAKI & CO. ADVOCATES AND NOTARY

Intern at FISCHER BEHAR CHEN WELL ORION & CO.

Control Tower Manager and Air Traffic Controller, Israeli Air Force Reserve Forces

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I was only 19 when the Israeli Air Force chose me to serve as an air traffic controller, an incredible (and incredibly challenging) profession, and I was among a handful of soldiers to have climbed all the way to a control tower manager position in just two years. A decade has passed since I finished the “On the Job” training process of four different positions in the control tower and qualifying as a manager. I am still actively involved through my reserve service. Having the privilege to direct aircraft traffic and assist in managing the control tower, alongside my professional civilian life is a great accomplishment for me.

I feel so lucky to have trained generations of air traffic controllers, guide and help them learn about themselves, and watching them grow and succeed. Through this experience, I have also learned about myself and seen how I too have changed over the years.

Without diminishing of all the great experiences I’ve had, I’m sure that my biggest accomplishment still lies in my future.

Looking back on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to future business school applicants? When writing an essay or preparing for your admissions interview, take the time to reflect. Dig deep inside you and really understand what you want in life, and why you want it. It is OK if you do not have all the answers yet and you shouldn’t be afraid of not knowing – it just shows that you are in the process of finding out what’s right for you. Writing a great essay takes time, thought and a fair amount of reflection, so allow yourself to relax and enjoy the process.

What was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? HEC Paris’ rank in the Alma Mater of CEOs Index indicates the institution’s great tradition of qualifying world class leaders. Clearly, HEC Paris is among the very top b-schools in the world, alongside HBS and Stanford GSB. The school’s tradition of continuous excellence, lasting for decades and more, goes hand in hand with my own aspirations to become a prominent business leader and have an impact on people’s lives through a meaningful international career.

Moreover, HEC Paris’ strong alumni network, which includes approximately 4,000 C-level managers and company founders, strengthens my confidence that I will be able to leverage my MBA to achieve my personal and professional goals.

What would success look like to you after your first year of business school?  In a year from now, I would like to feel exaltation, stemming from an inner growth and development; to be challenged and learn new things every day both in b-school and in an internship at a world class tech company; to enjoy strong personal and professional connections with my colleagues and professors; and of course, to enjoy the whole experience with my beloved and loving wife.