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During business school, clubs connect you with fellow classmates and alumni, enhance your understanding of an industry and expand access to potential job opportunities and more. Outside of the classroom, student clubs form the foundation of the vibrant on-campus experience at HEC Paris.
Read on for firsthand insights into some student clubs and activities from HEC Paris MBA students. Their diverse backgrounds and interests—from luxury and fashion to healthcare and blockchain—demonstrate the depth and breadth of learning opportunities at HEC Paris. Get to know these students and how their club experiences helped shape a brighter and richer future for themselves and their fellow classmates.
“Through clubs, I’ve been able to attend interesting conferences, executive speaker series, connect with other students who have similar interests, and also find mentors in the industry.”
Jacklyn Burgo, HEC Paris MBA ‘23
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 14 years, Retail, Marketing
Current Employer & Title: Coty Inc.; MBA Intern – Global Digital Activations, GUCCI Beauty
HEC Paris Clubs: President, Retail & Luxury Club; Advisor, Women in Leadership Club
How have clubs influenced your experience at HEC Paris, in particular regarding finding a job/career niches, internship, networking, and educational value?
As I was considering different MBA programs, one important differentiator became the clubs available on campus to support students professionally and personally. It’s an opportunity to go beyond the classroom in learning about trending industry topics, connect with senior-level executives and network with talent acquisition at top companies – the ones which I aspire to join post-MBA. HEC had a strong history of robust club culture, truly led by students, which excited me. And to date, clubs have exceeded my expectations. Through clubs, I’ve been able to attend interesting conferences, executive speaker series, connect with other students who have similar interests, and also find mentors in the industry who are eager to guide MBAs.
Tell us about the Retail & Luxury Club. What are the goals/activities of the organization? What does your role as President entail? Who would benefit the most from joining this club?
The Retail & Luxury Club was founded in 2000 as a professional club committed to creating meaningful professional, educational and engaging events personalized to the needs of the MBA cohort. Whether a student is curious about learning more or determined to pursue a career in retail & luxury, we seek to craft unique conversations and touchpoints that allow our MBA community to explore. Signature events include our semi-annual Career Trek, Sustainable Fashion Week in collaboration with the Sustainability Club as well as a regular rotation of live and virtual events featuring industry leaders, company visits, mixers and more. During my tenure, we re-established travel treks and were able to build an exciting calendar of events in Milan! The trek included company visits to Buccellati and Retrosuperfuture that included presentations by the CEO, atelier visits, store visits, a presentation by Bain, a stop to Fondazione Prada and a mixer with the Bocconi MBAs.
As President my primary responsibility was to ensure that the club is on track to deliver events and opportunities to our membership, bring visibility to the club, and nurture relationships with corporate partners and individuals that have been fostered through the years. One of the best aspects of the club is that anyone can join and attend events; whether a student has a long history in the industry or an interest in changing sectors, events bring value to all those who attend. One caveat for those new to the industry is to practice consistency and attend as many events as possible, engage with speakers, club leadership and other members to maximize the experience.
Tell us about Women in Leadership. What are the goals/activities of the organization? Who would benefit the most from joining this club?
Women in Leadership (WIL) is another amazing club on campus that works to promote, uplift and support women as we aspire to move up the ranks and become leaders in the workplace post-MBA. WIL unites women on campus as well as allies to learn about the challenges women face and empower us with the tools to be effective changemakers. Additionally, WIL has also been successful in attracting corporate partners committed to hiring more women, all working towards their goal of inclusion.
What should MBA candidates consider when trying to decide which clubs to join?
It’s tempting to join many clubs because they all seem exciting and offer such a wide range of activities, but my advice is less is more. Choose 2-3 clubs that trigger your passion – whether that’s professional, personal or other – and dedicate your time to being an active member. Clubs are such a rewarding experience and I encourage students to take full advantage of them!
Read on for insights from alumnus Alex Richwood and how his HEC Paris club experience still resonates.
