CEN CHEN

HEC Paris

“Courageous, Positive, Determination, Perseverance, Focused, Strives for excellence, Empathy, and Dedication.”

Hometown: Sichuan, China

Fun Fact About Yourself:  I am passionate about mountain climbing and hiking: I have successfully summited several of China’s most revered peaks, including a 16-hour hike across all five peaks of Mount HUA, reaching the South Peak at 2154.9 meters. Other ascents include Mount TAI (1,533 meters), Mount CHANGBAI (2,691 meters), and Mount EMEI (3,099 meters).

I am an advanced level Sudoku enthusiast, enjoying the strategic challenge of the game.

Undergraduate School and Major: HEBEI University of Engineering, Landscape Architect Major

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Christian Dior Couture, Senior Sales Advisor; Dior Green Project Ambassador

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? After nearly six years of dedicated experience at Dior in the luxury goods industry, along with the impact of the global pandemic in 2020, I have become increasingly aware of the potential for sustainability in the luxury goods industry. This has prompted me to actively promote sustainability concepts in my work. I became the ambassador for the Dior Green Project, responsible for spreading awareness of sustainability and implementing various eco-friendly practices. Thanks to my sales experience, I have also had the privilege of meeting many elites from various industries. Mr. Vigneron, the CEO of Cartier, is one of my valued customers. I had the opportunity to briefly discuss their company’s perspectives on sustainability and product changes with him, further solidifying my future direction.

These real-world sustainability initiatives in the luxury goods industry, combined with my recognition of the bottleneck in the French luxury development, are motivating me to pursue an MBA now and, upon completion, make a meaningful impact in the Asian luxury market. Among many top business schools, HEC Business School stands out for its globally renowned reputation, aligning with my future career orientation and personal goals. HEC’s rich curriculum, diverse campus culture, and global alumni network resonate deeply with my personality. Its extensive research in sustainable development and close collaboration with numerous luxury groups are particularly compelling.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at HEC Paris? The TEC program at HEC Paris excites me the most. In this highly selective program, I will have the special privilege of receiving an exceptional peer-advisory experience and mentorship from business leaders who honestly share the personal and professional challenges they have faced. In confidential group discussions, I can gain invaluable advice and support from other participants. TEC can help me establish a goal-oriented, long-term vision and life plan more quickly, inspiring me to become an exemplary business leader in the future.

HEC Paris is just 17 kilometers from Paris. What do you see as the best part of earning your MBA so close to Paris? The proximity of HEC to Paris offers a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural enrichment. Being just 17km from one of the world’s most vibrant cities provides unparalleled opportunities for networking with international business leaders, attending industry conferences, and accessing numerous global companies headquartered in Paris. Additionally, the cultural diversity, rich history, and artistic atmosphere of Paris can enhance my personal growth and broaden my global perspective, making my MBA experience truly holistic and enriching.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? I am a courageous and resilient individual with high emotional intelligence and strong communication skills. My can-do attitude led me to seize every opportunity to elevate myself and unlock my full potential. I work with clients from 147 different countries, I demonstrated excellent communication by building rapport with each customer quickly. In my everyday work, I quickly identify the root cause of problems and find suitable solutions. My empathetic approach allows me to swiftly gain customers’ trust, successfully resolving issues and achieving remarkable sales results.

Moreover, my leadership skills are a defining trait. As the team leader, I motivate the team by acknowledging each colleague’s contributions, and encouraging collaboration. I possess a strong sense of empathy, which allowed me understand others perspectives. Meanwhile, I’m also team-spirited and thrive in diverse environments. My colleagues are from 32 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. I encourage a collaborative sales approach that harnesses the backgrounds and strengths of our diverse team.

Furthermore, I thrive under pressure. I can efficiently manage multiple tasks while staying calm and delivering results. Multitasking and pressure have become routine in my work, and I take great satisfaction in managing high-intensity situations, which demonstrates my limitless potential and capacity for work.

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 MBA Program over a one-year program for two reasons:

1. Depth of learning and time for reflection and growth. A longer MBA provides me a more comprehensive and in-depth learning experience. It allows for a thorough understanding of complex business concepts and the ability to apply them through various projects and case studies. This extended period enables me to build a solid foundation in both the core subjects and elective courses.

2. Internship opportunities and networking. The 16-month structure offers the crucial opportunity for internships. This practical experience is invaluable for applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, gaining hands-on experience, and making informed career decisions. Internships also enhance my resume and increase my employability after graduation. The extended duration of a 16-month program fosters deeper relationships with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. These relationships are crucial for building a strong professional network that will support my career long after graduation. The additional time also means more opportunities to engage with guest speakers, alumni, and attend various networking events.

Advantages of the HEC Paris MBA in the marketplace:

1. Globally renowned reputation. HEC Paris is renowned globally for its excellence in business education. The MBA program’s strong reputation ensures that my degree is recognized and respected worldwide, opening doors to prestigious job opportunities and career advancement.

2. Comprehensive curriculum and specializations. The HEC Paris MBA offers a rigorous and diverse curriculum with various specializations. This flexibility allows me to tailor my education to my career goals, ensuring that I acquire the specific skills and knowledge needed in my chosen field. Through various leadership workshops, experiential learning projects, and exposure to cutting-edge business practices, I will be well-equipped to tackle complex business challenges and drive organizational success.

3. Strong Alumni network. HEC Paris has an extensive and influential alumni network, which provides me access to a vast pool of resources, mentorship opportunities, and potential job leads, giving me a significant advantage in the job market.

4. Location. HEC Paris is close to Paris, a major global business hub. This provides invaluable access to leading companies, industry events, and networking opportunities.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I am someone who thrives on challenges. In my sales career, I frequently encounter various performance challenges, and one particular achievement I take great pride in was when I earned the title of the “J’adior” Women’s Shoe Collection World Sales Champion in 2019. This accomplishment was a testament to my dedication and hard work. I received recognition at Dior’s Paris headquarters. It was an unforgettable moment when Mr. Charles Delapalme, the current President of Dior, awarded me a medal, declaring me the World Sales Champion of that challenge.

Looking ahead 16 months, what would make your MBA experience successful? My MBA experience would be successful if I achieve both personal and professional goals. I aim to gain a thorough understanding of key business disciplines and develop advanced skills in areas such as finance, marketing, strategic management, sustainable and disruptive innovation, and entrepreneurship. During My MBA program, I will secure and complete internships, which will allow me to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, gain hands-on experience, and build a robust professional portfolio.

At the same time, building a strong professional network with peers, faculty, alumni, and industry leaders is essential for me. I aspire to enhance my leadership abilities through participation in leadership workshops, networking events, seminars, and experiential learning projects. HEC Paris MBA program is one of the most diverse programs in the world, exposure to such diverse cultures and perspectives would broaden my global outlook and foster a more inclusive mindset. Utilizing the resources and support from HEC Paris, such as the career center, alumni network, I aim to have a clear career path, secure a desirable job offer after graduation. During my MBA program, I will make a positive impact on the HEC community through active participation in events, initiatives and clubs, running for presidency of one of them. I aim to contribute meaningfully to the HEC community, sharing my experiences and knowledge while learning from others. These accomplishments will ensure that I am well-prepared for future challenges and positioned to make a significant impact in the business world.

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