What’s it like to study at elite business school, HEC Paris?

“Networking is a lot easier when you mention you study at HEC Paris as people automatically recognise the school’s reputation and respond with real positivity,” Bernice said.  

“I belong to a school where every single company I can think of comes to HEC Paris to work with MBA students and recruit. I don’t know a company that would say no to the opportunity to network with potential future candidates from HEC.”  

Through the school, Bernice has also taken part in speed networking events with big luxury brands in France like LVMH, Chanel and Richemont. “When you think of the number of applicants per position at each of these businesses, it’s wonderful to be one of the few who get to sit down personally with the company for an interview ahead of others,” she said.  

The diversity of staff leading the MBA is another key factor of the prestige of HEC Paris. To Bernice, the fact that lecturers and guest speakers come from across the world, not just France, shows how global the community is.  

“We hear from business leaders around the world. There is a lot of effort put into delivering the best expertise globally for maximal return on investment for students.” 

“The cohorts are quite small. In my cohort, there are 156 students representing 40 nationalities, so you really have the opportunity to get to know each other and your teachers. Class sizes vary from 30-60 people and professors know you by first name.  

“All of the lecturers are very accessible if you need support or guidance, and they will often reach out to you to check in. I find that they are frequently available before and after class. Their personal touch shows a real passion and care for the students,” Bernice said. 

Outside of the classroom, professors keep students in the loop with resources that could further benefit the students’ learning.  

“One of my professors recently reached out to us mentioning that she had a few tickets to an exclusive event and would like to extend the offer to her students. It goes beyond the content of the classes they teach,” she said. 

According to Bernice, the minimum years’ work experience that HEC Paris requires means that students enter the programme with their own precursors of what leadership is and what it should be. 

“In class, you might look at a particular leadership theory and everyone brings their own opinions and views on it. Your ideas are instantly challenged and shaped by the people around you.  

“Working with people who have different years of experience from a variety of industries truly validates the academic part of the course. I can read a leadership book by myself, but it would never give me as much insight as other people’s perspectives and experiences.” 

For Bernice, the most important leader is a humble one: “In the classic way that our society functions, there tends to be a very top-down hierarchical structure. What I’ve learned from my MBA is that you’re not going to achieve a common goal in the most efficient manner if you continue to think hierarchically. 

“Being a leader is difficult because society often outlines authority, with a goal of taking direction. However, the other people on your team will often have better ideas than you. Choosing to be humble is the best way to lead a team to success.”  

“I was hesitant myself as it’s a huge investment, but I spoke to many HEC MBA alumni who told me it was worth it,” Bernice said. 

“If you want to do an MBA, it’s worth applying to top business schools because the name and reputation greatly help to accelerate your career. As a business student, the goal is attaining as much return on your investment as possible.” 

Bernice plans to stay in Paris after graduating from her MBA, to advance her career in the luxury industry. She is currently undertaking a contract role at Chloé, off the back of networking in her role as President of the HEC MBA Retail & Luxury Club. She plans to continue working for a luxury house in product merchandising and development.