HEC Paris
MBAFair 2024 chat transcript
HEC Paris is a European business school located in the southern suburbs of Paris, France. HEC Paris is regarded as one of the most prestigious business schools in the world; it was ranked as the best business school in Europe seven times in the eight-year period between 2006 and 2013 in the Financial Times ranking. HEC offers a Master in Management program, MBA and EMBA programs, eleven specialized MSc programs, a PhD program, and many executive education offerings.
Representative: Gala Cipolla | Marketing & Recruitment Manager
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1 Rue de la Libération, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
2024 Chat Transcript:
HEC
Thanks everyone for having joined the chat! It was a pleasure! Again, to connect with us further: https://hecparis.my.site.com/forms/s/mba. Look forward to staying in touch!
HEC
@elad we can always already give you feedback on your current score - with your current profile - and then advise the way forward so that it highlights your experiences in the best way
HEC
@elad - yes, and I would discuss this with your dedicated recruitment manager so that we are aware of your plans to re-take GMAT and can give the best advice on timing, etc. https://hecparis.my.site.com/forms/s/mba // https://events.blackthorn.io/en/7R4PSv67/g/7Yqg2sYp73/2024-hec-paris-mba-virtual-one-to-one-meeting-for-middle-east-5a267R97GgN/overview
elad
If I apply with low GMAT but improve it after the deadline, will you accept an update?
HEC
@kirti I would refer to these positions more as value-adding to your extra-curricular and leadership experiences, not perse your professional experiences. Again, please bear in mind that this is solely based off of your question - given we'd prefer to see your CV to get a better idea of your profile :)
kirti
Is leadership positions at undergraduate college counts as work ex or not?
HEC
I hope that I haven't missed any questions - but please don't hesitate to copy/paste again if I have!
HEC
@Jonathan : good question - we really look to foster tolerance and respect across our student body, and strongly value our diverse MBA class (over 95% of our students are international). This means that while 'the world goes on around us' we do not tolerate any form of intolerance towards any one of our students on campus.
HEC
@elad : I would advise international students not to target the two last deadlines prior to an intake if they can avoid it. While France remains a very open country in terms of visa issuance for international students - pending their admission letter - there are logistical aspects (timing) that HEC Paris nor you as a candidate can have any control over, so best to not leave certain things until the last minute rush.
Jonathan
Hi, may I ask about the current political situation, being Israeli, in Paris. does the "outside" come into campus?
HEC
@Noa : this is a great question and one that can have many answers! Our community is our strength and I think that the diversity is something that is understated - in a way that this isn't only cultural, country or nationality-focused, but rather diverse also within ages (within a range 25-36 approx), and ESPECIALLY professional experiences and professional post-MBA motivations. Our alumni network is broad and generally very inclusive (many candidates mention that HEC alumni are amongst the most responsive when you send a message on LinkedIn). I think the environment of having an MBA on a campus where MBA students can also live, which is not in the city but also not far (17km from Paris), makes a huge difference in the ability to connect with peers!
elad
How should international students who are impacted by visa restrictions position themselves to be competitive with other applicants? Do domestic students have an advantage when applying to your programs?
HEC
@kirti I encourage you to apply once you have achieved the minimum number of years of work experience and other minimum requirements. However, feedback on your profile will be more specific once you submit a request: https://hecparis.my.site.com/forms/s/mba
HEC
@kirti - share your score with us and we will share advice! it's OK if your scores aren't always balanced, we look at total score + Q and V and data insights (if GMAT Focus edition), but we also consider the many other aspects of your application, so there are many ways to 'compensate' or highlight various other aspects of your profile (quantitative or not). We review each application holistically!
Barak
Thank you!
HEC
@Barak , there is an exception for this circumstance, you must have at least 5 years XP (have a look here: https://www.hec.edu/en/mba-programs/mba/admissions). We are happy to consider your application and my suggestion would be to get in touch with your dedicated recruitment officer and request a virtual 1-1 meeting: https://hecparis.my.site.com/forms/s/mba & https://events.blackthorn.io/en/7R4PSv67/g/7Yqg2sYp73/2024-hec-paris-mba-virtual-one-to-one-meeting-for-middle-east-5a267R97GgN/overview. From what you shared - your profile sounds interesting!
kirti
Do you have option of deferred MBA if work ex is less than what is required?
Noa
How would you describe the culture of your MBA program, and what aspects do you think prospective students might not fully appreciate until they are part of it?
HEC
@ofir no difference in chances for admission/scholarship regarding the application deadline you apply for. We actually have many deadlines throughout the year and operate almost on a monthly deadline-basis. All dates can be viewed at the bottom of this web page: https://www.hec.edu/en/mba-programs/mba/admissions
HEC
@ofir : MBA interviews happen only once candidates are pre-selected. You will have 2 interviews with 2 MBA alumni (generally over zoom)
HEC
@Itay : Yes, if you apply to the January intake. We have a 12 month option. This would mean that you will need to complete all elective requirements during the 12-month period during certain weeks where no classes are offered and rather 'intensive electives' are offered. This means that you are compressing the content of Term 4 throughout the 12-month period. More insights visually here: https://www.hec.edu/en/mba-programs/mba/learning-experience
kirti
If I scored less in GMAT- Quant section. Will any other quantitative skills value in place of that?
