Leading France-based business school HEC Paris offers diverse MBA cohorts, a large and global alumni network, and smaller class sizes.
Globalization is the reoccurring theme of HEC Paris, a leading business school in Europe steeped in rich French culture.One of the foremost Grandes Écoles, the elite professional schools that count many of France’s top leaders as alumni, its roots are visible in the clutch of alums leading big French companies. HEC Paris has more graduates who are chief executive officers than any other continental business school. These include the CEOs of BestBuy, Kering, AXA, L’Oreal and Lafarge.
A global transformation means every course is now taught in English. Around 90% of MBAs and 65% of the faculty are from outside France. HEC Paris revamped its curriculum in 2012, and the result is a more hands-on approach to analytical thinking and leadership development.
HEC Paris’ ambition to internationalize is bearing fruit. Its MBA is ranked 16th globally by the FT. Graduates’ salaries are doubled and 90% are employed three months of leaving campus. Tech is one of the largest employing industries, led by Amazon, Google, Microsoft and LinkedIn.
Career success is bolstered by a large alumni network of 50,000 that is spread across 75 countries, with London, Geneva, New York and Shanghai the biggest. This global network is bonded by the smaller class sizes at HEC Paris compared with other global schools.
With an acceptance rate of about 18% it is also one of the most selective in Europe. The minimum GMAT score required is 600. The MBA costs €52,000 in tuition fees.
Philippe Oster, admissions director, sheds light in this interview on what MBA candidates need to get into the 300-acre business school based 12 miles southwest of Paris.
What makes the HEC Paris MBA unique?
The school offers the broadest career opportunities in Europe. With more alumni in CEO positions than any other continental business school, it is the alma mater of CEOs in Europe, with the CEOs of BestBuy, L’Oreal, Kering, Lafarge, AXA and the executive vice president of Havas Worldwide hailing from HEC Paris, to name but a few.
The past month on campus has been particularly busy on this front. We recently welcomed Jean-Dominique Senard, who shared his insights on being the CEO of Michelin to our MBA participants. Last week, Ratan Tata, former CEO of Tata Group, came to the campus and engaged in a Q&A session.
Our students benefit from the school’s proximity to La Défense, the epicentre of European business, with the highest concentration of multinational corporation headquarters on the continent.
Additionally, as one of the founding members and the only business school of the Paris-Saclay innovation cluster — ranked as one of the most influential in the world — HEC Paris has an important role to play in [driving] business innovation.
[The] HEC Paris MBA is also unique in the great emphasis it places on leadership and transformation. Students are presented with a number of varied opportunities to put their leadership theory to the test.
What qualities, skills, and previous experiences do you look for in MBA applicants?
Before the application process really gets underway, candidates have to meet two prerequisites. First of all, we have to ensure that their English is fluent. Secondly, we have to be confident that the candidate has the intellectual agility to fully participate in classes given on subject matters with which they might not be familiar; this is what we essentially look for when analyzing GMAT or GRE scores.
Once we are satisfied that these two prerequisites have been met, we look at four main areas of criteria to assess the candidates.
Academic performance: we pay close to attention to the candidate’s previous academic accomplishments. This includes their academic level, and the quality and selectivity of the university where they carried out their studies.
Professional accomplishment: we look for evidence of career progression and professional achievements. We also take into consideration the selectivity and prestige of the companies they have worked for, and the evaluation provided in their recommendations.
International exposure: a global outlook is a particularly important attribute we look for. We consider...The number of languages a candidate is proficient in, and confirmation that a candidate has had experience of multicultural environments.
Leadership potential: we look for demonstrated leadership experience, and the candidate’s ability to convey their potential in their essays and interviews.
Why do international MBA candidates come to HEC Paris?
The MBA offered here provides students with the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a 200-strong student body, made up of 90% international students from over 50 countries. This means that throughout the MBA experience, our students come into contact with a highly diverse group of students, not only in terms of nationality and culture, but also in terms of professional background.
When asked about the highlights of their MBA experience, our students often cite the highly diverse community in which they live and study. Students develop an understanding of the working cultures of their peers, and are thus exposed to questions, methods, and solutions that they may never have previously thought of — enriching their learning experience both in and out of the classroom.
A culturally-diverse mix of students not only adds new dimensions to classroom discussions, it also presents students with networking opportunities that can span the globe. This experience gives our students a competitive edge when it comes to applying for jobs in diverse working communities, or if they are looking to go abroad.
Ultimately, many students are looking to work outside of their home country, and undertaking their MBA studies in their target location is arguably one of the best ways to get an introduction to business life in that country.
