HEC I Master I Study in France

Name: Elizaveta

From: Beloretsk, Russia

Studied in: France, Paris

Start of studies abroad: 2018

Degree: Master

Program type: Strategic Management

Home University: Higher School of Economics (HSE), Russia

Foreign University: HEC Paris

Program satisfaction rating: 5/5

Internship: Yes

Job offer: Yes

🎓 Application

How did you find out about this program?

While studying at HSE, I had a mentor who gave me a list of top European business schools — including HEC, LBS, Bocconi, and St. Gallen. I then researched each program on their official websites and reached out to alumni from HSE who had studied in those schools.

Why did you choose this particular program?

I was interested in strategy and wanted to work in consulting, so I focused on HEC and St. Gallen, which consistently rank among the top in this field. In the end, I chose HEC because the program seemed more practical and career-focused. Another major factor was the opportunity to learn from professors who are also active professionals, including partners from Bain and McKinsey.

What was the application process like?

There were two stages:

1. Application submission — including:

   • Bachelor’s degree or transcripts

   • 1-page CV

   • GMAT or GRE scores

   • 7–8 short essays (around 250 words) on topics like career goals, recent work experience, biggest achievement, hobbies, a time you made a mistake, etc.

   • Proof of English (IELTS or TOEFL) – not required in my case because my bachelor’s was in English

   • Two academic references

2. Skype interview with the admissions team.

The hardest part for me was preparing for and taking the GMAT — it took a lot of time and energy. Also, one of my professors submitted the reference literally 30 minutes before the deadline, despite being asked weeks in advance!

What level of English was required?

IELTS or TOEFL — although I was exempt because I had completed an English-language bachelor’s program at HSE.

What level of French was required?

None.

💡 Your impressions from your study abroad experience

What are your general impressions of the program?

I’m very happy with my studies at HEC Paris. The Strategic Management program is thoughtfully designed for students aiming for consulting careers. The first semester covers core subjects like finance and accounting, and the second is more flexible — students can choose electives or take part in a company project.

Some standout electives included:

• Business Planning – we worked with a real food-tech startup preparing their first-round investment pitch.

• Data & Analytics in Operations – included site visits to McKinsey Paris where their Data Science team presented real-world case studies.

• Shaping Strategies in a Digital World – involved co-creating business transformation ideas for Edenred with their team.

There were also many workshops hosted by top consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Roland Berger, and more.We started the year with a study trip to London, visiting offices like Google, Uber, Morgan Stanley, Ardian, and Christie’s.At the end of the program, we could choose a certification — for example, “Excellence in Client Experience” by LVMH or an M&A module taught by private equity professionals.

Campus life is rich: from sports (even horseback riding!) and language courses to clubs like consulting, finance, and debate. There’s even a startup incubator. I personally took French, played on the volleyball team, and organized the HEC Business Game.

What was the main value of the program for you?

For me, the key takeaways were developing teamwork, leadership, and presentation skills. Most courses had group projects. Also, having instructors from the industry brought practical knowledge, and the HEC network opened career doors internationally.

What didn’t you like about the program?

The uneven workload. There were months with almost no classes followed by two intense weeks with five projects. Also, the campus is quite far from central Paris.

What did you enjoy the most?

HEC invests heavily in career support. There were countless workshops, CV/CL sessions, and visits from recruiters — not just from France, but also the UAE, Belgium, and Luxembourg. I also loved the diversity of the cohort — 20+ nationalities, which really broadens your perspective.

What was the most challenging part of the experience?

Managing group projects — especially since teams were often randomly assigned. It pushed me to adapt quickly and find common ground with new people. Also, dealing with French bureaucracy was tough at first. For example, I found it strange to receive a PIN code for a bank card by post and needing tons of paperwork to get a SIM card.

How was this experience different from studying in Russia?

The focus in France is on practical application, not theory. Final grades often came from team presentations, not written exams. Participation in class discussions could count for 30% of your grade. This was very different from the more rigid, theoretical approach back home.

What did your typical day look like?

I had classes and workshops in the morning or afternoon. Then we met in teams to work on projects, and I also spent time job hunting and preparing for interviews. In the evenings, I played volleyball, hung out with classmates, or joined campus parties.

📌 Useful resources

Who did you turn to for help when you had questions?

HEC has excellent support for international students. There are workshops that guide you through CAF applications, and the prefecture even comes to campus so you can renew your visa without queuing. The career center was also super helpful — from reviewing your CV to mock interviews and networking with alumni.

Did you talk to other students or alumni?

Yes! I reached out to HSE graduates who had studied at HEC — their insights helped a lot during the application process.

What websites did you use to research studying abroad?

Official rankings like QS and The Economist. Also LinkedIn to find and connect with alumni.

💰 Finance

What was the cost of the program and how did you pay for it?

€26,000 + €110 application fee. My parents supported me financially.

🏠 Accommodation

Where did you live during your studies?

I lived on campus, so finding accommodation wasn’t a problem for me. A few months/weeks before the start of the program, I received a link to book a room – you could choose to live alone or with someone. I paid around €500 for the room and later got part of it reimbursed through CAF.

What’s the average cost of living in Paris?

Between €1,000 and €1,500/month.

🚀 Career opportunities

Did you do an internship during your studies? How did you find it?

After graduating, I interned at Disneyland Paris. An HEC alum sent out an internal job listing. I sent my CV directly to the team lead and got invited to an interview.

Did the university help you in your job search?

Yes — resume editing and case prep workshops helped me land the offer.

What field was your internship in? What was the salary?

Strategy / In-house consulting. €1,300/month.

Did you get a job after graduation?

Yes. After my internship, I received a CDD, then a permanent CDI at Disney. I now work as a Strategic Analyst on business development and long-term planning projects.

🌏 Future Plans

Do you plan to stay in France?

For now, yes — I enjoy the lifestyle and my job. But I’m open to moving to another country or even returning to Russia one day.

What do you like and dislike about France?

I love the architecture, history, great food and wine, and being able to travel easily across Europe — quick weekend trips to Belgium, Italy, or the Netherlands. I appreciate French humor and their tolerant attitude.What I don’t like is the bureaucracy, poor customer service, and the expensive, hard-to-find housing. Even after 2.5 years, I still struggle with rentals, banks, and paperwork — it’s exhausting at times.

What advice would you give to future students?

Start preparing early — it’ll make your application stronger and help you make more informed decisions. And don’t be shy to reach out to alumni — they’re usually happy to help!