Jennifer Elie

HEC Paris

“Proud Haitian building a well-rounded expertise in consumerism, started in R&D and curious about more.”

Hometown: Port-au-Prince, Haïti

Fun Fact About Yourself: I speak 3 languages fluently and can understand 2 other languages. I used to be a mezzo-soprano in a choir.

Undergraduate School and Major: Fairleigh Dickinson University, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: L’Oréal USA, Senior Chemist II (2)

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of HEC Paris’ MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Having a scientific background, I have a strong penchant for innovation, whether it is the product, the POS in stores or the marketing strategy. I want to fortify that strong skillset. Additionally, HEC Paris has various programs to enable creativity and innovation, whether it is through courses, the MBA project, the TEC, Station F and so much more.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at HEC Paris I am particularly excited about the Executive Club (TEC) and the Retail and Luxury Club. The former would be a great way to receive direct coaching and mentoring to develop and build an executive leadership toolbox and skillsets. The latter interacts with various companies that have different consumer IDs, so it would be of interest to experience that within the Retail and Luxury Club.

HEC Paris is just 17 kilometers from Paris. What do you see as the best part of earning your MBA so close to Paris? Personally, I love the duality that the location provides. Being so close to the heart of the action while having the option to go back to a peaceful and serene environment is one of the best parts of being so close to Paris without being in Paris.

Historically, over 90% of HEC Paris’ MBA students hail from outside France. Why is exposure to global diversity so critical to business success? Humane interaction is global on all aspects and facets of that definition, including business. Having that global diversity in business allows us to understand the ways of working, doing business and dialoguing with others. It is vital when working with vendors and buyers globally. Therefore, the international cohort allows us to have a front row seat to understanding other cultures and thought processes.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I have had various projects to expand the product offerings for more diverse consumers, whether the product was foundations, highlighters, or hair color for dark bases. From a product POV, this really demonstrates the commitment to inclusivity from these brands to include all skin tones, hair textures and levels. Being able to reinforce the portfolios with products that are more inclusive is really a prideful feeling for me.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? To me, two things will make this experience extremely fulfilling: 1) great connections with my peers and classmates and 2) European experience to complement my international background (from LATAM to NAZ and now EU).

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into HEC Paris’s MBA program? I have three pieces of advice to give.

1) Engage with your regional recruitment manager. They are here to support and provide feedback on your overall candidacy.

2) Ask questions, attend the webinars, and network with alumni and students to learn as much as possible about the school’s academic profile and its culture (aside from the statistics and awards).

3) Plan and prepare for your application ahead of time to be able to optimize your GMAT scores, and review your essays in order to put your best foot forward on your application. Additionally, you will need to manage your personal and professional affairs before moving, so allow yourself the time to pack and move.

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