Where are HEC Paris’ alumni networks the strongest?
There are 88 alumni chapters worldwide, in a total of 75 countries. The most prevalent networks are in London, Geneva, New York, and Shanghai. There are also 60 professional alumni groups, covering all industries, providing unparalleled opportunities for our students.
In which ways are MBA students able to benefit from HEC Paris’ location?
Located just 20km from the heart of European business — La Défense — our MBA students are well-positioned for internship job opportunities. Our MBA students are at the forefront of business innovation, acting as ‘connectors’ for international businesses and implementing their global strategy locally around the globe.
[The] HEC Paris MBA has incredibly strong links with not only the European market, but with [the] global market as a whole.
Which employment sectors are currently recruiting at HEC Paris the most?
The biggest increase in hiring this year has been in industry, accounting for over half of the graduating class of 2014. This has essentially been driven by the tech sector, accounting for almost 20% of the total graduating class. This upsurge has been led by companies such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft and LinkedIn.
Student Reviews
Cultural experience
I have met the most competent and diverse batch in this school. These people not only thrive on their own but also makes sure that you are doing it with them. The professors will take your had and walk you through all milestones and make sure you are not left behind. I have found their extracurriculars extremely engaging. There was always a room to have social life after academic life. The only hindrance is the location of the school, it is slightly outside city and living in city is expensive.
Internationality and diversity of opportunities
About my programme I would say it is very international and flexible: we have the opportunity to choose exactly the courses we want. But at the same time, the frame of the campus is crucial in students' life and enable us to create friendships.
Great selection of people
While HEC's MBA is highly selective, I really enjoy the type of people HEC's selects to make sure everybody gets the best out of their MBA experience and networking opportunities. Not only it's an incredibly diverse pool of people (~60 nationalities) but most importantly they make sure to let in friendly empathic and curious people.
Best in France for Grande ecole
A prestigious business school. Languages are important. It is better to have a scientific baccalaureate with excellent grades in high school and good assessments.
The courses are well designed as per the latest trends and practicality of learning in stressed upon. Overall, a very good experience.
Diversity and quality of fellow students
Very international and interesting place to be and opens a lot of opportunities, however the administration is very french and facilities are subpar (gym, classrooms) meaning the academic affairs is pretty much useless and lastly we are graded on a curve which can create a toxic environment because of the competition. With that being said the pros outweighs the cons by far.
The quality of the teachers, the campus, the clubs
The school is very international indeed, we have courses with international students and share things with them within the extra academic life (in the social clubs especially). We have great career prospects if we prepare ourselves well - however, the global curriculum is still very finance-oriented, which is a pity for other interesting domains of the company world, which does not rely on finance only. The social clubs are good practice for the management and for now, are quite independent.
HEC Paris awaits you
HEC Paris is really a nice place to do a master's in business. Many classes are useful and interesting (corporate finance, financial accounting, contract law…), some are less - but the curriculum is to be reviewed in the year to come. Regarding the student life, it is incredible, with about 130 clubs, lots of great parties with even greater people. The Jouy campus offers a lot of opportunities to do sports, and you can breathe fresh air every day. HEC also helps a great deal to find an internship or a job.
A dream institute
Enrolling in the HEC MBA was by far the best decision I made for myself. The people and faculty are great, with lots of opportunities to meet people and expand your horizons. Very nice campus where I have had some good running sessions.
The alumni network is superb and very helpful. It also has a good support system for entrepreneurs. Would definitely recommend it!
Good choice for a career boost
The classes were extremely practical and relevant to the current challenges that businesses are facing. You have access to a wide range of professionals and good career prospects once you leave the university.
Cultural experience
I have met the most competent and diverse batch in this school. These people not only thrive on their own but also makes sure that you are doing it with them. The professors will take your had and walk you through all milestones and make sure you are not left behind. I have found their extracurriculars extremely engaging. There was always a room to have social life after academic life. The only hindrance is the location of the school, it is slightly outside city and living in city is expensive.
Internationality and diversity of opportunities
About my programme I would say it is very international and flexible: we have the opportunity to choose exactly the courses we want. But at the same time, the frame of the campus is crucial in students' life and enable us to create friendships.
Great selection of people
While HEC's MBA is highly selective, I really enjoy the type of people HEC's selects to make sure everybody gets the best out of their MBA experience and networking opportunities. Not only it's an incredibly diverse pool of people (~60 nationalities) but most importantly they make sure to let in friendly empathic and curious people.
