A social activist shares how a HEC Paris MBA has helped her make a positive change while managing a global team at Zalando
Shubhi Khare grew up in a small village in India, where societal expectations often limit girls to early marriage, restrict education, and confine women to the home. At 16, she had to fight to be educated.
“I was told that I couldn’t have that opportunity,” she states. “But I resilient. I would not take no for an answer.”
Shubhi’s implacable determination took her all the way to Jaipur. There she became one of the few women working in B2B sales at Saint-Gobain. She continued to persevere, shaking off disparaging comments over women’s place in the workforce as she climbed her way to a management position.
Her grit paid off, and she eventually landed a job working as an Amazon strategic manager in their Middle East team. It was a marked achievement—but the experience only strengthened her resolve to aim even higher. She wanted to work on an international level, managing a global team.
Her new ambitions led her on the search for an MBA. She quickly landed on HEC Paris. Not only is HEC Paris one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools, but the school also offers critical connections to global e-commerce industries.
Now a senior partner consultant at Europe’s largest e-commerce fashion brand, Zalando, Shubhi works with global clients to help them source the right logistics for their ecommerce business in Europe—a role that necessitates a high degree of interculturality and social innovation.
So, how did the HEC Paris MBA help her get there?
1. Acclimate to other cultures
Given that the HEC Paris MBA features over 63 nationalities, Shubhi had to quickly adjust to working with people from opposite ends of the planet, which often entailed opposing ideas on how to solve problems, too.
“You become very adaptable in terms of your personality,” she says. “You get to know different people’s working styles.”
For the first eight months of the program, students are divided into groups of four or five, where they collaborate over core business modules such as Leadership Communication and Managerial Economics.
This learning style not only builds cross-cultural communication skills, but also strengthens students’ global network, believes Shubhi.
Now managing a global team, Shubhi draws on the cultural adaptability she picked up during the program.
“I am very comfortable speaking to people from all over the world and navigating cultural biases with ease,” she says.
2. Develop interpersonal skills via the HEC Paris MBA
Studying for an MBA isn’t all about hardcore finance skills. Half the battle in leadership is being able to win people over, which requires a high degree of emotional intelligence.
“The further you grow in my career, it's not about how much more you know, but instead how approachable and kind you are with people around you,” Shubhi says.
At HEC Paris, MBA students study courses such as Leadership: Influence & Decision Making and Ethics & Sustainability, which emphasize the importance of allocentric management.
“It taught me how to be a more empathetic leader who is better prepared for the future.”
3. Make a social impact
Before embarking on the MBA, Shubhi had already served Save and Educate Girl Child: a government program in India that operates on a grassroots level to provide girls from underprivileged areas opportunities for both education and employment—a struggle she herself had overcome.
Determined to continue her impact on the program, Shubhi led the HEC Paris Women in Leadership Club, where she brought in guest speakers including the former French minister for diversity, Élisabeth Moreno.
“I wanted to be a part of something that has both social and professional impact,” says Shubhi.
Her drive has propelled her to make a difference in Zalando, too, where she is now a member of the core women network. On top of her daily workload, she sets up sessions in allyship and provides women with workplace tactics to assert their voices.
“I want to give back, because I got it, and I'm continuing that cycle here.”
4. Learn how to talk about important issues
No business is an island, and in order to be an effective leader, you need to be able to discuss the most relevant global issues.
At HEC Paris, MBA students can specialize in future-facing business topics such as Data and AI for Business Transformation and Sustainable and Disruptive Innovation, which provides them with practical knowledge that can be incorporated into the workplace.
Thanks to my academic studies at HEC, I now approach client conversations with a deeper understanding and the right vocabulary to communicate effectively,” Shubhi says.
Being able to communicate complex issues, particularly regarding technological disruption and the environment, is crucial in order to instigate tangible change in companies—especially when leading global teams.
Shubhi believes that a HEC Paris MBA can provide the knowledge, skills, and tools to drive social change and make a positive impact as a top global business leader.
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.
