Before she became an MBA student at HEC Paris, Omonefe (Nefe) Etomi had spent most of her career in finance—as a chartered accountant working for Deutsche Bank.However, what sounds like a traditional MBA story couldn’t be further from the truth. Nefe is also a recording artist, releasing her own R&B/Soul EP, Smile, in 2015. She has a mobile studio, so she can record on-the-go.
“Music is a passion and a career,” she says, “and it’s definitely something I hope to continue to improve while I’m doing an MBA. I’ve been using the marketing classes to learn how to push and develop my brand.”
So, how does someone balance a career and a passion and manage to release an EP all at the same time?
“Just don’t sleep!” Nefe laughs. “I had a very good support network, and for me it was important that the people that I told [about the EP] were those that really believed in me.”
Nefe explains that she’s been able to bring the skills from her non-traditional MBA background into the MBA classroom. They include discipline—a “huge” one, she admits—and of course, creativity.
When she was writing her first-ever song in a studio with her producer, manager, and vocal coach, she recalls them just asking her what she wanted to sing about. After some stream-of-consciousness exploration, the song came together.
“I started doing that at Deutsche Bank,” she adds. “When working on projects for clients I would pause, work out what I wanted to do and get out of this, and then write the key things down.”
Initially, she admits that her transferable skills weren’t obvious. But her advice to potential MBA applicants from similar backgrounds is to give themselves credit for their talents.
“You do things naturally and you just dismiss those things as part of your personality,” she says. “Definitely there are transferable skills, and my advice for people is to think about that when they’re selling themselves.”
A non-traditional background is clearly an added benefit in the MBA classroom then. Coming from a background other than engineering, finance or a similar “traditional” MBA career path is not a disadvantage in HEC Paris’ application process.
“Definitely there are transferable skills, and my advice for people is to think about that when they’re selling themselves”
Shauna Peterson (pictured below, right) is an MBA classmate of Nefe’s. She’s a lover of writing, argumentation, and research—all of which she combined during her master’s degree in Art History.
She has been an avid follower of the arts since attending the Boston Museum of Fine Arts when she was only seven. A summer of independent research on colonial Latin American art as an undergraduate inspired her to pursue graduate studies.
She explains that she was considering a PhD and teaching at university level before her shift towards business. “I have always been interested in having a career characterized by leadership, impact, and innovation,” she says.
“MBAs put discoveries in motion—by marketing cutting-edge products, securing funding for ventures, and leading companies into new markets—and that is the type of work with measurable impact that appeals to me.”
Shauna brings to the MBA classroom a strong analytical research and lateral thinking skillset, which will aid her in her career pursuits.
“I will leave the HEC Paris MBA having worked with a diverse set of leading professionals from engineering, science, and law, and this experience will invaluably inform my ability to lead post-MBA,” she adds.
Otavio Suriani (pictured below, right) also came into the HEC Paris MBA with an arts background—he has spent the bulk of his career in Brazil as an independent filmmaker, screenplay writer, director, cinematographer, and producer. Then, he completely changed tack.
He moved into marketing, then finance, and has gradually moved up the ranks. He says he chose the HEC Paris MBA to enhance his career and share a classroom with people who are highly intelligent and come from all around the world.
So, what does he bring to the classroom?
“Having been a filmmaker, I have hung out with very different people on film sets, and so this gave me the skills to know how to have fun and deal with environments where you have a lot of different and diverse people,” he says.
He also brings creativity, he explains. And, for him, creativity is by no means restricted to the arts.
“When you’re a screenwriter and you’re stuck on your screenplay, it’s similar to finding ways of funding your new business venture or development that you’re making.
“You have a problem and you have to use your resources to solve it.”
Otavio, who says he is thinking of remaining in Europe after graduating before heading back to Brazil to help develop his home country, has a golden nugget of advice for any HEC Paris MBAs coming in from a non-traditional background.
“If you manage to excel in your field, I think you’ll be more than fine within the MBA program,” he says. “If you are an artist for example, and manage to paint some incredible paintings, exhibit them, and travel around world with them, it’s the same set of skills you need to thrive in the MBA here.”
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.
