HEC Paris Q+A

Where are you from?
India

What was your position before you became an MBA student?
Assistant vice president (Swiss Re Shared Service Centre India Pvt. Ltd.)

You've studied and worked in Switzerland, Yemen and India, why did you decide to study in France and not Switzerland or India?
I was keen on expanding my horizons in an international environment. I was excited to meet different people, travel and explore diverse cultures. An MBA, for me, is enriching both personally and professionally. Thus, I chose to study abroad instead of in my home country.

The reason I decided to study in France is that I have been closely associated with the French language and culture for about 10 years now. Plus, when I visited Paris a couple of times for vacation, I loved everything I experienced!

As president of HEC Club Cue can you tell me in a nutshell what the society does?
HEC Club Cue is aimed at improving one's communication skills - both interpersonal and professional. Members develop their communication skills based on feedback from peers, in a fun atmosphere, through group or individual activities.

You don't often read about an Assistant VP of Swiss Re who has also performed in the Lion King. How did that happen?
I have always been fascinated with live performances and the arts: be it theatre, dance, stand-up comedy, singing ... I took part in a lot of concerts and some plays when I was at university in India. However, when deciding what career to choose after university, I was attracted to Swiss Re and what it offered: the opportunity to use my French on the job, in an accounting function and the chance to travel and discover Switzerland!

I still keep in close contact with the theatre and music scene in Bangalore and am excited as I am now discovering these industries in Paris!

Any plans to star in other musicals: Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera?
Why not? If the opportunity does knock on my door, I'd surely take it up!

Having had the opportunity to study in both India and France, which education system do you prefer and why?
I wish I’d had the chance to study similar courses or study in similar educational institutions in both India and France. Each country has its own organisational setup, standard of teaching, and methods of teaching. For this reason, I wouldn't be able to fairly compare the two educational systems and state which one I prefer.

You started the MBA in 2009. What’s been your high point and low point?
My high point has definitely been the number of incredibly talented people I have gotten to meet and know over these last 9 months. The experience of living and learning with students from diverse backgrounds and different cultures has been absolutely enriching! I have made some very good friends and am constantly expanding my network. The low points were the harsh winter that hit Europe last year and also, to some extent, the distance from my family and friends back home.

Where do MBAs hang out in Paris after a hard day's work of number crunching and reviewing case studies?
We have our own private bar! Just kidding… well, not entirely: The HEC campus is located
about an hour away from Paris. Thus, most students live on campus, at least during the first two terms, when things are beyond hectic. We have our very own Piano Bar where we chill out after a hard day's work and a Social Life Team that ensures that we party often. In addition, the French Connection Club organises get-togethers in various bars, clubs and restaurants in Paris on a regular basis.

How challenging is it to get into the rhythm of studying when you’ve been out for so long?
It's a different life altogether but I adapted to it quite easily... probably because I really yearned to study, meet new people and experience a new life! Furthermore, when everyone around you is engaged in group work, presentations or assignments, you just simply slip into that mode and carry on from there.

What's next after HEC Paris?
That's an exciting question... but I'm not entirely sure what's next after HEC Paris. I'm going to continue to learn, absorb, experience, discover, have fun and dream ... and the rest should take care of itself!

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