HEC Paris, a global top 10 MBA, is an international cohort of professionals with 94% of the current MBA class hailing from abroad, and a growing source of talent for recruiters from the world’s best consulting firms—27% of 2019’s graduating class entered the consulting sector.
The school was founded in 1881 by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is one of France’s oldest elite higher-education Grandes Ecoles.
In recent years the school has shot up the Financial Times’ Global MBA Ranking too. HEC Paris has been floating around the top 20 for the past five years, placing 16th in 2015, and 20th in 2017. This year, the school broke into the top 10, placing ninth.
Nearly 4,000 graduates from the school are currently CEOs, CFOs, or have founded their own companies. HEC Paris has graduated more CEOs of Fortune Global 500 companies than any other university in Europe, according to the 2017 Times Higher Education Alma Mater Index.
So, what kind of return can you expect from the HEC Paris MBA?*
Companies hiring HEC Paris MBAs
Top companies hiring HEC Paris MBA graduates included McKinsey & Company, Amazon, Bain & Company, Schneider Electric, Uber, and L’Oreal. Grads also landed jobs at AstraZeneca, GE Healthcare, Deliveroo, and Google.
MBA consulting jobs in particular are hot property in the world of graduate management education. An industry that takes graduates around the world, boasts huge salaries, and is an amalgamation of everything MBA students have learned during their studies often offers the best return on investment for business-school alumni.
It’s a sector that the HEC Paris MBA class of 2019 flocked to, with 27% of graduates entering the industry—up from 18% in 2017 and the most popular destination in 2019. Those that did choose consulting joined the 92% of students who found employment within three months of the MBA.
The knock-on effect of a growing number of students entering consulting is that the HEC network within the industry is broadening. A strong consulting network means the HEC Paris MBA can offer students who are keen on entering the industry guidance and connections that could help propel them in the right direction.
Consulting jobs weren’t the only thing on the agenda though, as 19% of graduates entered financial services and 16% the technology sector.
HEC Paris Class Profile 2021
HEC Paris: Popular MBA jobs
After the traditional triumvirate of consulting, financial services, and technology, 7% of students in 2019 entered both manufacturing and retail, with 6% entering the energy and healthcare sectors.
The consumer packaged goods sector snapped up 4% of the HEC Paris MBA’s class of 2019, with real estate and transportation & logistics taking 2% each. 1% of the graduating class entered government or non-profits.
The most popular MBA job function was also consulting, with 30% of the class finding a consulting role. Following closely were marketing and sales (23%) and finance and accounting roles (20%).
14% of the MBA class entered a general management role, 6% started working in IT, 4% in operations or logistics, and 2% in human resources.
HEC Paris is the MBA for career changers. Out of the 239 graduates, 82% changed the sector they were working in after the MBA, with 70% of students changing their function, and 64% changing location. Over a third (39%) completed the fabled MBA triple jump, changing all three.
Average MBA Salaries
The year-to-year average salary increase for graduates is also a strong magnet for prospective students, with financial return on investment one of the driving factors behind school choice.
Return on investment in the form of a salary increase is high on the agenda for prospective MBA students when choosing where to attend business school. If a salary boost is high up your MBA checklist, then HEC Paris could be the school for you.
On average MBA graduates from HEC Paris doubled their pre-MBA salaries in 2019. The overall mean annual salary for graduates has increased over the past three years from $112,800 in 2017, to $120,700 in 2018, and $128,206 for the most recent graduating class of 2019. Last year’s class also received an average sign-on bonus of $24,423.
HEC Paris MBAs who entered the healthcare sector earned on average the most compared to their peers, with the mean annual salary for grads hitting $157,575. The median salary was $130,933 and average sign-on bonus was $50,278.
HEC Paris MBA graduate job destination (%)
The median salary for grads entering consulting was $120,046, with an average annual salary of $127,816 and a sign-on bonus of $22,383. Finance paid graduates an average annual salary of $113,858, with the median $115,350, and a sign-on bonus of $23,815.
