Lavaniya Das has put her film production company on hold after starting-up at just 21. But a few months into the HEC Paris MBA, and she has many more strings to her bow.
It’s a Monday morning in 2009 and Lavaniya Das wakes up for another day at her dream job. She’s not at a fancy investment bank, or a member of Big Four consulting clique; she is an entrepreneur. On this day she will wake up, film, edit and promote the activities of a dance group, and push herself to make new connections. Her Monday morning grind is what it takes to run a successful media production company at the age of 21.She started her venture from scratch, taking on odd jobs for random projects, working for free just to get experience. With her just her own camera, she has even worked for a non-profit (MatteCentrum) that teaches math for free via Youtube videos. This work may seem simple at first, but behind it lies hours of hard graft and dedication; a passion for the film business; a long-standing desire to run a production company.
Lavaniya’s entrepreneurial venture, Lyrical Devastation Productions, has made her aspirations a reality.
Like many thousands of film grads from SAE Melbourne, a creative media college in Australia, at the time she only had eyes for the media production industry. Her film company was more than just a business. It was her childhood dreams come true.
“Since I was a kid I’ve always wanted to own my own production company,” she says. “When I finished school and could not find regular work in something I wanted to do, I decided it was time to start my own company. And why not?”
The financial crisis of 2008 made finding undergraduate work tough. Like many grads who scoured through unpaid internships and placements, there is a question that one often asks: How do you get enough experience to work, without being allowed to work without experience?
“But this was a way of getting experience when everyone was inexperienced,” she continues. “I got some small jobs with TV companies but they only lasted a few months, as is the case with the media industry. I expected to get a decent job coming out of college but 2008 wasn’t a good time to get one. It was quite tough.”
But Lavaniya’s desire to be a film maker inspired her to wake up each morning and drive her business forward. Now, she is happy that she persisted.
Her last project was working on a Swedish blockbuster (she insists she can’t tell me which title), and was an Editor at the Stockholm Film Festival. But if her only achievement was to be a semi-successful entrepreneur, that wouldn’t make her as interesting. If she only aspired to marry business and media together on a small-scale, this story would be great. But there’s more.
Lavaniya is studying an MBA at HEC Paris and seeks to help other entrepreneurial-minded MBAs launch their careers too. She is the co-president of the HEC MBA Marketing and Media Club and an Officer in the MBA Entrepreneurship Club. The latter has just announced plans for a start-up day in Paris this week, to provide a forum for budding entrepreneurs to discuss their business ideas.
You don’t need an MBA to launch a start-up, but this filmmaker needed one to drive her company to new heights. “An MBA is filling in the gaps on the business side so that I can talk to potential investors,” she says. “It’s also filling in the gaps on marketing side, because in my industry people don’t realise that you need a balance between arts and business.
“Everything evolves very quickly, so it was important to learn marketing to know how to sell my products and learn to target audiences as well. I have learnt all these aspects on the MBA so far. There’s nothing that I feel I won’t use again.”
In an increasingly competitive market, an MBA was a route to better equip herself to deal with the challenges that Lyrical Devastation Productions faced. There are no shortages of production companies in Europe (PwC predicts continued UK expansion until 2017), and it would be wrong to assume launching her business in Sweden was done with ease.
“The biggest challenges were financial,” Lavaniya said. “I made it a point not to borrow any money, so whatever I earned I put back into the company, for upgraded equipment and stuff like that. It was tough because I didn’t know where to start. But I used the money raised to build up the company and by year two, I was earning a wage for myself.”
Studying at HEC Paris was a shrewd plan to merge the arts with business, but a decision made out of necessity more than desire. “You have to have that business sense and I felt I hadn’t learnt much about business in film school,” she continued. “I tried my best but I didn’t know how to talk to a lot of investors; it got harder and harder to talk to them about funding because I didn’t know the terminology.
“I realised that I needed to take my company to the next level at some point. I wanted to continue studying in Europe and what’s nice about HEC is that it was very welcoming. They considered me an equal with everyone else, with people coming from finance and consulting backgrounds. I liked that.”
Lavaniya expected to go straight back into the business after graduation. A year out of industry can’t be too damaging - and production is currently on hold. But she didn’t expect to want to explore new avenues. As any MBA will tell you, studying at business school opens your eyes to new opportunities; new career paths to follow. Now, she is tempted by strategy.
“It has really opened up my eyes to not just marketing, but the strategic aspect of developing concepts to be rolled out,” she says. “Looking at the impact of the internet and new media has been really interesting as well. I will start my company up again at some point, but I’m seriously thinking about going into strategy and marketing in the entertainment industry.”
Her term as co-president of the MBA Marketing and Media Club has given her more contacts in the industry. Like the start-up day the club is holding this week, it has opened her eyes to the possibilities that connections can bring. The club even has the marketing director of Coca Cola coming in as a keynote speaker.
Lavaniya’s end goal has always been the same. The child that once was still harbours a desire to run a media production company. An MBA at HEC Paris hasn’t changed her dream; rather, it has enhanced it with the opportunity to take a new path.
The MBA remains a door-opener, even for entrepreneurs. She was dead-set on restarting Lyrical Devastation Productions before enrolment.
But now?
“I might.”
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.
A Transformative Experience
Attending HEC Paris is an exceptional experience, combining world-class education with personal and professional growth opportunities.
The courses are incredibly engaging, delivered by highly qualified professionals who are specialists in their domains and often work or have work experience in prestigious companies. Far from being purely theoretical, the programs emphasise practical, hands-on learning, allowing students to dive deep into whichever area they want to specialise in. The variety of elective courses is remarkable - you can explore anything from advanced financial techniques to more cultural disciplines like politics, arts, and cinema.
Beyond academics, the student life at HEC is vibrant and dynamic. With over 50 student associations to join, there's something that will fit for everyone. Whether you are passionate about entrepreneurship, sports, arts, cuisine, social causes or anything else, HEC offers a space to explore and develop your interests.
The campus itself is well-equipped, providing students with everything they need for a comfortable and enriching experience. From excellent accommodations and sports facilities with professional coaching to a sprawling green area perfect for walking or relaxing, the environment is both stimulating and tranquil. And with Paris just a short bus ride away, students have the added benefit of easy access to one of the world's most beautiful cities.
However, what truly sets HEC apart is the unparalleled networking opportunities it provides. The school fosters connections through daily conferences in various fields of business (and not only business), networking events, site visits, and alumni cocktails. The alumni network is incredibly powerful, opening doors to countless opportunities and making it easier to connect with professionals in your dream field. The career center is another standout feature, offering invaluable support to help students navigate their career paths.
In conclusion, HEC Paris is much more than a top-tier European business school - it’s a transformative experience that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to achieve your goals while also helping you discover what you’re truly passionate about.
