Supawish Thamsuaydee, HEC Paris MBA Class of 2026
Age: 30
Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Mechanical Engineering, Chulalongkorn University
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Co-pilot, Thai Airways International, 2017-2020; Consultant, Iris Consulting, 2020-2022; Project Manager, Lazada, 2022-2024; Consultant, Iris Consulting, 2024
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My long-term goal is to be in a senior executive position in a major role in Thailand’s aviation industry. As a former pilot at Thai Airways, this goal was motivated by my witness to the company’s failed effort to resolve its ambiguous status as a private-public entity. As I came to the realization that entrepreneurship and business acumen were key to leading this company towards a more strategic and sustainable growth, I also recognized the importance of a solid foundation in business expertise and proficient management skills. Over the next five years, I aim to broaden my expertise and gain valuable experiences across different business domains within the role of management consultant in order to bolster my strategic, managerial, and leadership competencies.
Therefore, this is the right moment for me to pursue an MBA. Given my extensive background in project management and data analysis, it is required of me to acquire in-depth business knowledge with a global perspective. Additionally, cultivating a robust professional network would greatly enhance my prospects on a global scale, opening up a multitude of career opportunities.
Why did you choose HEC Paris? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
HEC’s class profile ensures a high level of diversity and allows me to experience different perspectives from a variety of peers. This will not only enrich my learning experience but also help me build lifelong connections for future opportunities. As such, my proficiency in bridging communication gaps between individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise would greatly benefit the class. My unique perspective as a former commercial pilot would also contribute interesting ideas and broaden the overall aspects of the discussions. Furthermore, the MBA Tournament also provides opportunities to connect with students from other business schools. HEC’s comprehensive and customizable curriculum, including specializations in sustainable and disruptive innovation, directly addresses my curiosity and perfectly aligns with my goals.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
There are several unique aspects I bring to the class. First, I’m the only representative from Thailand in the cohort, so the perspectives I share are deeply rooted in my experiences back home. Second, I was a pilot, which is a rare profession that not many people have had the chance to pursue. The time I spent in the cockpit, handling high-pressure situations daily, has taught me to stay calm and think critically before making decisions. While some may prioritize speed, I focus on ensuring every step is taken with care. Additionally, I have a strong ability to bond people from different cultures, helping foster collaboration and understanding among my peers from diverse backgrounds.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love playing sports, though I haven’t won anything yet, lol. Also, I look younger than my age!
Post-MBA career interests:
My immediate plan after my MBA is to do management consulting and then transition to corporate strategy in the Thai aviation industry.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
First, I dedicated a significant amount of time to understanding myself, defining my ultimate goal, and figuring out the best path to achieve it. I believe this self-reflection is the most crucial step in the application process. Without a clear goal, navigating the first year on campus can be overwhelming, especially with so many opportunities to explore—many of which present themselves within the first three months of the semester.
Second, I thoroughly researched not only HEC but business schools across the EU. Each school has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to be strategic in selecting which schools to apply to, especially considering the significant application fees.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I have no regrets in life. From choosing to become a pilot to transitioning into the business world, every experience has been invaluable. However, if there’s one thing I’d do differently, it would be having more courage to make ambitious decisions earlier on. I believe my career path could have progressed even faster, potentially bringing me to business school a year or two sooner. Culturally, we often value humility, but I’ve learned that sometimes, being bold and assertive is necessary to achieve our goals, and I’ve come to truly appreciate the importance of that balance.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe that everything that happens in life serves as a lesson, shaping me into a better person. I’ve faced several tough situations, but I’ve learned that staying calm and being well-prepared are two key factors that help me overcome challenges. Along with this, maintaining resilience, seeking advice from others, and approaching problems with an open mind have also been invaluable. Every difficulty has taught me something new, whether about myself, my capabilities, or the world around me—and I truly believe these experiences are what continue to help me grow and evolve.
What is your initial impression of the HEC Paris students/culture/community?
Here, we live on campus together, which means we spend time with each other not only in class but also before and after. This creates a strong sense of community and allows us to bond quickly. Additionally, the culture is very open-minded, with people readily sharing their professional and personal experiences, fostering deep connections and meaningful conversations.
What is one thing you have learned about HEC Paris that has surprised you?
Safety on campus. Before coming here, I had heard about negative and unsafe situations in Paris. However, that’s not the case at HEC. The campus feels like a safe haven where students can focus on their academics and build their career paths without worry. It truly creates a secure and supportive environment that encourages learning and personal development.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
In my first year, the one thing I’m most anxious about is managing the balance between academics, networking, and career planning, especially since these critical decisions come quickly within the first few months. With so many paths to consider, from courses to career opportunities, it can be overwhelming to ensure I’m making the right choices to align with my long-term goals.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
One of the greatest aspects is sharing and gaining perspectives from people around the world. With peers from about 50 countries, each bringing unique skills and the drive to make meaningful changes, every day offers valuable insights. I simply enjoy the process while continuously developing myself to reach my goals.
