Swatie Hasija

“Seasoned strategist with 11+ years building transformative solutions globally through tech expertise and entrepreneurial vision”

Class / Grad Year: 2022

Current Employer / Role: Amazon Business / Senior Strategic Adoption Manager

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

When I entered the HEC Paris MBA—my second MBA, which I pursued with a much clearer understanding of my motivations and goals—my primary ambition was to transition into management consulting at top-tier firms. However, the MBA experience broadened my horizons and helped me align my strategic skillset with my digital strengths.

Serving as President of the Consulting Practice, I developed a deeper understanding of business transformation roles. While I was actively pursuing consulting opportunities, I ultimately discovered an exciting role at Amazon Business as Senior Strategic Adoption Manager. This position represented the perfect convergence of strategy, consulting, and digital expertise—something I had not initially considered but which aligned precisely with my profile and aspirations.

What makes my current role especially fulfilling is how it combines strategic thinking with practical implementation in a dynamic technology environment. At Amazon Business, I work on strategic initiatives while leveraging my expertise in digital transformation, skills that were significantly sharpened during my MBA. At the same time, my role as a Board Advisor at Nordic Asia Impact, which grew out of partnerships I built during the program, allows me to maintain close ties to consulting while contributing to meaningful impact.

Looking back, while I did not follow the exact consulting path I had originally envisioned, I found a career track that is even better suited to my strengths. Entering the program with clarity from my second MBA helped me remain open to unexpected opportunities and recognize that success is not about a rigid path, but about finding roles that bring together one’s unique combination of skills and aspirations.

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

HEC Paris emerged as the ideal catalyst for my career transformation. Because it was my second MBA, I entered the program with clarity of purpose and specific goals, which allowed me to fully leverage what the school had to offer. Its strong reputation in strategy and consulting, combined with its influence in the European business landscape, made it the perfect environment for me to achieve my ambitions.

The curriculum was both rigorous and flexible. It provided solid business fundamentals while allowing me to specialize in areas such as strategy and leadership. Equally important was the program’s emphasis on practical learning, from the Strategy Specialization and hands-on consulting projects to the MBA Tournament and immersive leadership opportunities like the Saint-Cyr military training.

What truly set HEC apart was its global diversity. With peers from over 50 nationalities, I was able to develop a cultural fluency and global mindset that are indispensable in today’s business world. The school’s proximity to Paris, a major European business hub, further amplified opportunities to engage with multinational companies, consulting firms, and startups.

Perhaps the most powerful advantage was HEC’s alumni network. With more than 80,000 members worldwide, the school has produced leaders across industries, including numerous CEOs and senior executives at global corporations. This alumni community, particularly strong in consulting and European business circles, offered both credibility and access that were instrumental in shaping my career.

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

The HEC MBA transformed me in ways I had not anticipated. Professionally, it equipped me with strategic thinking and leadership skills essential for consulting and beyond. Leading the Consulting Practice allowed me to build partnerships with organizations such as Nordic Asia Impact and Impact Consulting France, while balancing multiple commitments—including internships, academics, and career preparation—helped me develop an ability to multitask under pressure that I continue to draw upon in my post-MBA career.

On a personal level, the program helped me develop a global mindset and the confidence to adapt to diverse cultural contexts. Collaborating with peers from around the world enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills and emotional intelligence, which have become central to my leadership journey. The program’s combination of intensity, diversity, and real-world application enabled me to grow not only as a professional but also as a person who thrives in complexity and diversity.

As one of my professors often reminded us, “Great leaders are not defined by the absence of challenges but by how they rise above them.” That spirit continues to guide me in my career today.

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

One of the most memorable experiences of my time at HEC Paris was leading a consulting project as President of the Consulting Practice. The project involved bringing together stakeholders from different cultural and professional backgrounds to build partnerships with impact-driven organizations. The moment we launched a collaboration with Nordic Asia Impact was particularly meaningful—it represented the essence of what the MBA was about: leadership, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

Another experience that stood out was the Saint-Cyr military leadership training. The intensity of this program pushed me well beyond my comfort zone, both physically and mentally, while teaching invaluable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and leadership under pressure. These lessons continue to influence how I approach challenges in my professional career today.

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

The HEC MBA was an intense program that constantly demanded choices about where to focus my energy. Entering with clarity of purpose from my second MBA helped me prioritize effectively. I also relied heavily on a strong spiritual practice, which allowed me to stay centered and clear about my priorities while balancing my role as President of the Consulting Practice, completing two internships, managing academics, and pursuing career opportunities.

The greatest challenge was not simply managing time but deciding which opportunities to pursue among the abundance the program offered. By cultivating a holistic approach—engaging in fitness activities, spending time in nature on campus, and enjoying the community spirit through cultural dinners and events—I was able to maintain balance. Instead of being overwhelming, the high-energy environment became a source of motivation, keeping me engaged and focused throughout.

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

The MBA at HEC Paris offered lessons that extended far beyond academics. Entering the program as my second MBA, I had clarity on what I wanted to achieve, which allowed me to approach opportunities with greater intentionality. Managing multiple high-stakes responsibilities at once revealed that our capacity is far greater than we often believe, provided we have focus and discipline.

The experience also taught me the importance of balance and well-being. Maintaining a spiritual practice kept me grounded, proving that professional excellence and personal growth can coexist and even complement each other. Just as important was the diversity of the program, which taught me to look past surface-level differences and build meaningful connections with people from varied cultures and backgrounds. This appreciation for diversity has fundamentally shaped my perspective as a leader. Equally valuable were the professional skills I gained: strategic thinking, cross-cultural communication, and adaptive leadership. Working in diverse teams showed me how to harness different perspectives and working styles effectively, lessons that I continue to apply in my career today.

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

For those considering HEC Paris, my first piece of advice is to be clear about your motivations. The program is transformative but highly demanding and entering with a strong sense of purpose will allow you to make the most of the experience. HEC values authenticity, so it is essential to reflect on why you want the MBA and how it aligns with your long-term goals.

The program’s greatest strengths lie in its diversity, its global alumni network of over 80,000 professionals, and its reputation in consulting and European business circles. Applicants should be prepared to embrace discomfort, step into leadership, and challenge themselves across academic, cultural, and professional dimensions. At the same time, success requires focus: there will be more opportunities than time, and the ability to prioritize according to your goals will be crucial.

Finally, remember that the MBA is about more than career advancement. It is also an opportunity for personal and even spiritual growth, for building lifelong connections, and for expanding your horizons. Enter the program with an open mind, a willingness to be stretched, and a readiness to embrace both the challenges and the rewards of one of the most transformative experiences you will ever undertake. As Roald Dahl once said, “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” To me, this reflects the essence of the HEC journey—those who embrace the program with belief, openness, and courage will find it to be truly magical in the way it transforms their lives.

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