Husameldeen Mohammed Ibrahim, HEC Paris MBA Class of 2022
Age: 35 years old
Hometown: Khartoum, Sudan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (Malaysia), Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): I have 12 years of work experience in the upstream oil & gas industry. I started my career as an electrical and instrument engineer in Sudan before moving to Malaysia, where I switched to project management. About two years ago, I chose to move to strategic planning in search of a new challenge and an influential role in the energy sector.
Why business school? Why now?
Having decided to pursue a new career trajectory, business school made perfect sense. I had no background in business and the time is I spent in the strategy department made me realise the gap in my competencies.
Why HEC? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The reputation of HEC Paris as the alma mater of CEOs, the diversity of its cohorts, and the chance to experience Europe.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I try to share my experience in the energy industry and my perspective on teamwork and collaboration in multi-cultural settings. It is a humble contribution to such a talented class.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I have learned many statistical concepts because I like to read about football analytics.
Post-MBA career interests?
I plan to continue working in the energy industry but focus my career on renewable energy business development.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
The process of essay writing. It was the first chance I had to really stop and ask myself ‘what do you really want in your career?’ As a result of that experience, I feel that I can take charge of my career.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would apply to HEC in the early rounds. I submitted my application in the late rounds and received my acceptance letter in April, and because of that I did not have the chance to take some time off before the start of the program. I feel it would have been useful to have a couple of months off.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT. Preparing for the test was very demanding experiences, but I was fortunate to have the support of my superiors, friends, and prep coach.
What is your initial impression of HEC’s students/culture/community?
People will go out of their way to help each other, and it is truly amazing. It is also fascinating to talk to people here; it seems that everyone has lived in several countries, experienced more than one line of work and has achieved something amazing.
One thing you have learned about HEC that has surprised you?
Experiential learning is very central to the program, and starts very early. The first business game was during the first few weeks of the program. I can’t think of a better way to understand how the different functions of a business affect one another.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The safety and health of everyone in the school. The school has protocols and measures in place to protect everyone and that eases my concerns to a great degree.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m very excited about being in class and learning from professors and my cohort.
