Alisa Dubik

“Russian-American tech leader, driving customer education and leveraging AI for meaningful, positive impact”

Class / Grad Year: 2023

Current Employer / Role: Gorgias / Team Lead, Customer Education

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

When I entered the program, I knew I wanted to remain in tech after years of experience in the industry, but I was also looking for something more—a new work culture, the opportunity to settle in Europe, and the chance to grow into people management. The HEC MBA program was pivotal in helping me land a role in management, giving me the confidence, skills, and the network to take on leadership roles.

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

HEC Paris was the right fit for me because it combined academic rigor with international diversity—both equally important to me. My peers came from a wide range of backgrounds, and learning from their perspectives has been invaluable in helping me better understand different personalities and positioning myself professionally. I never expected to fall in love with Paris, but the city quickly became home, and I chose to stay despite never originally planning to.

I wanted a program that would not only deepen my business knowledge but also prepare me for people management and leadership roles, while expanding my social and professional circle with diverse, driven individuals. HEC stood out for its strong focus on diversity, leadership development, and its reputation in France.

I’ve always been drawn to HEC’s entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, which mirrors the fast-moving nature of the tech industry. Paris has also become one of the most dynamic hubs for tech and AI in Europe, making the HEC MBA an obvious choice. During the program, I pursued the Entrepreneurship specialization, which challenged me in new ways while also creating a safe environment for discovery and failure. Ultimately, the HEC MBA gave me the opportunity to expand my network in Europe, immerse myself in a new culture, and make a life and career transition that has left me far happier than I was in New York.

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

Since graduating, the HEC MBA has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional growth. Professionally, its reputation in France has opened doors and given me credibility in a market where the school is highly respected. On a personal level, the program challenged me in ways I didn’t anticipate, from pushing me outside my comfort zone academically to motivating me to learn French—a journey that remains a challenge but one I continue to embrace. Perhaps most importantly, the MBA allowed me to move and settle in Paris, an incredibly vibrant and exciting city with a fantastic quality of life. Along the way, I’ve also built lifelong bonds with a group of talented, inspiring peers who continue to be an important part of my life and network.

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

One of the standout memories from my time at HEC Paris was being part of the organizing team for the MBAT, the MBA Olympics. I worked on sales and marketing for the event, which gave me the chance to collaborate closely with the previous cohort of students—a unique opportunity that ultimately led to lasting friendships. Seeing all of our planning come to life, and hearing such positive feedback from visiting schools, was an incredible feeling of accomplishment.

What made it even more special was reconnecting with a friend from New York who was attending another MBA program and competing at the MBAT—it was surreal to share that experience in such an unexpected setting. Beyond the work itself, the MBAT embodied everything I loved about HEC: the competitions, school spirit, parties, and the chance to build networks and friendships across programs. It was a moment where community, challenge, and celebration all came together, and it has stuck with me ever since.

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

Balancing work, school, and personal life during the MBA was definitely a major challenge, especially for someone who hasn’t been back in an academic setting and in a classroom for seven years! The program’s nonstop pace and intensity made it difficult to prioritize myself, and I had little time left over for hobbies or downtime. On top of that, there was an emotional challenge in knowing that friends and peers I grew so close to would eventually move away once the program ended.

Friendships outside of the MBA also had to be placed on the back burner, but I was lucky to have supportive friends who understood. In the end, I believe it’s worth giving the MBA your all—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For me, that meant adopting a “work hard, play hard” mindset: pushing myself in class, but also making space for fun and the incredible community around me.

I also kept my goals in perspective. My priority was not to graduate with straight A’s, but to pick up practical skills, expand my network, and ultimately land a great job after the MBA. With that mindset, I was able to focus my energy where it mattered most and embrace the experience for all that it had to offer.

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

The HEC MBA experience gave me the confidence to step into leadership roles by teaching me that I don’t need to have all the answers myself—what matters is knowing how to frame problems correctly, leverage resources effectively, and guide teams toward solutions. While MBA programs are often most recognized for the technical skills they provide, the most valuable growth for me came from the collaborative nature of the experience. It sharpened my ability to read and navigate team dynamics, particularly within diverse and international groups—a skill I continue to use daily in my work at a highly global organization.

What is your advice for those who are considering applying to the HEC Paris MBA program?

My advice is to go in with an open mind. Expect a lot of personal and emotional growth—it can be uncomfortable, but it’s what makes the experience transformative. Be prepared to be challenged by peers from diverse backgrounds; this will build deep empathy and cultural understanding. Stay true to yourself rather than trying to fit a mold and avoid comparing yourself to others—your story is unique. Finally, keep realistic expectations: the MBA is less recognized in Europe than in the US, and salaries may not always match US benchmarks, but if you embrace the experience fully, the investment is absolutely worth it.

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