Making a triple jump—changing industry, function, and location—is one of the most ambitious career moves an MBA student can attempt. Zhanara explains how she made it happen
People pursue an MBA for various reasons, but one of the most common is to switch careers. While many aim to change their location, industry, or job function, others take on the ambitious MBA “triple jump,” changing all three at once.Zhanara Yessenberlina is one of those students. Originally from Kazakhstan, she graduated from the HEC Paris MBA in June 2023. The program enabled her to achieve a triple jump: relocating from Kazakhstan to France, transitioning from banking to fintech, and changing from enterprise architect to project manager.
Here, she reveals to BusinessBecause how an MBA gave her the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to make the coveted switch.
1) An MBA gives you time to think
Working a full-time job can make it challenging to properly assess your career goals, especially when you’re caught up in day-to-day responsibilities. While an MBA can be an intense period of study, it gives you the time and space you need for a career reset.
That was certainly the case for Zhanara. While most MBA programs in Europe are nine to 12 months long, HEC Paris also offers a 16-month option. That extra time at business school gave Zhanara the chance to carefully reflect on the next steps in her career.
“The HEC program was ideal for me,” she says. “It was 16 months, including a summer break, during which you can do an internship, a language course, or take on plenty of other opportunities.”
In Zhanara’s case, she used the summer break to take intensive French classes. They would set her up for a future career in the French capital, but it was another component of the MBA that had a bigger impact on her career change.
2) Access dedicated and personalized career coaching
One common challenge when switching careers is uncertainty about your next move. Without the proper support, it can be difficult to find out which industry is right for you—which is why personalized career support is so valuable.
At HEC Paris, students have access to a dedicated career coach who helps them to clearly define their career goals.
“My career coach at HEC helped me to understand my position in that market,” explains Zhanara. “She helped me identify some initial targets, find my industry and segment, and pinpoint the right roles. I had a few sessions with her that were extremely useful.”
These coaching sessions allowed Zhanara to crystallize her career goals and zero in on her preferred industry. She emphasizes that career coaching is particularly useful for international students, who may face additional challenges in adapting to an unfamiliar job market.
3) MBAs develop invaluable soft skills
An often overlooked benefit of an MBA is the soft skills you’ll learn during the program, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, innovation, and interpersonal skills. When you’re trying to switch careers, these skills really come to the fore.
“If you’re doing a triple jump, you may be competing with people with stronger technical skills or experience in that area. For me, soft skills were my competitive advantage,” Zhanara says.
Developing her soft skills gave her an edge when navigating a competitive market.
“Two of the soft skills that I learned at HEC were resilience and adaptability. There are different cycles during an MBA program: when you move from work to study and then from study to work. You regularly have to adapt to new circumstances.
“I would say adaptability has helped me change my job function, and it continues to benefit my career today.”
4) Build your network and put leadership into practice
Sometimes, landing your dream job comes down to who you know rather than just what you know. This is why an MBA is such an asset for career switchers.
At HEC Paris, regular recruiting fairs bring major employers directly onto campus, allowing students to connect with potential future employers. It’s an opportunity that Zhanara says would be difficult to replicate without an MBA.
Clubs, events, and hands-on experiences such as the Outdoor Leadership Seminar and the French Connection student club—a group that brings together MBAs with an interest in French language and culture—encouraged her to build connections and develop practical leadership skills.
“At HEC we had a lot of job fairs and specific networking activities with different clubs. As president of the French Connection student club, I also organized those types of events for myself and my classmates. We all benefited from them.”
5) Gain the confidence to switch careers
Perhaps most importantly, an MBA gives you one of the most valuable career assets you can have: confidence. Time and time again, graduates reflect on how an MBA gave them the confidence they needed to achieve their dreams.
In Zhanara’s case, the HEC Paris MBA gave her the confidence she needed to apply for roles that may have seemed out of reach before. She proactively reached out to potential employers, rather than waiting for job vacancies to appear.
