Disha Gupta

HEC Paris

“Ambitious, adventurous, a fin-nerd, and a lifelong learner, eager to inspire, educate, and experience the extraordinary.”

Hometown: Delhi, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a certified culinary explorer. From experimenting with new cuisines and dishes to concocting unique food combinations and brews, I thrive on sharing my culinary adventures with friends and family, regardless of the outcome!

Undergraduate School and Major: Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, BBA (Finance specialization). Further, I am a CFA and FRM charterholder.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Analyst, Credit Suisse India Investment Banking

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? Aside from the vibrant community of classmates, what drew me to HEC Paris’ MBA program was its innovative and practical curriculum design. HEC’s “learning by doing” approach is particularly compelling. The school’s entrepreneurial culture, combined with opportunities like MBA tournaments and outdoor leadership seminars, stood out as exceptional avenues for honing my leadership abilities. Additionally, the vast selection of electives and certifications allows me to forge a personalized career path while developing essential leadership qualities through the core curriculum.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at HEC Paris? I am most excited about the Luxury Club and the Luxury Certification course at HEC Paris. Located near a fashion capital, HEC Paris offers extensive tie-ups and collaborations with top global luxury companies. This presents a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders in a sector known for defying traditional economic demand curves.

HEC Paris is just 17 kilometers from Paris. What do you see as the best part of earning your MBA so close to Paris? Nestled 17 kilometers from Paris, the HEC Paris campus offers a serene environment that fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration among classmates. Being so close to Paris, a central hub for the financial and consulting industries, provides abundant career opportunities and networking with top professionals.

Paris also offers an immersive and holistic experience, from its world-renowned museums and historical landmarks to its lively arts scene and festivals. The city’s exceptional connectivity with other European countries is a major advantage for the traveler in me. As a food enthusiast, I’m eager to explore Paris’ unparalleled culinary scene, from charming patisseries to Michelin-starred restaurants. Earning my MBA so close to Paris means not only advancing my career, but also enriching my life with unforgettable experiences and flavors.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? One unique quality that I bring to the Class of 2026 is my extensive experience in managing cross-functional and cross-border teams. I thrive in collaborative environments, adept at integrating diverse viewpoints to achieve collective goals. Additionally, I excel in maintaining a positive and optimistic atmosphere, even amidst challenges. Drawing from my background, I aim to foster camaraderie and resilience within our cohort, supporting classmates and helping navigate the program’s demands with composure and encouragement.

Why did you choose a 16-month program over a one-year program? How do you see a HEC Paris MBA giving you an advantage in the marketplace? I chose a 16-month program over a one-year program primarily because the duration of the HEC Paris MBA allows for a balanced approach, providing ample opportunity to transition into a new career path while gaining diverse experiences and perspectives crucial to my professional development

In my view, a one-year MBA might have been too compressed, potentially limiting the depth of learning and assimilation of new knowledge. The extended duration of the HEC MBA allows me to engage more deeply with coursework, practical experiences, and networking opportunities.

HEC Paris also stands out with its robust internship opportunities, offering firsthand experience in various functions and roles. This exposure will provide me with clarity and confidence in defining my post-MBA career goals. Moreover, the school’s strong focus on leadership development will nurture my skills, preparing me not just for immediate career objectives but also for long-term success in leadership roles.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment was managing a new engagement with a life sciences investment fund as an analyst in my first job. I managed a 25-member team spanning London and India, coordinating workflows to streamline tasks and ensure error-proof deliverables for our client. Additionally, I enhanced our valuation toolkit, reducing modeling turnaround time by an hour. Successfully managing this project provided invaluable experience in client management and cross-border team leadership, allowing me to demonstrate and strengthen my leadership capabilities.

Looking ahead 16 months, what would make your MBA experience successful? Looking ahead 16 months, I envision a successful MBA experience as one where I seize every opportunity, embrace new experiences fully, and cultivate lifelong friendships. Personally, I also aim for profound personal growth through introspection of my leadership style and personality.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE MBA CLASS OF 2026: THE ‘DO ANYTHING, BE ANYONE’ COHORT