HEC Paris MBA Program:Guide for International Students

The HEC Paris MBA is not just an educational journey; it’s an experience that shapes future leaders. This program stands out for its unique blend of rigorous academic curriculum, rich cultural immersion, and unparalleled access to global business networks.

HEC Paris MBA: A Snapshot

• Location: Nestled near the vibrant city of Paris, the HEC Paris campus blends historical allure and modern academic rigor.
• Reputation: Known for its prestigious reputation in business education, HEC Paris consistently ranks among the top business schools globally.
• Program Diversity: With a student body from various corners of the world, HEC Paris MBA is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and professional backgrounds.

HEC PARIS MBA CLASS PROFILE

The HEC Paris MBA Class of 2023 presents a diverse and dynamic group of students, exemplifying the program’s global appeal. Here’s a detailed look at the class profile based on the latest available data:

• Applications and Acceptance Rate:
  • Total Applications: 2,652 (during the 2020-2021 admissions cycle).
  • Acceptance Rate: 22.4%.
• Class Composition:
  • Total Students: 348 (up from 295 in the Class of 2022).
  • International Students: 95% of the class.
  • Nationalities Represented: 67.
  • Gender Balance: Women constitute 33% of the class.
• Geographical Representation:
  • Asia and Oceania: 26%.
  • Latin America: 17%.
  • Europe (excluding France): 13%.
  • North America: 13%.
  • Central Asia: 12%.
  • Middle East: 7%.
  • Africa: 5%.
• Academic and Professional Background:
  • Leading Undergraduate Majors: Engineering (31%), Economics (14%), Business and Commerce (13%), Management (7%), Accounting (6%).
  • Average Age: 30 years.
  • Average Work Experience: 6 years.
  • Top Industries: Financial Services (24%), Technology (18%), Consumer Products (11%), Consulting Services (10%).
• Average GMAT Score:
  • Average GMAT: 690.

This statistical snapshot of the HEC Paris MBA class showcases the program’s commitment to diversity and excellence, providing an enriching environment for students from various backgrounds and cultures.

PROGRAM AND CURRICULUM: HEC PARIS MBA

The HEC Paris MBA program is meticulously structured to ensure an immersive and transformative experience for its participants. Here are key details about the program and curriculum:

• Format and Duration:
  • The program is full-time, spanning 16 months.
  • The language of instruction is English.
  • The program begins on January 5, 2024.
• Curriculum Overview:
  • Term 1 Focus: Lays the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of business with a blend of lectures, case studies, business games, and simulations.
    • Key courses include Business Economics, Financial Markets, Managerial Economics, Marketing, and Problem Solving and Communication.
  • Term 2 Focus: Build advanced business skills with courses in Corporate Finance, Strategic Management, Operations Management, and Organizational Behavior, among others.
• Collaborative Learning Environment:
  • Students are divided into working groups of 4-5, each from different countries and sectors, fostering a global view of business and practical experience working in international teams

Specializations:

• The program offers Advanced Management, Data & AI specializations for Business Transformation, Strategy, Finance, Sustainable and disruptive Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Marketing.

Program Cost:

• The total cost for the program is €90,000.

Ranking:

• The HEC Paris MBA program is consistently ranked in the Top 20 worldwide.

The HEC Paris MBA curriculum is designed to be both rigorous and flexible, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their career goals. The program’s diverse and hands-on approach prepares students to address the business challenges of today and the future.

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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HEC PARIS MBA

The HEC Paris MBA program offers an array of scholarships to support its diverse student body. Here’s an overview of the scholarship opportunities available:

• Overall Scholarship Funding:
  • HEC Paris provides over €1,000,000 in aid annually, supported by the HEC Foundation.
• Types of Scholarships:
  • HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Excellence:
    • Eligibility: All admitted candidates are automatically considered.
    • Amount: Varies, up to 50% of tuition fees.
    • Selection: Based on academic excellence, application strength, interview results, and GMAT scores.
    • Note: Not available for candidates sponsored by their company or government for more than 50% of their tuition fees

Forte Foundation Scholarship for Women Candidates:

• Designed to improve leadership opportunities for women in business.
• Eligibility: Only admitted candidates can apply

• Application Process:
  • Candidates applying to the MBA program are automatically considered for Excellence and Diversity scholarships.
  • Specific essays may be required for certain scholarships like Forte and L’Oreal.
  • The Scholarship Committee considers various aspects of the application, including essays, background, work history, GMAT scores, and interview results.
• Award Notification:
  • An Admissions Officer informs recipients at the time of their application decision.
  • Scholarships are deducted from the final installment of the MBA tuition fee.

