Meet The HEC Paris MBA Class Of 2025

16 MONTHS: NOT TOO LONG, NOT TOO SHORT

Beyond its global population and perspective, HEC Paris also attracts MBAs due to its 16-month structure. For some, a 10-12 month European-style program is too short. The pace is unrelenting, particularly when students must also factor in networking and job hunting. For others, a 21-month American-made program is too long. It keeps students out of the market too long, which increases costs and reduces return. In the short term, it stymies career progression too. For Solape Oguntayo, a ’22 grad now operating out of London in the debt markets, the 16-month timeframe strikes the perfect balance.

“16 months is just enough time to be in school and not away from the job market. The option of doing an internship, specialization, and an exchange program all within the period was appealing as well.”

Another advantage is the French language component of the program. True, HEC Paris courses are taught in English. However, the school does require students to master 2-3 languages (not necessarily French) to graduate according to ’23 alum Jay Yen. While MBA students can converse easily around Paris in English, Yen notes HEC Paris’ French language assistance is as effective as it is valuable.

“The French language dominates outside the campus gate – more so as one moves farther from Paris! Exceling and navigating this language barrier is a truly transformative experience that also provides an excellent opportunity to learn French. Thanks to this experience, I went from knowing no French beyond the basic bonjour to high intermediate fluency.”

A TEST OF LEADERSHIP

That said, leadership development remains core to HEC Paris’ mission. The school boasts several legendary programs that enable students to practice leadership in high stakes, high pressure situations. That includes The Executive Committee program, known as TEC, which is available to a select group of 60 students per year. Conducted in 12 member groups, TEC combines one-on-one coaching and mentoring sessions, group exercises and discussions, reflections, and guest speakers. During the semester, participants look at their journey and examine how they make decisions and tackle issues. In the end, students gain self-awareness, so they can understand how to make their choices align with their short-term priorities and long-term vision.

“The TEC program at HEC Paris truly captivates me,” explains Juan Ayma. “It is highly esteemed worldwide, offering an exceptional peer-advisory experience and mentorship from business leaders. If given the chance to participate, I would be sincerely grateful. It would provide invaluable self-discovery and deepen my understanding of peers and people in general, fostering personal and professional growth. This humbling prospect perfectly aligns with my aspirations as I strive to become an exemplary business leader.”

The Outdoor Leadership Seminar (OLS) remains HEC Paris’ signature leadership event. A two-day series of timed exercises observed by military officers, the event tests students on everything from their ability to work as a team to their openness to feedback. As part of the OLS, MBA teams will engage in challenges like repelling from a roof or building a makeshift raft that can cross a waterway. And the event is held regardless of wind, rain, cold, or heat, with team members shifting between being leaders and followers.

The reason for the OLS is simple: you’ll see the worst in people come out when they are exhausted, flustered, damp, and confused. Here, students will tumble into the water when their raft is poorly designed or spin upside down if they don’t rappel correctly. Even more, the exercises test whether students can organize their teams and keep them on task; utilize limited resources to maximize effect; place team members in positions that amplify their strengths; and persuade team members to follow their plan. For Mattia Ghisalberti, the OLS served as great preparation for what the Class of 2025 will face after graduation.

“Like the real world, this seminar will challenge me to lead in unfamiliar situations, confronting obstacles I have yet to encounter. I believe that this experience will foster my personal growth and equip me with the confidence to shoulder greater responsibilities in the future.”

Vernice Arahan, a ’23 alum, echoes Ghisalberti’s sentiments. “It may seem unorthodox to take part of an outdoor leadership seminar focused on intensive physical and mental activity, but when you think about the best leaders in the world, you often find that their skills were honed under duress and in overcoming crisis. While the best in the business could have the natural talent and charisma to pull it off, for the majority of those who enter the C-suite and take lead of a major organization, it often takes practice and many “trials-by-fire” to become great managers and leaders. In the stress of the moment and through overcoming the challenges of the day, you are forced to step up and be the leader who you need to be more, which often is more than the leader you think you can be. In a special way, the outdoor leadership seminar presented a thorough opportunity to test participants’ limits as individuals, team members, and, most especially, team leaders.”

