MAXIMILIEN VON WEISBERG

 I could never have imagined how intellectually enriching it would be to analyse the same framework or case study through a European lens 

Throughout my experience at HEC Paris, I have been consistently blown away by the enthusiasm of the professors affiliated with the MSc Marketing. They are engaging and well-versed in a variety of fields (which allows them to develop ties with many of the cultures represented in our class). The ethnic and cultural diversity of the cohort makes for rich discussions ripe with business cases that span the globe.

Having grown up and studied in the USA, I could never have imagined how intellectually enriching it would be to analyse the same framework or case study through a European lens. Furthermore, the MSc Marketing has allowed me to gain valuable exposure to fields from Sales Forces Management to Digital Marketing. I believer that Marketing lies at the intersection of fantasy and commerce. The HEC professors I have had the pleasure of knowing are able to navigate between these two worlds seamlessly. Guest lecturers from a variety of fields and disciplines (Estee Lauder, digital start-ups, and major industrial groups to name a few) complement the course material wonderfully.   

The variety of courses offered in the MSc Marketing curriculum are reflective of the fact that brand management lies at the cutting edge of cultural evolution. Globalization, changing sexual mores, and sustainability (CSR) are just a few of the powerful trends that brand managers and marketing professionals need to comprehend and address. I am confident that my preparation at HEC will prove invaluable in my future endeavors.

Focus on the SNCF introductory case study simulation

The introductory case study simulation, conducted in partnership with the SNCF (France's national railway operator), was a fantastic way to get to know everyone and flex our marketing muscles. Final presentations were given in front of a jury made up of SNCF executives and the heads of DDB Paris, a world-class advertising agency.

In February 2013, the SNCF officially launched the low-cost service that had been the subject matter of the simulation. It was beyond gratifying to see that a number of the strategic initiatives that had been pitched by MSc Marketing students were also part of the official plan. This challenging yet rewarding simulation was the perfect start to a semester full of insight.