HEC-Paris MBA

Dear *, I couldnt find a dedicated thread on the HEC Paris MBA program. So just thought of creating a new thread int this regard. You can post all your queries/interview experience/admits regarding the school in here. As for me, I have a…

Dear *,

I couldnt find a dedicated thread on the HEC Paris MBA program. So just thought of creating a new thread int this regard. You can post all your queries/interview experience/admits regarding the school in here.

As for me, I have an admit to the HEC-Paris FT MBA program for the Sept2008 intake. I also had an offer from NUS, and after a lot of research decided to take up HEC for various reasons.

My prof:
690,4 years, BITS-Pilani,....

Cheers,
Rosh

Congrads Rosh,,,.
Could you run us thru the app process n all.
I am considering HEC for the feb deadline.
Did u reseach the placemtns n all?
how abt the language barrier?
I am a bitsian as well,,,


cheers
V

Dear *,

I couldnt find a dedicated thread on the HEC Paris MBA program. So just thought of creating a new thread int this regard. You can post all your queries/interview experience/admits regarding the school in here.

As for me, I have an admit to the HEC-Paris FT MBA program for the Sept2008 intake. I also had an offer from NUS, and after a lot of research decided to take up HEC for various reasons.

My prof:
690,4 years, BITS-Pilani,....

Cheers,
Rosh


Hey congrats Rosh...thats really a good decision...well i have submitted my application..waiting to hear from the adcom committee...can u share ur interview experience?

This is the link for HEC' last year thread:
http://www.pagalguy.com/discussions/hecfrance-2007-interviews-beyond-25018850

It contains information on interviews etc. I am a current student at HEC. Feel free to get in touch with me if you need any specific information.

Hi Rahul,
I'm planning to appply to HEC. Can you please let me know if there is any disadvantage in applying this late for Fall-2008 session? Would I stand better chances if I submit my application for Jan-2009 session?

Thanks,
Harsh

@V:
The application process is quite simple.
First, there is a 'Candidate Evaluation' online form that you would need to fill with just your basic profile -gmat, work-ex, etc. HEC will get back to you on whether you are a suitable candidate for the program, you dont have to pay any money for this.If you have got the go ahead for this, it just means you have met the minimum requirements and does in no way gurantee that you have a great profile for HEC.

The next step is to fill up the actual application form, different essays, recommendation letters etc.

Within 20 days(the next seating of the admission jury) of you submitting the application, you would get to know, if you have been qualified for the interview or not. The interview process is composed of two interviews(not two stages of interviews). The interview could be conducted by Alumni, admission team, professours, Business development managers typically in or close to your place of residence. The admission departmment will fix up the two interview panelists for the two interviews. The onus is on you to fix up an interview meeting with the panelists. You must prepare a 10 minute presentation on any topic of your interest and present it during your interview. It will be followed by the standard interview process where questions on the presentation topic would also be raised.

Within 10-15 days(the next seating of the admission jury), you will be informed on the staus of your candidature.

Placements: The placements have been positive with almost 80% of the students getting a job offer before they graduated and the rest within the first 3 months of graduation. For people who are going for a career shift it might be a little difficult. Once again, unlike many institutions in India, the onus is on the students to network and find a job that best suits the profile. Well ofcourse, the placement office is always there to help you through this process.

Language:
Language is a problem in Europe even if you are in the UK. IF you are contemplating a job in France, then French is almost mandatory.I have been attending the Alliance francais french classes and in HEC you will have to do the French language course as a mandatory requirement. So by the time you pass out, you will have a better understanding of the French language.

@Seekabhi:
My first interview didnt go as well as i wanted it to go, nonetheless i still got an admit. I had my scheduled my interview at the panelist's residence. It was by an ex-alumni, whom i had met a few months before in the World MBA tour. So she knew me quite well. It started off with a presentation(I gave a presentation on an entrepreneurial venture in rural tourism). Plenty of questions during the presentation and after that. Then started the chit-chat, it was more about getting to know me as a person than a formal interview. The whole session lasted 2 hours.

My second interview was also with an alumni who now runs his own company. It was first scheduled to happen in coffeeday and then got shifted to Barista and because of traffic issues to the Taj. This interview went pretty well. I presented the same topic. It lasted 1.5 hours.

@thanks macha(a la bitsian style)

I have submitted the 'Candidate Evaluation' form as of now and will wait till i hear back from them. As for me, i have a 4 waitlists from US skools, hence looking at some European skools.

cheers
V

@V:
The application process is quite simple.
First, there is a 'Candidate Evaluation' online form that you would need to fill with just your basic profile -gmat, work-ex, etc. HEC will get back to you on whether you are a suitable candidate for the program, you dont have to pay any money for this.If you have got the go ahead for this, it just means you have met the minimum requirements and does in no way gurantee that you have a great profile for HEC.

The next step is to fill up the actual application form, different essays, recommendation letters etc.