This newfound confidence yielded results almost immediately. Within two months of completing her MBA, Zhanara had successfully made her triple jump.
Today, she works as a project manager at fintech firm Murex in Paris. For Zhanara, an MBA turned out to be her golden ticket to a new career path.
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.
A Transformative Experience
Attending HEC Paris is an exceptional experience, combining world-class education with personal and professional growth opportunities.
The courses are incredibly engaging, delivered by highly qualified professionals who are specialists in their domains and often work or have work experience in prestigious companies. Far from being purely theoretical, the programs emphasise practical, hands-on learning, allowing students to dive deep into whichever area they want to specialise in. The variety of elective courses is remarkable - you can explore anything from advanced financial techniques to more cultural disciplines like politics, arts, and cinema.
Beyond academics, the student life at HEC is vibrant and dynamic. With over 50 student associations to join, there's something that will fit for everyone. Whether you are passionate about entrepreneurship, sports, arts, cuisine, social causes or anything else, HEC offers a space to explore and develop your interests.
The campus itself is well-equipped, providing students with everything they need for a comfortable and enriching experience. From excellent accommodations and sports facilities with professional coaching to a sprawling green area perfect for walking or relaxing, the environment is both stimulating and tranquil. And with Paris just a short bus ride away, students have the added benefit of easy access to one of the world's most beautiful cities.
However, what truly sets HEC apart is the unparalleled networking opportunities it provides. The school fosters connections through daily conferences in various fields of business (and not only business), networking events, site visits, and alumni cocktails. The alumni network is incredibly powerful, opening doors to countless opportunities and making it easier to connect with professionals in your dream field. The career center is another standout feature, offering invaluable support to help students navigate their career paths.
In conclusion, HEC Paris is much more than a top-tier European business school - it’s a transformative experience that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to achieve your goals while also helping you discover what you’re truly passionate about.
Exceptional and esteemed institution
My time at HEC Paris was nothing short of incredible! The exceptional faculty, cutting-edge curriculum, and breathtaking campus exceeded my expectations. But what truly made my experience stand out was the diverse and dynamic community. I forged lasting bonds with people from all corners of the globe and gained invaluable insights from their unique perspectives.
The career prospects and alumni network that come with graduating from HEC Paris are unparalleled. I feel privileged to have been part of this esteemed institution and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a top-tier business education.
My study Experience at HEC Bussiness School
Programs are generally tought in English and have Strong academic foundation and access to practical business knowledge.
Located in the center of Paris with good environment and professors.
But the administration is very slow and annoying.
And secondly if your financial situation is not strong than i don't think it will be a smart choice.
Very satisfied with teaching style
I chose HEC Paris for its strong sense of community. While other colleges offered identical academic degrees, HEC Paris' pleasant culture and helpful environment really spoke to me. The tough courses, competent professors, and extensive career preparation have given me a well-rounded educational experience. I would not exchange my experience at HEC Paris for anything. Given their commitment and energy, I believe they are eager to learn and engage in class. I am confident that my time at HEC Paris will prepare me for a great future, and I am pleased to be a part of it.
Everyone’s excited to be here
HEC Paris has been a fantastic experience for me, going much beyond academics! The professors are great mentors who walk us through cutting-edge principles and practical applications. We're talking about innovative ideas, industrial partnerships, and global opportunities that can help us prepare for a global future.HEC Paris achieved the ideal balance between tradition and innovation. HEC Paris strikes the optimal blend between demanding academics and a supportive community. The instructors are excited about what they teach and are always willing to help, ensuring that you do not just study but also grasp the content.
Wouldn’t change a thing
I had an incredible experience at HEC Paris. The classes are interesting, the lecturers are excellent, and I believe I am gaining a useful education. This institution's people and faculty are outstanding, and while here, I discovered my actual self. I always feel comfortable on campus because it is the safest place in town. The students at HEC Paris are unquestionably its greatest asset.All of the students are determined to succeed and have a strong passion for a variety of activities. The level of diversity you encounter is extraordinary.