Best in France for Grande ecole
A prestigious business school. Languages are important. It is better to have a scientific baccalaureate with excellent grades in high school and good assessments.
The courses are well designed as per the latest trends and practicality of learning in stressed upon. Overall, a very good experience.
Diversity and quality of fellow students
Very international and interesting place to be and opens a lot of opportunities, however the administration is very french and facilities are subpar (gym, classrooms) meaning the academic affairs is pretty much useless and lastly we are graded on a curve which can create a toxic environment because of the competition. With that being said the pros outweighs the cons by far.
The quality of the teachers, the campus, the clubs
The school is very international indeed, we have courses with international students and share things with them within the extra academic life (in the social clubs especially). We have great career prospects if we prepare ourselves well - however, the global curriculum is still very finance-oriented, which is a pity for other interesting domains of the company world, which does not rely on finance only. The social clubs are good practice for the management and for now, are quite independent.
HEC Paris awaits you
HEC Paris is really a nice place to do a master's in business. Many classes are useful and interesting (corporate finance, financial accounting, contract law…), some are less - but the curriculum is to be reviewed in the year to come. Regarding the student life, it is incredible, with about 130 clubs, lots of great parties with even greater people. The Jouy campus offers a lot of opportunities to do sports, and you can breathe fresh air every day. HEC also helps a great deal to find an internship or a job.
A dream institute
Enrolling in the HEC MBA was by far the best decision I made for myself. The people and faculty are great, with lots of opportunities to meet people and expand your horizons. Very nice campus where I have had some good running sessions.
The alumni network is superb and very helpful. It also has a good support system for entrepreneurs. Would definitely recommend it!
Good choice for a career boost
The classes were extremely practical and relevant to the current challenges that businesses are facing. You have access to a wide range of professionals and good career prospects once you leave the university.
Diverse
HEC, as an academic institution, serves as a launching pad for students to excel in their pursuits and careers. The diversity among students and professors is truly remarkable. The chance to attend seminars across five major continents is unparalleled. The exposure and relationships it fosters are invaluable.
Super diverse
It's a super diverse and fascinating environment with tons of chances, but the management is very French, and the facilities like the gym and classrooms are not great. This makes the academic side quite ineffective. Plus, we're graded on a curve, leading to a competitive and sometimes toxic atmosphere. Despite all that, the benefits definitely overshadow the drawbacks.
Surreal academic experience
What stood out to me about HEC was the direction and insight it offered on coding approaches. Prior to joining the program, I attempted self-learning, but I felt disoriented and lacked a starting point.HEC enabled me to grasp the basics of programming and provided support when I encountered obstacles. Without that guidance, I doubt I would have achieved the progress I have made to date.
Good security
HEC boasts a dedicated team of security personnel who undergo rigorous training to ensure the perpetual maintenance of tranquility and orderliness within the institution. Their unwavering efforts are directed towards fostering a sense of security among the student body, thereby enabling them to channel their energies predominantly towards their academic pursuits.
Innovative teaching method
I am thoroughly enjoying my time at HEC, from the innovative teaching methods to the welcoming campus environment, which is particularly supportive of international students. The extracurricular opportunities, such as sports and associations, are incredibly valuable. Additionally, the career services offered are exceptional. Overall, I find my experience at HEC to be truly enriching.
mim
HEC Paris has been a transformative experience for me. The caliber of the faculty, the diversity of the student body, and the global network it offers are unmatched. The curriculum is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their career goals, and the focus on real-world application through case studies and consulting projects provides invaluable hands-on experience. The campus itself is beautiful, and the opportunities to engage with leading companies through internships, competitions, and networking events have been incredible. HEC truly prepares you to be a leader in today's complex business world. I couldn’t have asked for a better program to propel my career forward.
Unwavering enthusiasm
Here's the first paragraph:
I embarked on a journey to Paris, where HEC University welcomed me with open arms. As I stepped onto its prestigious campus, I was captivated by the infectious energy and innovative spirit that filled the air. The passionate faculty, industry experts, and fellow visionaries from around the globe shared their knowledge with unwavering enthusiasm."
Exceptional Experience
HEC offers an exceptional experience that I highly recommend. The small-town setting allows for a unique blend of academic rigor and community engagement. The peaceful campus and close-knit student body create a warm environment. Proactive engagement with professors yields valuable guidance. Friendships may blossom slowly, but persistence pays off. The city's beauty, scenic views, and diverse eateries near campus enrich the experience. University dining may not impress, but it's decent.