Within 20 days(the next seating of the admission jury) of you submitting the application, you would get to know, if you have been qualified for the interview or not. The interview process is composed of two interviews(not two stages of interviews). The interview could be conducted by Alumni, admission team, professours, Business development managers typically in or close to your place of residence. The admission departmment will fix up the two interview panelists for the two interviews. The onus is on you to fix up an interview meeting with the panelists. You must prepare a 10 minute presentation on any topic of your interest and present it during your interview. It will be followed by the standard interview process where questions on the presentation topic would also be raised.

Within 10-15 days(the next seating of the admission jury), you will be informed on the staus of your candidature.

Placements: The placements have been positive with almost 80% of the students getting a job offer before they graduated and the rest within the first 3 months of graduation. For people who are going for a career shift it might be a little difficult. Once again, unlike many institutions in India, the onus is on the students to network and find a job that best suits the profile. Well ofcourse, the placement office is always there to help you through this process.

Language:
Language is a problem in Europe even if you are in the UK. IF you are contemplating a job in France, then French is almost mandatory.I have been attending the Alliance francais french classes and in HEC you will have to do the French language course as a mandatory requirement. So by the time you pass out, you will have a better understanding of the French language.

@Seekabhi:
My first interview didnt go as well as i wanted it to go, nonetheless i still got an admit. I had my scheduled my interview at the panelist's residence. It was by an ex-alumni, whom i had met a few months before in the World MBA tour. So she knew me quite well. It started off with a presentation(I gave a presentation on an entrepreneurial venture in rural tourism). Plenty of questions during the presentation and after that. Then started the chit-chat, it was more about getting to know me as a person than a formal interview. The whole session lasted 2 hours.

My second interview was also with an alumni who now runs his own company. It was first scheduled to happen in coffeeday and then got shifted to Barista and because of traffic issues to the Taj. This interview went pretty well. I presented the same topic. It lasted 1.5 hours.

Hi Nitin,

With regards to your query, irrespective of the location of the school, it always holds true that the sooner you apply the better it is.

Out of the 120 odd seats allocated to the Sept2008 HEC MBA program, 93 people have been already offered(Only offered, NOT accepted!!) admisssion as of today. So now you have the numbers on your side to make your decision.

Good luck.

Hi Rahul,
I'm planning to appply to HEC. Can you please let me know if there is any disadvantage in applying this late for Fall-2008 session? Would I stand better chances if I submit my application for Jan-2009 session?

Thanks,
Harsh

In my batch, there are people who got admissions as late as April/May.
You can definitely get an admit even now if you put in a strong application. You might suffer on the scholarship front though.

You will definitely have better chances for Jan-2009 but I would strongly recommend you to target the Sep intake. if you don't make it for Sep intake, you can always apply again for Jan intake.

Thanx rosh...that was really helpful...for the time being i can just wait and hope to get an interview call...

@V:
The application process is quite simple.
First, there is a 'Candidate Evaluation' online form that you would need to fill with just your basic profile -gmat, work-ex, etc. HEC will get back to you on whether you are a suitable candidate for the program, you dont have to pay any money for this.If you have got the go ahead for this, it just means you have met the minimum requirements and does in no way gurantee that you have a great profile for HEC.

The next step is to fill up the actual application form, different essays, recommendation letters etc.

Within 20 days(the next seating of the admission jury) of you submitting the application, you would get to know, if you have been qualified for the interview or not. The interview process is composed of two interviews(not two stages of interviews). The interview could be conducted by Alumni, admission team, professours, Business development managers typically in or close to your place of residence. The admission departmment will fix up the two interview panelists for the two interviews. The onus is on you to fix up an interview meeting with the panelists. You must prepare a 10 minute presentation on any topic of your interest and present it during your interview. It will be followed by the standard interview process where questions on the presentation topic would also be raised.

Within 10-15 days(the next seating of the admission jury), you will be informed on the staus of your candidature.

Placements: The placements have been positive with almost 80% of the students getting a job offer before they graduated and the rest within the first 3 months of graduation. For people who are going for a career shift it might be a little difficult. Once again, unlike many institutions in India, the onus is on the students to network and find a job that best suits the profile. Well ofcourse, the placement office is always there to help you through this process.

Language:
Language is a problem in Europe even if you are in the UK. IF you are contemplating a job in France, then French is almost mandatory.I have been attending the Alliance francais french classes and in HEC you will have to do the French language course as a mandatory requirement. So by the time you pass out, you will have a better understanding of the French language.

@Seekabhi:
My first interview didnt go as well as i wanted it to go, nonetheless i still got an admit. I had my scheduled my interview at the panelist's residence. It was by an ex-alumni, whom i had met a few months before in the World MBA tour. So she knew me quite well. It started off with a presentation(I gave a presentation on an entrepreneurial venture in rural tourism). Plenty of questions during the presentation and after that. Then started the chit-chat, it was more about getting to know me as a person than a formal interview. The whole session lasted 2 hours.