These scholarships reflect HEC Paris’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and they play a pivotal role in ensuring that the best and most diverse talents can benefit from the MBA program, regardless of their financial background.

ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS FOR GETTING INTO HEC PARIS MBA

Gaining admission into the HEC Paris MBA program requires meeting certain eligibility criteria and fulfilling specific requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

• Academic Accomplishment:
  • Applicants must hold a degree from an accredited university.
  • Official academic transcripts are required as proof of intellectual strength.
• Professional Experience:
  • While there is no absolute requirement for the number of work experience, at least two years of professional experience is strongly encouraged.
  • The ideal candidate has between 2 and 10 years of professional working experience.
• Leadership and International Exposure:
  • Candidates should demonstrate leadership potential and international exposure, showcasing the ability to adapt to different cultures and collaborate with diverse backgrounds.
• MBA Motivation and Career Objectives:
  • A clear motivation for applying to the MBA program and consistent career objectives aligned with the program’s offerings are essential.
• Test Scores:
  • GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, the GMAC Executive Assessment (EA), or GRE Score Reports are required.
  • The average GMAT score for the class of 2019 was 690.
  • Candidates are encouraged to submit a GMAT with balanced scores above 60% for the quantitative and verbal sections or a GRE score at or above the 65th percentile for the quantitative and verbal sections.
• English Language Proficiency:
  • A test taker copy of the TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, Cambridge English Exam, PTE Score Report, or Duolingo English Test is needed.
• Application Fee:
  • A non-refundable application fee of €200 is required.

These requirements are designed to ensure that candidates are well-equipped to thrive in the rigorous and diverse environment of the HEC Paris MBA program.

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GPA AND TEST SCORES REQUIREMENTS FOR HEC PARIS MBA

GPA REQUIREMENTS

HEC Paris does not specify a minimum GPA requirement for admission into its MBA program. However, given the competitive nature of the admissions process, a strong academic background is crucial. While an exact GPA threshold is not mentioned, applicants are expected to have a robust academic record, demonstrated through official academic transcripts from their undergraduate program.

GMAT AND GRE REQUIREMENTS

• GMAT: There is no official minimum GMAT score requirement at HEC Paris, but the average GMAT score for the class of 2019 was 690. Applicants are encouraged to submit a GMAT score with balanced scores above 60% for the quantitative and verbal sections. HEC Paris accepts scores from the classic and the new Focus edition of the GMAT, assessed using percentile tables published by GMAC.
• GRE: Similarly, for the GRE, while there is no stipulated minimum score, candidates are strongly encouraged to submit scores that are at or above the 65th percentile for the quantitative and verbal sections.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY (IELTS AND OTHERS)

• For non-native English speakers who do not hold a university degree from an institution where English is the teaching language, one of the following English language proficiency tests is required:
  • TOEFL: Minimum 100 (internet-based) or 600 (paper-based).
  • TOEIC: Minimum 340 (Speaking & Writing) and 850 (Listening & Reading).
  • IELTS: Minimum overall band of 7.0, with at least 6.5 in each section.
  • Cambridge English Exams: Minimum 185, with at least 176 in each part.
  • PTE: Minimum score of 72.
  • Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 135.
• These test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

While there is no absolute requirement for the number of work experience, HEC Paris encourages applicants to have at least 2 years of professional experience. The ideal candidate typically has between 2 and 10 years of professional working experience, with the average for the Class of 2019 being 6 years

.HEC Paris MBA Admission Deadlines and Process

ADMISSION DEADLINES

The HEC Paris MBA program, renowned for its competitive admissions, has set the following deadlines for applications:

September 2024 Intake

APPLICATION DEADLINE*	DECISION DATE*	DEADLINE TO CONFIRM*
13 March 2024**	19 April 2024	18 May 2024
15 April 2024	17 May 2024	16 June 2024
20 May 2024	21 June 2024	20 July 2024
17 June 2024	19 July 2024	18 August 2024