HEC
@Noa not necessarily! We really value the professional diversity in our class. It's all about what you wish to contribute to your MBA experience and get out of it! I encourage you also to request informal feedback on your profile: https://hecparis.my.site.com/forms/s/mba
Asaf Hadar
Thank you for the information!
HEC
@Asaf Hadar : no difference in value between both intakes! Both intakes combined (Sept + Jan) form one graduating class (max 300 students total). Main difference: Jan intake starts 4 months later, so will have one outstanding term left when the September intake finishes. Terms 3 & 4 are inverted, because all students will pursue the specialization at the same time. You can find a visual illustration of both intakes here: https://www.hec.edu/en/mba-programs/mba/learning-experience
Barak
Hey,
I do not hold an undergraduate degree but have a strong GMAT score (690 GMAT Focus) and an excellent career record in tech and military intelligence, including management experience. Would I still be considered for the MBA program? How significant is the lack of an undergraduate degree given that I surpass all other criteria?
ofir
Is there any difference in Round 1 or Round 2 applications? Admission or scholarship wise?
HEC
@sharon : yes, I encourage you to allude to this in Essay #6 (optional essay) where you can share more on your motivation and why this second MBA will be useful to you. Feel free to discuss how you can best address or highlight this with your dedicated recruitment manager as well. https://hecparis.my.site.com/forms/s/mba (though I can reassure you that as long as it's addressed constructively, it shouldn't negatively impact your application!)
ofir
How do you conduct admission interviews? phone/zoom or in person?
Itay
Hi, Can I finish the degree in one year?
HEC
@Ramona , this is a bit of a difficult question to answer on chat and without your CV. A strong application isn't just based on your work experience and impact, but also on your motivations for an MBA, your overall profile and interests (also extra-curriculars or other). I would encourage you to connect 1-1 with us for further feedback - I'm sure that we can help you and that it will also allow you to share more on your motivation to pursue and MBA, your desire to contribute to the program and gain from the experience, and what you might want to do after : https://hecparis.my.site.com/forms/s/mba
Noa
Hi! Thank you for answering these questions. I wanted to know if there are any particular professional roles or industry experiences that are viewed more favorably during the admissions process?
Asaf Hadar
Hello! Can you share please the differences between September and January intake?
sharon
I have done a distance MBA degree (which I realize was not very useful). So technically, this will be my second MBA. Do I need to explain this anywhere in the application
Asaf Hadar
Great, thank you!
HEC
@Asaf Hadar : career services support happens from Day 1 of your MBA and accompanies you throughout your 16-month experience: 1-1 coaching, over 30+ workshops (networking, case-cracking, CV prep, mock interviews, market and industry research ,etc.), recruitment fairs, stand-alone company presentations for MBA students, internal job board, etc. Over 300+ companies engage with our students every year. You can get an idea of the companies that offered roles to our class of 2023 in our Employment Report: https://www.hec.edu/sites/default/files/documents/HEC%20Paris%20MBA%20Employment%20Report%20Class%20of%202023.pdf
HEC
@Oren this experience can count, especially if it was full-time, though I would advise some full-time work experience post-undergraduate degree as well. To get more specific feedback, why don't you request informal feedback on your MBA profile via our form: https://hecparis.my.site.com/forms/s/mba
HEC
Hello @Danny , clubs are a great way to enhance your MBA experience. It allows you to gain additional knowledge and network in a field that you are passionate or curious about (or both!) it also allows you to connect and network with diverse members of your cohort (and alumni). It's a great platform to network and gain additional leadership experience, many students have leveraged their club experiences into internships and post-MBA roles... we currently have over 25+ professional and networking clubs within the HEC Paris MBA, and this excludes the many sports and social clubs that are open to HEC Paris students (not just within the MBA program, but across other programs)
Ramona
In my 7 years of WE, I do not have much impact to share, how can I compensate for this in my application?
HEC
@inbar : every candidate is unique, and I believe your profile is sure to offer some unique features and experience. Why don't you request informal feedback on your MBA profile: https://hecparis.my.site.com/forms/s/mba. From there you can always schedule a virtual 1-1 meeting with your recruitment manager to best understand how you can highlight your experiences
Asaf Hadar
Thank you!