MBAs OF THE WORLD UNITE

Let’s not forget MBAT – the MBA Olympics – held each May on the HEC Paris campus. Over three days, picture 1.300 MBAs from 16 business schools competing in 32 events ranging from table tennis to dodgeball to poker – all capped off by an evening gala! To make it happen, HEC Paris MBAs handle every detail: buses, lodging, food, logistics, facilities, restrooms – you name it! In 2023, MBAT was run by 31 MBA students and 100 volunteers on a $500,000 budget. That translates to year-long strategic planning – followed by working insane hours and dealing with last minute surprises as the big weekend approaches. In other words, MBAT proves to be the perfect ground for HEC Paris students to test their leadership mettle.

“Interacting, sharing ideas, competing, and partying with my peers from top business schools around the world will be wholesome content for me, especially as I’m looking to build meaningful personal and professional relationships during my MBA,” adds Duby Ezegbu.

Along with leadership, HEC Paris is often associated with luxury goods. The school boasts a certificate and programming that covers everything from fashion to fragrances to jewelry. Over time, the program has developed a global alumni network with connections in all the top brands. Even more, the school enjoys a close proximity to Paris, home to any of the world’s top luxury brands: Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Dior, Givenchy, Chanel, Hermes, and more. This creates opportunities for internships, site visits, concept testing – or simply taking a jaunt down Champs-Élysées for unforgettable shopping and fine dining.

WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS

That’s just the start for Paris, a city renowned for its culture, beauty, and history. The region ranks #2 in Europe for both the most Fortune 500 companies and the largest metropolitan GDP. It also boasts 1,200 research labs and 8 innovation clusters. Not to mention, Paris features Station F – the world’s largest startup campus. It houses over 1,000 ventures, along with maintaining partnerships with the likes of Microsoft, Meta, LVMH, and (of course) HEC Paris. Come July 24, Paris will take center stage worldwide as the host of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

In fact, HEC Paris offers free shuttle buses to Paris. By the same token, says ’23 alum Jay Yen, the Paris-Orly Airport is just a 25-minute taxi away from campus. The school’s location, adds Duby Ezegbu, means MBAs can get anywhere at any time.

“Paris is just 6 hours from home in Lagos. Monaco, London, Dubai, and New York are also only 1–8 hours away which is important to me because these financial centers will be home to me going forward,” he writes. “Living my dream MBA program in Paris with my multicultural classmates of over 60 nationalities allow(s) us to balance our academic rigors with all that Paris has in store for us – from our privileged access to La Défense, to the culture, diversity, hospitality, cuisine, history, architecture, nightlife, fashion, art, sports, and more. Also, Paris, being in Europe, allows us to explore surrounding economic opportunities in London, Geneva, Milan, Brussels, Berlin, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, and Madrid, alongside experiencing the unique sights and cultures across the beautiful continent. Not forgetting the trips to the stadiums, courts, and arenas to catch the Champions League, Grand Slams, lifestyle events, and of course, Paris 2024 Olympics.”

THE BEST OF TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS

Indeed, Paris carries a unique appeal to each member of the Class of 2025. For Ekanat Boonlue, it was the close proximity to companies like McKinsey and AXA. Luisa Arce praised the croissants and baguettes she could get in the “City of Lights.” In Juan Ayma’s case, it was the experience as a whole that makes Paris so life-affirming.

“[Paris is] a city rich in literature and art, brings forth a world of cultural enrichment. The best part lies in immersing myself in the ambiance that inspired literary greats like Hemingway, Cortázar, Vallejo, and García Márquez. I envision strolling along the same cobblestone streets, finding comfort in renowned literary cafés like Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, and La Closerie des Lilas. These iconic establishments have witnessed the conversations and creativity of the literary giants, offering a unique opportunity to connect with their legacy and, with a little fortune, to be inspired in my leadership journey.”

Of course, HEC Paris brings a twist to the MBA experience. The school isn’t actually located in Paris. Instead, the campus is found in Jouy-En-Josas, a village that’s 40 minutes southwest of the city center. Picture forests, lakes, and bike paths – quieter, slower, and more intimate. You could say HEC Paris melds the best of two worlds: a bustling city for pursuit and pleasure and a bucolic setting to relax and reflect.

“Living amongst my MBA peers gave us easy access to both planned and spontaneous social gatherings like birthday celebrations which we connect and even exchange helpful personal and professional advice,” explains alum Jay Yen. “The fact that we could bump into one another in our dorm corridors also lead to spontaneous project ideas, group trips, and gift exchanges like souvenirs from people traveling from various places.”

Next Page: An Interview with Associate Dean Brad Harris and Profiles of 12 MBA Students