January 2025 Intake

APPLICATION DEADLINE*	DECISION DATE*	DEADLINE TO CONFIRM*
13 March 2024**	19 April 2024	18 May 2024
15 April 2024	17 May 2024	16 June 2024
20 May 2024	21 June 2024	20 July 2024
17 June 2024	19 July 2024	18 August 2024
19 August 2024	20 September 2024	19 October 2024
16 September 2024	18 October 2024	17 November 2024
14 October 2024	15 November 2024	12 December 2024
12 November 2024	13 December 2024	31 December 2024

ADMISSION PROCESS

The HEC Paris MBA admission process is designed to select candidates with strong potential for leadership and success in the business world. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Online Application Submission: Candidates must submit a complete application, including essays, recommendations, a professional resume in English, academic transcripts, GMAT/GRE scores, language proficiency test scores, and an application fee.
2. Pre-Selection Jury: After receiving the application, the Admissions Board conducts a detailed review, considering the candidate’s educational background, professional experience, international exposure, essays, and recommendation letters.
3. Interviews: Successful candidates are invited for two interviews with HEC Paris MBA alumni, assessing communication skills, leadership potential, aspirations, and values.
4. Admissions Jury & Official Notification: The Admissions Jury, including representatives from the French Ministry of Education, HEC Paris Alumni, and HEC Paris Faculty, review the application in its entirety before making a decision.
5. Scholarship Decision: During the application process, candidates can apply for scholarships, with over €1,000,000 in aid offered each year.

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HEC PARIS MBA EMPLOYMENT REPORT (2020)

The HEC Paris MBA program boasts impressive employment statistics, reflecting the value and recognition of this degree in the global job market.

SALARY OVERVIEW

• Average Salary: The average salary for the class of 2020 was $118,797.
• Maximum Salary: The highest salary package reported was $289,750.
• Median Salary: The median salary for graduates stood at $110,007.

SECTOR-WISE SALARY PACKAGES

• Consulting: Maximum Salary – $201,545; Median Salary – $87,138.
• Finance: Maximum Salary – $260,000; Median Salary – $80,618.
• Technology: Maximum Salary – $222,292; Median Salary – $100,772.
• Healthcare: Maximum Salary – $165,978; Median Salary – $88,977.
• Consumer Packaged Goods: Maximum Salary – $218,652; Median Salary – $120,652.
• Energy: Maximum Salary – $112,628; Median Salary – $94,844.
• Retail: Maximum Salary – $112,112; Median Salary – $90,102.
• Manufacturing: Maximum Salary – $289,750; Median Salary – $118,556.

PROMINENT RECRUITERS

Companies such as Amazon, Zalando, L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, Medtronic, McKinsey & Company, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, Bain & Company, and others are among the prominent recruiters of HEC Paris MBA graduates, indicating the program’s strong industry connections and the high regard employers have for its alumni.

CAREER TRANSFORMATION

A remarkable 91% of students changed sectors, 69% changed functions, and 66% changed their location, showcasing the MBA’s effectiveness in aiding significant career transitions

Industry and Employer Insights for HEC Paris MBA Graduates

TOP SECTORS HIRING HEC PARIS MBA GRADUATES

1. Technology: The technology sector emerged as the most popular industry for HEC Paris MBA graduates in 2021, with 36% of students securing roles. This trend reflects the growing popularity of technology roles across global business schools.
2. Finance: Finance was the second most popular sector, attracting 17% of the students. Many of the world’s largest banks actively recruit from HEC Paris, underscoring the program’s strength in finance.
3. Consulting: Consulting, traditionally a strong sector for HEC Paris MBAs, was the third most popular industry, with 16% of graduates landing roles in top consulting firms like Bain & Company, McKinsey & Company, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

OTHER SECTORS

• Retail and Luxury: Around 9% of HEC Paris MBA graduates secured roles in the retail and luxury sector, reflecting the school’s reputation in luxury brand management.
• Healthcare: 5% of the graduates ventured into the healthcare sector.
• Government and Nonprofits: 4% of students found roles in government or nonprofit organizations.
• Manufacturing, Consumer Packaged Goods, and Energy: Each sector attracted 3% of the graduates.

CAREER TRANSFORMATION

A significant portion of HEC Paris MBA graduates experienced a career transformation post-MBA:

• Sector Change: 79% of students changed sectors from their pre-MBA jobs.
• Function Change: 67% changed their job functions.
• Location Change: 62% changed their job location.

KEY EMPLOYERS

Top employers of HEC Paris MBA graduates include Amazon, Deloitte, PWC, EY, Kearney, and LVMH, reflecting the program’s strong corporate connections and the high value placed on its graduates in the job market

Application Essentials for HEC Paris MBA

APPLICATION ESSAY TIPS

The HEC Paris MBA application includes several essays, each serving a distinct purpose in showcasing your profile and aspirations.

