Ashley Bienvenu is one of a growing number of MBAs finding their fortunes in Silicon Valley. The HEC Paris grad handles mobile apps at search giant Google.
Ashley Bienvenu is a partnership development executive at Google, based at the Internet search giant’s Bay Area headquarters in California.Her MBA at HEC Paris, the leading French business school, has taken her from Jouy-en-Josas to Silicon Valley.
Ashley handles strategic mobile partnerships for Google – mobile app monetization. She helps companies to develop revenue generating strategies for their apps and games by leveraging Google’s solutions.
She joined the company in April last year. Google’s creative culture allows Ashley to use her assets to make a tangible impact on her business area.
Powered by the likes of taxi hailing app Uber and photo sharing platform Snapchat, the rapidly growing app market saw 100 billion apps downloaded in 2013, according to Deloitte. But downloads have slowed – there is a need for developers to generate new sources of revenue, the professional services firm says.
Before joining HEC Paris in 2012, Ashley worked as an account manager at Shopbot, Canada’s premier price comparison site, in Paris. An American, she once studied political science at Rhodes College in Tennessee.
An MBA in Europe broadened her horizons. She valued the global outlook at HEC Paris and its mixed cohort. This has helped her settle into Google in Silicon Valley – a hub of tech innovation that is filled with career opportunity.
Why did you decide to begin an MBA degree at HEC Paris?
With an academic background in political science, and professional experience in the technology sector, I wanted a formal framework in which to develop my overall business acumen.
I was unsure as to the industry or geographical area in which I would pursue a career. HEC’s curriculum spans a variety of topics and skills and attracts high-calibre professors in each domain of study.
In addition, HEC’s post-graduation placement proves it is capable of delivering work-ready professionals in all industries and all locations. That global appeal, coupled with a well-rounded education, is what drew me to HEC.
What is your biggest lesson learnt?
You will never stop learning. No matter how much experience you have, academically, professionally or personally, you can always push yourself to go further.
What’s it like to live and work in the Bay Area?
The Bay Area is a very dynamic place to work. It really is at the heart of technological innovation and it attracts amazing talent. This atmosphere is great for professional challenges and growth – there is so much opportunity here.
It’s also just a really fun place to go out and explore everything from exotic restaurants to hikes. I feel very fortunate to be living and working here.
How well has an MBA in Europe prepared you for a career in Silicon Valley?
I personally don’t think the location of your MBA is what prepares you for a career. It’s what your MBA gives you from an academic and personal development standpoint [that does].
That being said, attending business school in Europe has given me a unique point of view. As I have an American-centric background, I was able to challenge my assumptions at HEC, a diverse place. That experience would prove valuable regardless of what location my career took me to.
What does your role at Google involve and which partnerships have you worked on so far?
I specialize in mobile app monetization at Google. In such a rapidly growing domain, it is important for developers to turn their creativity into a viable business model. I work with new partners to help them develop revenue-generating strategies that best suit their specific apps and games, or to increase their existing monetization techniques, all while leveraging Google’s solutions.
How would you describe the culture at Google?
Google is a very fast-moving place where employees have ownership over their roles and careers. You won’t find micro-managers and cookie-cutter responsibilities. Google allows you to use your assets and knowledge to make a tangible impact on your team in an autonomous fashion.
It promotes collaboration with amazing people, challenging the “norm”, and out-of-the-box ideas.
What advice would you give to MBA students who want to work at Google?
Talk to current Googlers to better understand our internal teams and where you may best fit.
Knowing yourself and your goals is key. Applying to several different positions across a variety of roles in the hope that something will stick gives the impression that you’re indecisive.
Know your value and what you can bring to a specific role, and highlight that in your resume and interviews. So often people are drawn to Google because of how unique and fun the company is. That won’t set you apart. Find out what really makes you passionate about Google, and the roles you like, and express that. Most importantly, be yourself.
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.
