Camilla Pereira De Souza Venditto

“I’m outgoing, determined, and adaptable, continuously embracing diverse professional and international challenges with a positive attitude”

Class Grad year: Class of 2022

Current Employer and role: Bank BBVA – Global Relationship Director, Coverage Corporates

Is this the industry and role you envisioned yourself upon entering the program?

Having spent my pre-MBA career in banking, I initially wanted to explore a different sector. At HEC, I served as President of the MBA Retail and Luxury Club and participated in networking events to gain insight into other industries. I also interned at Richemont, which led to my first post-MBA role in tech, serving the luxury sector.

I realized, however, that I missed the intellectual challenges and fast pace of financial markets and ultimately returned to banking. In my current role, I partner with clients to understand their businesses and, leveraging my expertise in corporate finance and financial instruments, deliver solutions which help them to achieve their goals. I work across multiple countries applying my technical skills and fluency in four languages —meeting complex challenges which truly energize me.

Why was HEC program and their MBA program the right fit for you among all the options out there?

I chose HEC because I wanted to pursue an MBA in Europe and France, in particular, had always appealed to me for its culture and values. Specifically, I was drawn to the program’s balance of duration, cost, average student age, and internship opportunities. The internationally diverse student body, focus across industries, and variety of activities also appealed to me. My experience visiting the campus confirmed my excitement as I attended a class taught by Denis Gromb in corporate finance, my favorite subject. Finally, speaking with alumni showcased the strength and engagement of HEC’s alumni network, a resource I knew would be invaluable for my career.

How has the program helped you grow personally or professionally since graduating?

The HEC MBA helped me navigate my professional career through both the quality of the education and the strength of the alumni network. Beyond equipping me with tools to tackle complex business challenges, the network has been invaluable for advice, guidance on the French business environment, and job opportunities. Personally, the program has been equally meaningful — many of my closest friends, including my husband, I met through the program.

What’s a standout moment or memory from your time at HEC Paris that really stuck with you?

One of the most memorable experiences at HEC Paris was participating in “The Executive Committee” (TEC) now known as the Leadership Fellows. Our group of 12 peers worked with a mentor challenging and supporting one another to grow both professionally and personally, which created an incredible bond of trust. A standout moment was a session with Rémi Delafon, whose entrepreneurial journey left a lasting impression of leadership, audacity, and humility. Moreover, having Thierry Voiriot as my mentor was truly transformative—his insight and guidance has continued to encourage me to approach my life and career with honesty and determination.

How did you balance your work and school home life during your degree? What were the biggest challenges?

I committed myself fully to the MBA, determined to make the most of every opportunity. The academics were intensive, and, in addition, I served as President of a professional club and participated in TEC (now Leadership Fellows), a leadership program with C-level mentorship. I felt networking and building friendships came naturally but the biggest challenge was learning to better prioritize — making trade-offs, saying “no,” and staying focused on what mattered most to me throughout the program.

What are some of the biggest takeaways or skills you gained from the MBA experience?

The MBA taught me to prioritize and embracing making trade-offs when juggling many responsibilities. Learning alongside an international cohort further helped me see how different cultures approach challenges and solve problems, allowing me to be more aware of my own biases. Beyond this, the program strengthened my skills in finance, strategy, and problem-solving, giving me the confidence and tools to tackle complex challenges in my professional career.

What is your advice for those who are considering applying for the HEC MBA Program?

Treat the application and the HEC MBA Program as a journey of self-discovery. Be clear on your why, your goals, and the trade-offs you’re willing to make. Focus on what you bring to the class and how you’ll enrich the cohort — much of the learning happens through peers. Finally, a little French goes a long way: it makes navigating and enjoying life in Paris much more rewarding!

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