Camila Avellaneda

HEC Paris

“Adventurous, athletic, organized planner, avid socializer, loves meeting new people, passionate about travel and trying new experiences.”

Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia

Fun Fact About Yourself: I enjoy planning everything, specifically using Excel, and I am always supporting and teaching other people in various aspects, from work-related matters to helping them plan vacations.

I’m the kind of person who turns planning into a sport—Excel is my arena! Whether it’s cracking work dilemmas or turning vacation dreams into reality, I’ve got a spreadsheet for every occasion.

Undergraduate School and Major: Bachelor’s Degree – Industrial Engineering and Academic option in management and business administration – Universidad de los Andes.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: FP&A DIRECTOR – Olimpia IT

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? HEC Paris is well known for its teaching, innovation, and research. Beside the diverse cohort that I will study with, the MBA at HEC Paris will, most importantly, help me pursue my dream and my goal to live and work abroad and France is an excellent option, as it offers a diverse perspective and remarkable networking opportunities to learn about other cultures and different ways of thinking. Pursuing an MBA degree at HEC can provide me with multiple opportunities to expand my horizons. It will be valuable for me in assessing various career paths and deciding on the most suitable one, not only in the short term but also in the long term.

In Colombia, we usually don’t have classes or specializations in the luxury industry, so it is quite interesting and an amazing opportunity to take advantage of the knowledge and experience that HEC and Paris have to offer.

The entrepreneurial environment and focus that HEC could provide me with a challenging and enriching experience while providing opportunities to develop and transform ideas into real businesses and reassess careers. For example, Station F can help me develop new skills, put theory into practice, and even spark new ideas for starting my own business.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at HEC Paris? The MBAT is incredibly exciting for me, not only because of the opportunity to participate (thanks to my love and passion for sports) but also because being part of the committee to plan it would be amazing—a truly unique opportunity.

HEC Paris is just 17 kilometers from Paris. What do you see as the best part of earning your MBA so close to Paris? Being so close to Paris offers unique opportunities such as access to various professional avenues, as it is a global hub for businesses across different industries. For instance, the luxury industry, which isn’t prevalent in every relevant capital, thrives here alongside numerous multinational headquarters. Paris also boasts a rich culture and history to explore and immerse yourself in.

Paris is a cosmopolitan city that fosters interaction among diverse cultures, enriching both personal and professional life. This closeness allows for engaging activities that complement the MBA experience, enhancing it with cultural, social, and recreational aspects available year-round and offering unique experiences in each season, from walking in the Seine River to going skiing or visiting Christmas markets.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? I think I have some strong skills that will make a big contribution to the class of 2026:

Personally, the ability to visualize, manifest, and materialize my dreams has helped me to set goals, focus on achieving them, and transform dreams into reality. Additionally, this practice has been of high value to build, keep, and enhance strong relationships, particularly with my loved ones and close friends.

On the professional level, skills such as critical thinking, under-pressure management, a results-driven mindset, and a collaborative spirit have enabled me to cultivate good relationships with my team, peers, and other individuals from various departments. This has streamlined communication, promoted my achievement of goals, and fostered my professional development, including visibility to different stakeholders and team trust, which in turn has contributed to achieving the objectives and goals set. Consequently, I have experienced significant professional growth at a young age.

I consider these characteristics as my strengths as they have helped me build excellent relationships both in my personal and professional life, as I present constant growth in both parts of my life and broaden my network and ways to face difficult situations.

Why did you choose a two-year program over a one-year program? How do you see a HEC Paris MBA giving you an advantage in the marketplace? The HEC MBA’s duration is ideal for me, allowing me plenty time to build a solid foundation, explore new business sectors, and customize my curriculum. This extended timeframe vs the other MBA programs in Europe ensures I can absorb and apply the knowledge gained, all while enjoying the experience without rushing or feeling overwhelmed. The additional months also offer opportunities for doing an internship and having the exchange experience, enhancing the uniqueness of the experience and adding significant value.

HEC Paris consistently ranks in the top 20 in global MBA rankings, underscoring its prestigious reputation worldwide. This recognition reflects the program’s quality and of its students, opening doors in the job market and creating abundant opportunities for professional growth in France but also in other parts of the world and development compared to other programs.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: With over seven years of experience in financial roles, I’ve spent the last five years at Olimpia, a technology company where over 70% of the workforce comprises male employees. Throughout this time, I’ve encountered multiple challenges that have contributed significantly to my professional and personal growth. When I first joined Olimpia, one of my initial tasks was to restructure the financial planning team. However, the most frightening challenge came when I was entrusted with the role of CFO for nearly 2 years. This opportunity provided me with invaluable insights into stakeholder management, a broader understanding of the company’s operations, and the critical skill of connecting pieces of information to identify the underlying causes and effects.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Looking ahead two years, the success of my MBA experience would rely on several key achievements. First, expanding my professional and personal network by forming meaningful connections that align with my career aspirations. Second, I will be successful if I have mastered both soft and hard skills that equip me to tackle future challenges while gaining a broader understanding of global business and diverse cultures.

Additionally, having active participation in program activities such as the MBAT and engaging with various clubs will enhance my knowledge, foster personal growth, and be memories that last forever. Lastly, I aim to leverage the skills and knowledge acquired during the MBA to pursue job opportunities in my desired industry abroad or to potentially launch my own business in Colombia or internationally. These goals represent the pillars of a successful MBA journey for me.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE HEC PARIS MBA CLASS OF 2026