Goals Essay (500 words):

1. Focus: Why you’re applying to HEC Paris now and your post-MBA career objectives.
2. Tip: This essay is crucial for showcasing your career ambitions and explaining why HEC Paris is the right choice for you over other business schools.

Significant Life Achievement (250 words):

• Focus: Your most significant life achievement, whether professional or personal.
• Tip: Reflect deeply on your proudest moments and choose an example that adds a new perspective to your application. Using the STAR format can make your story more coherent and impactful.

Leadership and Ethics (250 words):

• Focus: A situation where you handled leadership and ethical challenges.
• Tip: Choose an example where you are in a leadership role, facing external ethical challenges. It’s important to depict ethical decision-making and how the experience influenced your personal and professional growth.

Alternate Life (250 words):

• Focus: Imagining a life entirely different from your current one.
• Tip: This essay allows you to show your personality and interests outside of business. Be genuine and ensure your choice aligns with the personal brand you’ve established in your application.

Optional Essays (250 words):

• Topics include advising a first-time visitor to your country or city, analyzing an internationally successful book, movie, or play you believe to be undeserved, or discussing a figure you admire.
• Tip: Choose the topic that resonates most with you and best showcases your story or perspective. Connect your choice to your profile or background to make it more meaningful.

Letter of Recommendation

• Recommenders should ideally be individuals who have closely observed your work and can provide insights into your abilities, character, and potential. Choosing recommenders who can give specific examples and anecdotes that highlight your best qualities is crucial.

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

• Interviews are an essential part of the admissions process and are usually conducted by alumni. They focus on your background, motivations, and how you align with HEC Paris’ values and culture.
• Prepare by reflecting on your experiences, practicing your responses to common MBA interview questions, and clearly articulating your reasons for choosing HEC Paris.

WHAT MAKES HEC PARIS MBA UNIQUE?

HEC Paris MBA stands out for several reasons, making it an exceptional choice for students seeking a transformative business education.

1. ALMA MATER OF CEOS AND BUSINESS LEADERS

HEC Paris has a distinguished history of educating leaders who occupy pivotal roles in the global business arena. It has graduated more CEOs of Fortune Global 500 companies than any other European university. This prestigious record is a testament to the quality of education and the level of leadership skills that HEC Paris instills in its students.

2. ENTREPRENEURIAL ENVIRONMENT

With around 25% of its students starting their businesses, HEC Paris fosters a strong entrepreneurial spirit. The school supports nearly 400 entrepreneurial projects annually, providing resources like creativity talks and mentoring sessions. Students can also engage with Station F, the world’s largest startup campus, where the HEC Incubator and HEC Seed pitch competition occurs.

3. UNIQUE APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP

HEC Paris emphasizes a holistic approach to leadership, going beyond theoretical knowledge to include hands-on experiences. The Outdoor Leadership Seminar and the MBA Tournament (MBAT) develop students’ leadership skills, preparing them for diverse leadership roles.

4. TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

Established in 1881, HEC Paris has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. The MBA program, created in 1969, has been ranked among the world’s best, offering a range of options to cater to diverse student needs.

5. CAREER TRANSFORMATION

The HEC Paris MBA program is known for enabling significant career transformations. A significant proportion of graduates change their sector, function, or location, with 79% altering at least two aspects. This indicates the program’s effectiveness in equipping students with the skills and opportunities to pivot their careers successfully.

6. DIVERSE AND INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

The program’s international student body, comprising 93% of the cohort, provides a rich, multicultural learning environment. This diversity enriches the overall experience and prepares students to work effectively in a global business landscape.

HEC Paris MBA’s unique blend of tradition, innovation, leadership development, and entrepreneurial focus, combined with its reputation as a breeding ground for CEOs and business leaders, makes it a premier destination for MBA students worldwide.

Conclusion

The HEC Paris MBA program stands as a beacon of excellence in business education, consistently drawing students from around the globe. Its unique blend of rigorous academic training, leadership development, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a transformative educational experience. With a track record of producing top-tier business leaders and a commitment to career transformation, HEC Paris MBA equips students with the skills, knowledge, and network needed to excel globally. For any student looking to make a significant impact in their career, the HEC Paris MBA is a choice worth considering.

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