Shoma Watanabe, HEC Paris MBA Class of 2025
Age: 36
Hometown: Mie, Japan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Engineer, Architecture
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Over the past 10 years, I have cultivated various professional experiences, encompassing roles as a Senior Manager in the Managed Services department within the IT sector in India, an analyst at a bank in the UK, and a structural designer/leader at the civil department in the engineering field in Tokyo.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to pursue an MBA in my career to break through a leadership plateau and absorb diverse perspectives. With a decade of experience in varied functions and countries, I have reached a point where advancing leadership skills and strategic thinking is crucial. Business school offers an ideal environment to build these skills from scratch, be stimulating with a global cohort, and challenge my existing views, all of which allow me to get out of my comfort zone.
Why did you choose HEC Paris? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The main reason that I chose HEC Paris MBA is to put myself in a challenging environment with creativity, sustainability, and diversity playing pivotal roles. HEC Paris stands out as an institution that does not just mention these values in passing but embeds them into its curriculum and community.
Diversity is not just about numbers; it is about the richness of experiences and perspectives that each classmate brings. This multicultural environment promises a deeper understanding of global business dynamics and an opportunity to learn from a myriad of backgrounds, ensuring a truly holistic experience.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
My most valuable contribution would lie in offering an unconventional perspective from combinations across IT, finance, and civil fields. Perhaps it sometimes tends to be ignored, but considering innovative ideas, views, and ways of thinking differently, it should be taken into account. Though I am still working on how I could deliver it effectively, I am keenly aware of the need to communicate these ideas to my peers.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love scuba diving and have dived in the sea more than 200 times.
Post-MBA career interests:
Marketing or consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would conduct interviews with others to gain deeper self-insight. Engaging in conversations with diverse individuals provided me with valuable external perspectives, challenging my self-perceptions. This approach highlighted the profound impact of interpersonal interactions in shaping our understanding of ourselves. It underscored the reality that our self-view might diverge from how others perceive us. This process was enlightening, not just in refining my application, but in fostering a more nuanced awareness of my identity, motivations, and potential. I believe such reflections were instrumental in presenting a more authentic and holistic self-portrait in my application.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Take action as soon as possible. I could not manage both work and preparation, resulting in a longer journey to get into HEC Paris. Furthermore, the time would take your motivation in some way. If I could change something, I would definitely say that, act first and reason later in terms of the application.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If possible, I would have bypassed the prolonged challenge of achieving a target GMAT score. While it’s widely acknowledged that a higher score is advantageous for admissions, the process initially felt like a mere hurdle. However, I changed my mindset as I recognized its intrinsic value: the GMAT rigorously trains in deconstructing complex problems into manageable segments, a crucial skill in business. This realization transformed my approach from merely striving for a score to embracing the test as practical training for real-world business scenarios. Embracing this mindset was pivotal, helping me navigate the journey with purpose and practicality.
What is your initial impression of the HEC Paris students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the HEC Paris community is overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding the supportive nature. Before applying, I had the opportunity to engage with several HEC students, and their willingness to assist and share insights left a lasting impact. This collaborative and nurturing environment appears deeply ingrained in the school’s culture, resonating with my own values and aspirations.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing priorities: academic coursework, collaborative group projects, and career exploration. I recognized that adept time management is crucial, whereas I also want to maximize opportunities in all domains, a challenging yet invigorating endeavor. Navigating this dynamic landscape requires not only meticulous planning but also adaptability and self-awareness to allocate time where it yields the most growth and fulfillment, personally and professionally. This journey, though demanding, is a vital part of my holistic development as a well-rounded individual and future professional.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Other than academic learning, I am really excited about meeting new people, cohorts, and alumni.
