Daniel Saenz

“Curious, resilient, and a globally minded person. I am passionate about driving business growth and learning from others”

Grad Year: 2023

Current Employer / Role:  Senior Strategy Consultant, Globalpraxis

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

Not initially. I entered the MBA with the goal of continuing my career in FMCG or exploring adjacent industries such as retail or luxury while building an international career. At the time, I thought the ideal outcome was to find a role where my previous experience would give me a competitive advantage and allow me to enjoy life in Europe. During the program, however, that mindset completely changed. I still remember a conversation with a consultant who asked me, “If you’re always comfortable, how are you going to grow?” That question stayed with me for months. It made me reflect on what truly motivates me and reminded me of who I am at my core: someone who is competitive, ambitious, and energized by challenges. I realized that growth, not comfort, was what really drove me and made me feel alive. Through the MBA, I also discovered the world of boutique consulting firms specializing in commercial strategy and consumer goods, where I could leverage my previous experience while continuously challenging myself. Today, consulting has proven to be an unexpected but perfect fit for my skills, interests, and passion for solving complex business problems.

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

For me, an MBA was never just about academics, it was also about personal growth and experiencing life in a completely different environment. I wanted the opportunity to study and work in Europe, learn a new language and immerse myself in a vibrant cultural city like Paris. HEC offered the perfect combination of academic excellence and an international atmosphere that made all this possible.

During and after the MBA, I completed two internships in Paris, joined one of the world’s leading luxury fashion houses full-time, and spent three unforgettable years living in the city. Today, I continue my international journey as a strategy consultant based in Spain. Looking back, HEC gave me far more than an MBA, it completely transformed both my personal and professional trajectory.

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

The MBA helped me chang the way I see the world. Coming from Peru, I realized how many of my assumptions and beliefs had been shaped by my own culture and experiences. Living, studying, and debating with classmates from more than 50 nationalities made me realize that we all carry biases, whether about countries, cultures, politics, economics, leadership, or even what we consider “common sense.” Some of the most valuable lessons didn’t come from the classroom but from conversations with classmates who challenged my perspectives and helped me see the world through a different lens. The experience taught me humility, empathy, and the importance of questioning my own assumptions before forming opinions. I became more comfortable accepting that there is rarely a single right answer and that being open to changing your mind is a strength, not a weakness. Those lessons continue to shape how I approach both my professional and personal life.

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

There are countless unforgettable memories from my time at HEC, but if I had to choose one, it would be MBAT (the annual MBA Olympics). Spending a week competing, cheering for classmates, and partying with students from business schools across Europe perfectly captured the spirit of the MBA experience. What made it even more special was that I almost didn’t participate. A few days before the event, I discovered there were also e-sports in the competition. When I was younger, I used to play Counter-Strike competitively, so I decided to sign up, and we won the competition for HEC! I still have the medal today. The MBAT wasn’t just for the most athletic students, there was a place for everyone to contribute, compete, and create lasting memories.

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

Balancing recruiting, academics, club activities, and personal life require constant prioritization. One of the biggest lessons I learned was that it is impossible to excel at everything simultaneously. I decided to prioritize recruiting, which can easily become a full-time job, especially for consulting, and making the most of the social experience, while focusing my academic efforts on the courses that genuinely aligned with my interests. I even postponed a few electives to the summer to better manage my workload. Looking back, I’m glad I made a conscious effort to enjoy the MBA experience because I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

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

The biggest lesson I took away from my MBA wasn’t learned in the classroom, it was resilience. Finding a full-time job in a new country is far from easy, even with a degree from one of the world’s top business schools. As graduation approached, I was still searching for my next opportunity and faced more rejections than I expected. At first, every rejection felt personal and challenged my confidence. Over time, I learned that while there is always room to improve, not every opportunity is the right fit, and that’s okay. I stopped measuring my worth by interview outcomes or comparing my journey to others. Instead, I focused on learning, staying persistent, and trusting the process. Looking back, those moments shaped me far more than any class. They taught me that resilience, self-belief, and perseverance are often the most valuable skills you can develop, and that the right opportunity eventually comes to those who keep moving forward.

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

Do your research before applying. Rankings matter, but what matters even more is whether the program aligns with your career goals. You don’t need a perfectly defined post-MBA plan, but you should have a clear direction. Think about where you want to work, which industries interest you, and whether the schools you’re considering have strong recruiting pipelines in those areas. For example, if your long-term goal is to build a career in the U.S., HEC Paris may not be the best fit. If you’re interested in consulting, luxury, consumer goods, or building a career in Europe, HEC offers exceptional opportunities. Be ambitious, but also realistic about your background and your goals. The MBA is an incredible platform for transformation, but the more intentional you are about choosing the right program, the more value you’ll get from the experience. Stay flexible, your plan will evolve, but having a clear direction from the start will help you make the most of every opportunity

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