HEC
Hello @Asaf Hadar : you can find the key recruitment components listed here: https://www.hec.edu/en/mba-programs/mba/admissions. Beyond this, connect with your dedicated recruitment manager for personalized feedback: https://hecparis.my.site.com/forms/s/mba
Asaf Hadar
I consider HEC to be one of my top priorities. What kind of career services and support does the school offer to MBA students? Additionally, which Paris-based companies are you connected with
Rotem Eilat
Thank you for your answer :raise:
HEC
@Rotem Eilat : Best way to connect with current students and alumni is via LinkedIn AND by connecting with your dedicated recruitment manager (https://hecparis.my.site.com/forms/s/mba) who can share personalized feedback. One of the most unique features of our MBA program is that it's a 16-month program (unique length) which offers many ways to customize your experience (exchanges, specializations, clubs, electives, entrepreneurial and mentorship programs, etc.), it is also unique that our campus offers on-campus housing opportunities for our MBA students.
Oren
I was in my family business while doing my undergraduate degree. Will that experience count?
Danny
Hi, thank you for doing this!
I saw on the HEC website (and videos) a mention for many clubs. I dont know this concept from my college - How do clubs contribute to the MBA experience?
inbar
I do not have any substantial extracurriculars. Can this be compensated in any manner?
HEC
@Rotem Eilat : we look for a multitude of elements within our candidates' profiles, though everyone is unique and diverse and we appreciate this diversity! You can find our requirements and what we look for here: https://www.hec.edu/en/mba-programs/mba/admissions. There is individualized support for candidates with ADHD, this support is offered on a case-by-case basis. Students come from a diversity of fields pre-MBA, you can find some insights on this in our Employment Report: https://www.hec.edu/sites/default/files/documents/HEC%20Paris%20MBA%20Employment%20Report%20Class%20of%202023.pdf
Asaf Hadar
Hi, thank you for your time, what are the key components of the admissions process, and what do you look for in a successful applicant?
rotem
How can I connect with current students/alumni?
HEC
@Ramona : 7 years is not too much, the range of experience of our current MBA students varies between 2-12 years ! If you want to receive personalized feedback on your profile connect here: https://hecparis.my.site.com/forms/s/mba
Asaf Hadar
Thank you!
HEC
Hi @Asaf Hadar : https://www.hec.edu/en/mba-programs/mba/learning-experience/specializations-mba You can find information on all our specializations here, including the finance specialization :)
Ramona
I have 7+ years of experience, will that be a "too much"?
HEC
@Shahak: information about scholarships can be found here: https://www.hec.edu/en/mba-programs/mba/fees-funding (You are eligible for scholarships once you are admitted to the program - we hold the scholarship jury in the week following the admission jury - scholarships range from 10,000 EUR up to 50% of tuition fees)
Asaf Hadar
Hi, could you please tell us about the finance specialization at HEC? Thank you!
Rotem Eilat
Hello HEC team, thank you for your time. I would like to ask a few questions: What are you looking for in candidates? What support does the program offer for individuals with ADHD to help them succeed in tests and coursework? What are the main fields that most students come from before starting this MBA program? Lastly, what is unique about your MBA program compared to others?"
rotem
Thank you!
HEC
@Shahak : you must have studied for minimum 1 full year in English and provide transcripts demonstrating this - this can waive you from the English test requirement. If not, we accept a multitude of English language tests including Duolingo: https://www.hec.edu/en/mba-programs/mba/admissions#toefl-toeic-ielts-cambridge-english-exam-pte-duolingo
HEC
@rotem Register for a 1-1 virtual meeting for candidates based in Israel: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/7R4PSv67/5a267R97GgN/overview. Feel free also to browse LinkedIn for any interesting profiles of our HEC Paris MBA alumni, but of course we can give more personalized suggestions once we get to know you further!
Shahak
If I participated in a student exchange program for one semester and studied in English, can this replace the IELTS/TOEFL requirement? Additionally, could you provide more details about scholarships please?
HEC
Hello @rotem , this is a great question. We offer a multitude of webinars: https://www.hec.edu/en/mba-programs/mba/meet-us#webinars. I also encourage candidates to connect directly with your dedicated recruitment manager via the informal feedback request form: https://hecparis.my.site.com/forms/s/mba (from here, you can request to have a virtual one-to-one meeting and for suggestions to connect with our current student ambassadors, alumni, etc.)
rotem
How would you advise candidates to get to know your MBA program and student community if they aren’t able to visit your campus?
HEC
admission requirements can be found here: https://www.hec.edu/en/mba-programs/mba/admissions
HEC
@kirti : minimum years of work experience required is 2 years, full-time (post-university education). We look for candidates who can demonstrate career progression over time. On average our candidates have 6 years of experience, but the range varies from the minimum 2years until 12 years, approximately. GMAT waiver is not something we offer: we require you to submit official scores for either one of 3 tests: Executive Assessment, GMAT or GRE. These are compulsory. English tests (IELTS/TOEFL, etc.) are only mandatory if you haven't pursued higher education in English or aren't a native English speaker.
HEC
Hello and welcome, happy to be here on behalf of the HEC Paris MBA!
kirti
Hi, I have a work-ex of 2 years in different organizations. is this accepted? what is the Minimum work years required to get into MBA program?
ques 2. Is there Gmat waiver?
ques3. Do GMAT/GRE scores compulsory for MBA or TOEFL / IELTS enough?
Prashant Kumar
Hello