My second interview was also with an alumni who now runs his own company. It was first scheduled to happen in coffeeday and then got shifted to Barista and because of traffic issues to the Taj. This interview went pretty well. I presented the same topic. It lasted 1.5 hours.

Rosh,

Are there any merits/demerits in applying for the January intake? With the numbers you have posted, I just think I would be better placed if I apply for the January, 09 intake? My stats are: 710 GMAT/3.4GPA/almost 5 years WE as Transportation Engineer/Strong extra-curriculars.... Already got the Candidate Evaluation Response stating that I meet their minimum requirements.

Hi Guys,

I too have an admit from HEC and also from ESADE. Now finding it difficult to choose between the two. I am more inclined to HEC because of the availability of time(Sep 0.

But it would be great if someone could provide the pros and cons between these two schools.

Thanks
Rajesh

Hi Guys,

I too have an admit from HEC and also from ESADE. Now finding it difficult to choose between the two. I am more inclined to HEC because of the availability of time sep 08.

But it would be great if someone could provide the pros and cons between these two schools.

Thanks
Rajesh

Thanks , Rahul for your time on this thread. I am planning to put in my app for HEC after a few rejects from US skools. Hence, i am writing to inquire a few things abt the skool.

1. How difficult is it to overcome the language barrier , given the short duration of the program?

2. Are companies in the consulting and financial domain receptive to international students?

3. I did go thru the website for the list of recruiters, but couldnt find one such list for international students. Could you, from ur exp, suggest the names of employers which recruit international students? (esp consulting majors and big finance firms?)

4. how is the career services group? do students gain jobs predominantly thru network as in the US skools or are they dependent of career services? I am referring to some US skools which provide legal help to employers in recruting international students and provide for counseling sessions?

I again thank you for the time and appreciate ur help in this regard.

cheers
V






This is the link for HEC' last year thread:
http://www.pagalguy.com/discussions/hecfrance-2007-interviews-beyond-25018850

It contains information on interviews etc. I am a current student at HEC. Feel free to get in touch with me if you need any specific information.

My answers inline:

Thanks , Rahul for your time on this thread. I am planning to put in my app for HEC after a few rejects from US skools. Hence, i am writing to inquire a few things abt the skool.

1. How difficult is it to overcome the language barrier , given the short duration of the program?
I am not sure what you mean by overcoming the language barrier. if you mean will you be able to learn french in 16 months here, my answer is NO

2. Are companies in the consulting and financial domain receptive to international students?
Yes but the opportunities are limited (London is the big market and is ultra-competitive). In Europe language is going to be a problem while targetting consulting firms.

3. I did go thru the website for the list of recruiters, but couldnt find one such list for international students. Could you, from ur exp, suggest the names of employers which recruit international students? (esp consulting majors and big finance firms?)
In recent years, all top consulting and finance firms have accepted students from HEC (i wouldnt say they recruit from hec in the sense they dont come here and recruit). you have to apply on their websites and go through the usual recruitment process.

4. how is the career services group? do students gain jobs predominantly thru network as in the US skools or are they dependent of career services? I am referring to some US skools which provide legal help to employers in recruting international students and provide for counseling sessions?
Networking is the key. Career Services tells us about upcoming opportunities, helps us get in touch with alumni and other relevant people. They are still improving and I wouldnt compare them with top US schools. I dont think we get any legal help but we did have counselling sessions by consultants specializing in work-visas.

I again thank you for the time and appreciate ur help in this regard.

cheers
V

hey rahul,
thanx for those info...it ll definitely help us in taking an informed decision..

Rosh,

Are there any merits/demerits in applying for the January intake? With the numbers you have posted, I just think I would be better placed if I apply for the January, 09 intake? My stats are: 710 GMAT/3.4GPA/almost 5 years WE as Transportation Engineer/Strong extra-curriculars.... Already got the Candidate Evaluation Response stating that I meet their minimum requirements.

Demerits of Jan intake:
1. Small batch size - 50-60 people
2. No electives for the last 4 months of your course - you will have to either do a project or go on exchange. That means you wont spend more than 10 months at HEC (the school is closed for 2 months in summers)
3. Difficult to find good summer internship - you start classes in Jan and most of the top consulting/finance firms close their internship applications by feb end. This is a big problem

Thanks for the input, Rahul. Your post has really put my plans in a spin. I probably am still going to apply but am just a touch more uncertain about it now. Can you expand on the 2nd point you made? Why would I not get electives in the last 4 months?

gujjuguy Says
Thanks for the input, Rahul. Your post has really put my plans in a spin. I probably am still going to apply but am just a touch more uncertain about it now. Can you expand on the 2nd point you made? Why would I not get electives in the last 4 months?

i don't know the exact reason but it shud be because of the small batch size.
With 50-60 people, it might not be economically feasible for them to have people specialize in tracks like finance/strategy/marketing etc. A track requires minimum 30 people and an elective subject requires min 10-12 people. With a diverse group of 50-60 people, it might be difficult to get sufficient numbers to run different tracks and electives in a sustainable manner