Devanshu Seth, HEC Paris MBA Class of 2020
Age: 26
Hometown: Kanpur, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: BITS Pilani Goa Campus and MSc (Tech) in Information Systems
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years of work experience in data science consulting for banking and financial services clients
Why business school? Why now?
In addition to my current technical and analytical skill set, I feel that pursuing an MBA will help me navigate the consulting space while enhancing my knowledge of finance. Also, I believe the MBA will help me learn how to approach solving problems for clients, which is the backbone of the modern consulting industry. While the MBA will polish my overall leadership and people skills, management concepts and lessons will help me develop an all-round profile that is more tailored to the industry.
Why HEC Paris? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The HEC Paris MBA program stands out for me to achieve my targeted goals. The program’s flexible curriculum of an 8-month fundamental phase coupled with an 8-month customized phase will help me build core management competencies and enable me to pursue my chosen electives and specialization.
This tailor-made program allows me to choose Strategy as a specialization and simultaneously pick up finance electives like International Financial Management. Moreover, HEC’s fieldwork project will help me apply concepts to real-world scenarios.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
Data science and analytics are becoming one of the most sought-after skills. Being in this space for 4 years has taught me how to approach problems with an analytical mindset. I believe this skill set will bring diversity to the class and my unique experiences will enhance the quality of discussions.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I love going on treks. I make sure to go on at least 3-4 treks in a year.
Post-MBA career interests?
My short-term post-MBA goal is to join a global management consulting firm specifically in the financial services sector. I believe my previous experience in the consulting industry will provide a strong base on which to build my career.
I see myself building strategies for clients, managing client relationships and expectations, and gathering relevant intelligence to navigate the consulting industry along the way. 5-8 years down the line, I see myself rising through the ranks within a firm and becoming a partner.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Share my experiences and what I learned from them.
One thing you would change or do differently?
Be more confident during the interviews, even when the answers to the questions are not so concrete.
Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Overthink the answers to the essays. Asking for advice from people close to me helped me get through it.
What is your initial impression of the HEC Paris culture/community?
The class is very diverse with people from 45 different countries and a wide array of professional backgrounds. The culture is inclusive and very comfortable. The HEC community is highly supportive and willing to offer guidance.
One thing you have learned about HEC Paris that has surprised you?
There are so many activities in the initial days that help the new class network and get to know each other. The extensive immersion activities eased the transition into the program.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Getting a good grip on the French language and culture.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Learning management concepts and working with people from diverse backgrounds.
