Karl-Edouard Charles

HEC Paris

“Ambitious Haitian-American problem-solver committed to improving organizations and uplifting communities.”

Hometown:

Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Boston, Massachusetts

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have grapheme color synesthesia, and I didn’t know it was a condition until it was discussed as a topic in my psychology class senior year of high school.

Undergraduate School and Major: Boston University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Dual Concentration: Finance, Strategy & Innovation

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: American Tower Corporation – Accounting Systems Administrator

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? I was drawn to HEC’s emphasis on experiential learning, particularly through the HEC Consulting Practice and the Outdoor Leadership Seminar. The Consulting Practice offers hands-on experience with real clients, helping sharpen my consulting toolkit while boosting my marketability. Meanwhile, the Outdoor Leadership Seminar will help me develop core leadership and team skills through immersive challenges. These opportunities will allow me to translate theory into action and grow into the kind of leader I aspire to be.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at HEC Paris? I’m especially excited to help organize and participate in the MBAT. Supporting such a massive event will help me develop planning, coordination, and leadership skills. On a personal note, I also look forward to competing in soccer and track—two passions I’ve carried for years.

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 an incredible opportunity to network with world-class companies—whether they come to campus, or we visit them in the city. France is home to one of Europe’s largest consulting markets, making this proximity especially valuable for my career goals. Beyond the professional benefits, Paris itself is a cultural treasure, full of art, history, and iconic landmarks I can’t wait to further explore.

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? I chose a two-year program because it offers the flexibility to pivot industries through a summer internship and gives me time to fully immerse myself in the community. I’ll be able to participate in experiential learning, lead initiatives, and contribute meaningfully—without feeling rushed through the journey.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my proudest accomplishments was identifying a significant one-time overspend in the North America’s laptop budget at BCG. I discovered that our procurement timing led to a surplus of unused laptops, misaligned with actual demand. I worked closely with the IT leadership team to adjust the purchasing schedule, preventing waste and saving the company $1–2-million. This experience sharpened my analytical thinking and showed me the value of speaking up — even when it meant challenging established processes.

What has been the defining experience in your life? How has it prepared you for the rigors of business school and your career in general? The 2010 earthquake in Haiti was the most defining experience of my life. It struck a nation already grappling with instability and poverty, deepening the challenges many families faced. Yet amid the devastation, I witnessed the power of community—neighbors helping neighbors, schools offering shelter, and families abroad supporting loved ones.

This experience shaped my worldview. It taught me that collective action can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. As I begin my MBA journey, it reminds me to lead with empathy, seek collaboration, and stay grounded in purpose. To quote an African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Feeling like I’ve equipped myself with the tools to become a well-rounded business leader—ready to make a positive impact in underserved communities around the world—would define success for me.

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