The technology sector, which hired the third-highest number of graduates from the MBA class of 2019, paid students an average annual salary of $104,258, with the median salary being $100,430, and average sign-on bonus of $19,856.
There were also strong average annual salaries for graduates entering the consumer packaged goods industry ($117,043), energy ($112,937), retail ($106,472), and manufacturing ($104,527).
Graduates who left France after their MBA and landed jobs in North America earned on average $186,922 per year, more than any other region. The median salary for students who landed jobs there was $147,360. Asia was the next most lucrative region for graduates, with students who took jobs there earning on average $143,376 per year.
That was followed by the Middle East/Gulf region, where students earned an average annual salary of $132,028, South America ($122,603), France ($103,465), and the rest of Western Europe ($102,519).
HEC Paris MBA Success Stories
If you go to HEC Paris, you have a good chance of ending up in a well-paid role at one of the world’s biggest companies, as was the case with Shakti Sanspeur (pictured below), who landed an MBA job in marketing with Netflix after graduating.
Shakti, who grew up in Mauritius, says she was raised to be tolerant and open minded, and to strive to understand the differences between people, cultures, and beliefs—therefore tailor made for the HEC Paris MBA.
“[The MBA] prepared me to understand the different aspects of a business, and to have a broader view of the business world, which is very important,” she adds.
It took two roles after graduating before Shakti ended up at Netflix—first as a marketing intern at Orange for six months, and then a year as EMEA marketing project manager for ZOO, Google’s creative agency.
Six months after her now husband Johann landed a job in Amsterdam with Deloitte, Shakti began looking there for a new challenge—she soon came across her current role and has been with the company since February 2018.
Sometimes the MBA can bring quite a dramatic career shift, as was the case with Shakti’s fellow MBA alumna, Jessica Poteet. She swapped a pre-MBA career as a field geoscientist for Chevron in the US, for a role as a program manager for Mice & Men, a software company located in Iceland.
Jessica’s interest in business was sparked when she took a business-development role for Chevron, and eventually ended up in their Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore.
One thing’s clear: if you want to change the sector in which you’re working, the HEC Paris MBA is for you. This career changing MBA puts 82% of graduates into a different sector than they were working in before business school. Combined with the 70% of students who swap function and the 64% who change location, you’ll be surrounded by a cohort of likeminded career changers at the HEC Paris MBA.
There are an array of industries into which HEC Paris MBA students chose to enter after graduation, so don’t worry if the traditional triumvirate of consulting, financial services, and technology isn’t on your radar.
The HEC Paris MBA will benefit professionals who crave a network of peers across Europe in particular—61% of grads from 2019 landed a role on the continent—but there is definitely a global advantage of studying at the HEC Paris MBA, as students enroll in the program from all over the world. If you want to change sector and launch a career in a new country, the global top 10 MBA from HEC Paris is a no brainer.
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.
Sarah
Verified
18/03/2022
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
29/10/2021
On Campus
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.
Veronique
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
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.
Ghadi
Verified
11/06/2022
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
27/03/2022
On Campus
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.
Lb
Verified
26/03/2022
On Campus
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.
Rajarshi
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
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!
Student
Verified
19/10/2021
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
7/07/2022
On Campus
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.
Sarah
Verified
18/03/2022
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
29/10/2021
On Campus
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.
Veronique
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
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.
Ghadi
Verified
11/06/2022
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
27/03/2022
On Campus
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.
Lb
Verified
26/03/2022
On Campus
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.
Rajarshi
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
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!
Student
Verified
19/10/2021
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
1/06/2024
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
31/05/2024
On Campus
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.
John
Verified
10/06/2024
On Campus
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.
John
Verified
10/06/2024
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
17/07/2024
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
3/10/2024
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
21/09/2024
On Campus
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."
Student
Verified
9/10/2024
On Campus
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.
