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How To Make The Most Of An MBA In Europe

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4 weeks ago

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How To Make The Most Of An MBA In Europe

Planning to study your MBA in Europe? Two HEC Paris MBA students share key tips on how to make the most of your time abroad

There are a multitude of reasons to pursue an MBA in Europe beyond simply the delicious food, old churches, and stunning coastlines (although these are undoubtedly a bonus).

According to the Financial Times, Europe is home to several of the world’s top MBA programs recognized for their quality of education, cohort diversity, and impressive graduate salaries.

So, for those ready to embark on their next adventure, how can you make the most of your Europe-based MBA? 

1. Immerse yourself in the culture

Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as a child Jennifer Elie (pictured right) was fascinated by cosmetics and beauty. She later moved to the US, where she spent years working across various companies in the cosmetics industry. 07d4a93a75211732871c6a0d0109d9ae6f28534b.jpg

However, Jennifer began to feel she’d need to further develop her business skillset to keep progressing in her career. She considered pursuing an MBA, alongside the possibility of exploring a new place. 

“I’ve always been naturally curious about the movement of the world,” she says. “I wanted to have a European experience.” 

To satisfy both curiosities, Jennifer applied to study an MBA at HEC Paris—Europe’s top-ranked business school. Once accepted, she took the leap, moving across continents to one of the globe’s most dynamic cities.

Of course, as Jennifer discovered, immersing yourself in a new country also involves some proactive steps—which can include learning the lingua franca or reading up on social etiquette.  

“Paris is a very cosmopolitan city. However, I think from a politeness and a social assimilation point of view, it helps to speak a little bit of the local language,” Jennifer advises. 

Since she grew up in Haiti, Jennifer already spoke French. But even for those who aren’t fluent in a country’s native tongue, MBA students can still maximize their experience by watching informative videos, reading guidebooks, or taking a language course. 

2. Get to know your classmates 

Within the Financial Times MBA Ranking, European schools far outperform the US when it comes to the proportion of international students. 

Diversity can make a significant difference to the richness of your MBA experience, as the opportunity to work alongside classmates from varied backgrounds opens you up to new ideas, learning styles, and even future career opportunities. 

The eclectic nature of the HEC Paris MBA cohort, which consists of 94% international students, meant that Jennifer was able to have enriching conversations with classmates from across the globe. 

HEC Paris is also home to more than 140 clubs and extracurricular opportunities, getting involved with life on campus is a great way to get to know your cohort. 

3. Study in multiple locations 

The high level of interconnectivity between Europe’s business schools means there are a multitude of programs allowing students to study between two or more destinations.

For example, as part of Jennifer’s MBA, she chose to spend a semester studying at the highly-ranked Bocconi University in Milan. 

Her experience meant that not only did she have the opportunity to broaden her education, she was also able to have fun discovering a new city.

“I love everything about Italy. I arrived about three weeks before the course started, so I had enough time to get comfortable and unpack and explore,” Jennifer says. 

At HEC Paris, MBA students are also able to complete an international exchange at prestigious business schools across the world, including the UK, Spain, Australia, and the US. 

4. Make the most of affordable travel

For better or worse, it’s hard to beat Europe when it comes to budget airlines. With flights regularly on offer for as little as $30 between cities like London, Paris, and Prague, there is plenty of opportunity to see some of the world’s most famous sights, even on a student budget. 46d0ac4ef54877a7291acdf5a06956f1a34878e7.jpg

When Boston-born Nathaniel Alden (pictured right) decided to enroll in the HEC Paris MBA, a large part of the appeal was the chance to not only explore Paris, but also to make the most of his proximity to other major European destinations. 

“One of my primary goals in doing an MBA in Europe was to get was to gain international experience and deepen my understanding of how business is conducted on a global scale,” Nathaniel reveals. 

Of course, travelling is not just about being a tourist. Exploring new terrain and observing an unfamiliar way of life is integral to developing your multicultural communication—a crucial skill in the modern business world.

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Nathaniel capturing the breathtaking views of Ireland’s rugged west coast © Nathaniel Alden

5. Make lucrative connections in the start-up industry 

While the US has traditionally dominated the startup scene, Europe is becoming an increasingly attractive region for aspiring entrepreneurs, with the region now taking more than a third of global early-stage venture capital investments. 

“The French tech start-up scene is an ecosystem I’m quite interested in,” Nathaniel shares.  

Though his MBA, he was able to land an internship with XAnge, a European venture capital fund specializing in exciting areas such as AI, deep tech, and sustainability.  

At HEC Paris, MBA students have the option to specialize in entrepreneurship and to take part in the Creative Destruction Lab which allows students to innovate in business areas including climate, space, and AI. 

Whether you see yourself as an entrepreneur or more of a manager, emerging businesses provide an excellent opportunity to become an intrinsic part of a company and build an exciting career. 

As Jennifer and Nathaniel have shared, these are just some of the best ways to make the most of studying an MBA in Europe. 

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.

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