Hélène SENE, HEC Paris MBA Class of 2024
Age: 32
Hometown: Paris
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Ecole Supérieure Multinationale de Télécommunications (SENEGAL), Major: Telecommunications and Software Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years in IT consulting
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After a nice and deep experience in IT, it was time for me to get challenged in other ways. I wanted to acquire more knowledge about business, get out of my comfort zone and tackle new challenges, especially in the Finance sector, in which I have a great interest.
Why did you choose HEC Paris? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I have chosen HEC Paris for a lot of reasons :
- Its renown and expertise in the finance sector is unquestionable. HEC is a well-established institution that has trained great and impactful leaders in the world and offers an opportunity to learn from a diverse cohort and a great faculty. Students acquire cutting-edge knowledge in a multicultural, diverse, and inclusive context.
- Diversity and Inclusion are in the DNA of HEC. We have 42 nationalities in the class of 2024, which induces a great experience.
- HEC has the strongest alumni in the world which permits them to thrive in a resourceful network.
- Its specific mindset of impactful leadership that differentiates HEC alumni.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
My most valuable contributions to the Class of 2024 are my strong background in Technology and my willingness to share, especially with my female classmates, my humble experience in conciliating parenting life and a demanding job.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I started the GMAT preparation one month after the birth of my son, and sometimes I would find myself breastfeeding while studying during the night.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m really interested in the Finance sector.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talking to alumni helps get better insights on the program.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Nothing, it was a unique experience that helped me reflect on my personal and professional goals.
–What is your initial impression of the HEC students/culture/community?
I have been very pleasantly surprised by the support existing among our cohort. It’s a great change for people living for the first time in France far from their families, so we act like a big family looking after each other. The previous cohort also helps us with a lot of tips and advice and the staff/faculty is so devoted to our success.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Time management is key at HEC: there is a lot happening on campus (professional events, career fairs, student events, Talks….), so while the academic life is demanding, one has to always balance and prioritize.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Acquiring a lot of knowledge and getting to bond more with my cohort.
