#WEAREHEC - From the track to HEC Paris and beyond – Patrice Esele Sasa’s remarkable journey

Patrice Esele Sasa is one of those rare individuals who excel both academically and in sport. Not only is he following the Master in Management program at HEC Paris, but he is also a high-level athlete who is on track to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. His inspiring story is one of determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment in pursuing his passions and dreams.

The path to HEC Paris

After successfully completing his high school studies, Patrice was awarded a scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration in the United States, thanks to both his academic prowess and talent in athletics. The scholarship, however, didn’t cover all the tuition fees, so he temporarily interrupted his studies, did a series of jobs to raise the necessary funds and integrated the Indiana Institute of Technology in Fort Wayne.

Academically it was success and he obtained excellent grades. Unfortunately, from a sporting point of view things didn’t go to plan. He pulled his hamstring, and as his scholarship was based on both his academic and sporting performances, he could no longer afford to stay there. So, he returned to France and joined the Talents program at Paris Dauphine - a bachelor’s degree aimed at athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs. The adapted academic schedule enabled Patrice to focus on his training and obtain some great results in track and field. He continued his studies with a Master’s in wealth management. His schedule was no longer adapted, but he was still able to make tangible progress in athletics. Patrice’s dream, however, was to join HEC Paris.

The attraction of HEC Paris

While at Paris Dauphine, Patrice had an idea for a professional project - to develop of wealth management activity for professional athletes. He already had the technical skills in finance, tax, and real estate but he wanted to develop his know-how in entrepreneurship leadership, and management. Patrice knew that the Master in Management program at HEC Paris would not only enable him to acquire these specific skills, but would also give him access to an influential network and a wealth of professional opportunities to develop his project in the long term. As he plans to have clients overseas, the international dimension of HEC Paris was another key attraction.

The admissions process was challenging and demanding as he had lots of track and field competitions at national level at the same time. An added stress was the fact that he had decided to leave the university of Paris Dauphine without any insurance he would be admitted. Getting his place at HEC Paris was one of the most amazing feelings he has ever experienced. Patrice can only compare it with winning national medals in track and field because a few years ago he couldn't have imagined being accepted into such an esteemed school.

Athletics – a passion and a profession

Patrice began sprinting relatively late, in the last year of high school. Before that he played football, but he was always interested in athletics. He knew that he could run fast and very quickly he was able to achieve some great results and experience some amazing moments - especially at the French championships. This was a defining moment, and athletics became a passion and today a profession.

Making tangible progress is easier at the beginning, but reaching the next level requires intensive training and determination. So far, the hard work has enabled Patrice to win several French national medals in 100m, 200m, the 4 x 100m relay, as well as being a national champion with his university team in the US. His current objective is to qualify for and participate in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Beyond the Olympic Games his goal is to achieve the highest level possible in athletics and show that it is possible to reach the top both in sport and academically. He hopes this will encourage French institutions to engage more and offer greater opportunities to people who have a double talent. Patrice knows that he is one of the exceptions, but he is convinced that other talented people can achieve both academic and sporting success with the right opportunities and support.

Rising to the challenge of academic and sporting commitments

Combining intensive athletics training and meeting the academic demands of the challenging HEC Paris curriculum is by no means easy. It requires a deep sense of organization and discipline. But thanks to the support of the Academic Affairs and Administration teams at HEC Paris, who have adapted the schedule of his classes, Patrice is successfully managing both.

Competing at the highest level, however, can be expensive – buying the best equipment, nutrition and travelling overseas for competitions. Patrice is therefore actively looking for companies to sponsor him. In return, he could promote their brand in international competitions and embody some of the key values that you develop through sport – respect, teamwork, wellbeing, and a winning mentality. 

HEC Paris and beyond

Patrice really appreciates the diversity and the international dimension that HEC Paris offers. He has been able to meet some extraordinary people and has now has access to unparalleled career opportunities. He can’t wait to see what the next part of HEC Paris journey will bring.

He has met many professional athletes in both the United States and France who have shared the financial difficulties they have faced during their careers. In some cases, they have earned a lot of money, but they don’t have the skills to manage and invest it and prepare for the future. His goal is therefore to develop a wealth management activity to provide tangible solutions. With his background in both sport and finance, Patrice thinks this would bet the perfect career fit, but knows that this project will develop and may change before he graduates. So, he is remaining open to other career paths. Strategy and asset management, for example, would enable him to have a global impact in the sports sector and not just on individual athletes. But the dream job would still be to combine sport and finance.

Patrice Esele Sasa’s story is one of commitment, discipline, and the pursuit of both academic and sporting excellence. His journey so far is a testament to his ability to overcome obstacles and break barriers to pursue his dreams and ambitions.

Find out more about the Master in Management