Zainab Arilesere, HEC Paris MBA Class of 2026
Age: 35
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Lagos and Computer Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 9.5 years – Started out with a stint in risk & data analysis, 3+ years at Konga Online Shopping Limited (Nigeria’s largest online shopping mall) working as a service desk analyst and then transitioning to Product Management, became a Product Management consultant at McKinsey & Company, then 3.8 years leading Product Management + Chief of Staff at OmniRetail (Financial Times Africa’s fastest growing company 2024)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Pursuing an MBA has always been part of my long-term plan, stemming from a strong desire to understand how global corporations create value for consumers in a sustainable manner and solve complex problems while working ethically.
Working with super smart business leaders, a strong foundation in technology, and after gaining significant industry and management experience, I got to a pivotal point in my career where it became crucial to step back to invest in myself and step out of my comfort zone to gain new perspectives, build strong business acumen to grow and sustain businesses, broaden my expertise and transition into executive management in the global business world.
Why did you choose HEC Paris? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
HEC Paris fulfilled the majority of the key criteria I was looking for in an MBA program, including its prestigious reputation, strong global network, program flexibility, commitment to social impact, and focus on experiential learning.
In my interactions with the marketing and recruitment manager, her communication exuded clarity, and each correspondence reflected a standard of excellence – then speaking to the alumni solidified my impression of HEC Paris as a place where ambitious goals are met with genuine support and a commitment to each student’s success.
Another important factor in my decision was the opportunity to join the MBAT organizing committee, responsible for the largest gathering of MBA students in Europe—a multisport competition with 1,500 participants from 15 leading international business schools. Being part of this committee offers a unique chance to improve my organizational skills and expand my network, connecting with diverse and talented peers from across the globe.
The exceptional faculty had a role to play as well, and knowing that I’d be learning side by side and engaging with a diverse community of students was high on my checklist.
Additionally, living in Paris provides a unique opportunity for me to immerse myself in a culture known for its sophistication!!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
Aside from being an improv comedian, I’d say my strong passion to share ideas and insights that drive others toward success stands out. I leverage my diverse experience—ranging from navigating ambiguity and chaos in startups and scaling ventures from 0 to 1, to working in structured, process-driven environments, including guiding digital immigrants in the public sector.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Being a daddy’s girl, I watched the 1994 World Cup Games, and I still remember the names of all the Brazilian players from the final game with Nigeria.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am currently exploring roles in Retail, Private Equity, and Advisory, and I still have a strong interest in supporting startups.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Speaking to the recruitment Manager – my recruitment manager should receive flowers daily, if I had doubts about coming to HEC, she doused every single one!
And then, tapping into your network and asking for help & support.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Starting the application process at least 18 months before Day 1 – from test prep to giving enough notice to my recommenders, narrating a story compelling enough that the adcom want to include me in a cohort, and doing this alongside a full-time job (including the handover phase) and packing up requires commitment and TIME.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would avoid over-researching and over-thinking minor details and instead focus on key differentiators and what matters most to me most in choosing a school – staying organized helped me the most, I scheduled almost everything and tried to stick to it.
What is your initial impression of the HEC Paris students/culture/community?
My first impression of the HEC Paris community is WARMTH! Everyone is personable.
From the administrative team that recognizes you and are always enthusiastic to assist, they understand our differences and celebrate it, to meeting my batch mates from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives and professional backgrounds, has shown me that HEC fosters a truly global environment where differences are celebrated and people collaborate and not compete.
The faculty are passionate about the themes they share and give their time to support your progress with office hours.
What is one thing you have learned about HEC Paris that has surprised you?
The amount of unintimidating resources available and continuously shared to help us hone our interpersonal and hard skills, was something I underestimated.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Missing out : Being able to find harmony between studying, sleep, networking and socials – while maintaining excellence!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Forming deeper connections by immersing myself in a truly diverse learning environment and engaging with my peers learning new cultures/ exchanging perspectives. My cohort is 94% international, representing 42 nationalities!