Club Treks 2024:From Paris to Milan

This past spring, six MBA professional clubs travelled to more than 30 companies across various industries from retail and luxury to sustainability. Known as ''treks'', these company visits are organized by the students along with assistance by the HEC Talents team.

Entrepreneurship, Search Fund and Marketing Clubs

Club President: Jun Saso

Trek Destination: Paris

Companies visited: Vestiaire Collective, HEC Incubator, Incubator Télécom Paris, Microsoft Environmental Startup Accelerator, Big Mama Group, Savoir/Dessiner, Circular Place, Petrel Commerce Circulaire, Swan, OSS Ventures, La Maison des Startups LVMH, METAV.RS, Bambuser

What was the highlight of your club’s trek? 

This trek was a collaboration between three clubs: Entrepreneurship, Search Fund, and Marketing. We themed our journey as “Entrepreneurship through Creation & Acquisition.” We were able to cover many perspectives related to the topic by visiting 13 companies in two days.

Describe the importance of this trek to your club: 

Because this trek was a joint effort involving three clubs, we visited not only startups but also diverse players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem such as VCs, incubators, and accelerators. We met with CEO, CMO, and investment director. This diversity of perspectives was key to understanding the broader picture of the French entrepreneurial ecosystem.

What lessons did you/the club learn from the experience of coordinating this trek? 

We learned the importance of starting the planning process early to secure visits with companies and finalize the schedule. Effective coordination, supported by diverse team backgrounds, was crucial for handling various tasks. Leveraging the alumni network and existing contacts from the HEC Talents team proved essential for a successful trek.

Why are treks in general an important part of your experience of the HEC Paris MBA?

Thanks to Zouheir Sawma and Lucielle Yee from the HEC Talents team, we were able to schedule many visits with just one month's advance notice. Both the HEC Talents and marketing teams also joined our trek to interact with participants. Coordination went smoothly, supported by Orhiane Savarese at the HEC Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute in Station F. We learned about the strong exposure the HEC community has at Station F and among HEC Alumni in the startup ecosystem.

Any other reflections you’d like to share?

We deeply appreciate everyone who welcomed, supported, and joined us on this incredible journey.

Retail and Luxury Club

Club President: Daniel Odorisio

Trek Destination: Milan

Companies visited: Buccellati, Dolce & Gabbana, Moncler, Zegna, Essilor Luxottica, Valentino, Prada, and OVS

What was the highlight of your club’s trek? 

The highlight of our club's trek was the chance to see a wide range of top companies up close. We got to see Buccellati's meticulous craftsmanship; learn how Dolce & Gabbana blends tradition with creativity; see Moncler's commitment to values and sustainability; observ Zegna's journey towards becoming a global luxury brand and explore EssilorLuxottica's innovative approaches in eyewear. We appreciated Valentino's excellence and heritage in haute couture, admired Prada's pioneering leadership in driving change, and recognized OVS’s strengths as a leading Italian fashion retailer. The opportunity to experience all these aspects in just one week was the most memorable part of our trip.

Describe the importance of this trek to your club: 

This annual event stands as the pinnacle of our club's activities. Its significance lies in the unique opportunity it provides for our members to engage in a learning journey, where they can gain valuable insights directly from industry experts in the retail and luxury sectors. Moreover, this trek offers a platform for networking with some of the most prestigious companies in the industry.

What lessons did you/the club learn from the experience of coordinating this trek? 

From coordinating this trek, we gleaned several valuable lessons. First, the significance of a well-crafted outreach strategy was clear: having a defined plan and vision is crucial. Additionally, the power of collaboration was a standout lesson; by uniting our varied skills and viewpoints, we were able to face every situation more efficiently. Third, we recognized the necessity of making decisions, sometimes under pressure or with limited information. Lastly, the trek reinforced the lesson that striving for excellence is more about the effort and dedication we put in rather than achieving perfection. We embraced the mindset of doing our best in every situation, recognizing that perfection is an ideal that guides us but should not deter us from moving forward and making the most of our experiences.

Why are treks in general an important part of your experience of the HEC Paris MBA?

Treks are important to the HEC Paris MBA experience because they provide a unique opportunity to engage with companies in their actual settings. This direct interaction offers a tangible glimpse into daily operations within a company, aiding students in visualizing their future roles and applying theoretical knowledge. Additionally, treks serve as a vital component of the MBA journey, offering one of the rare chances for the entire cohort to travel together and create distinctive memories beyond the academic environment.

Any other reflections you’d like to share? 

As the club's president, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude towards the leadership team, the school, all participants, and, importantly, the companies that welcomed us. Their willingness to host us and the extraordinary effort they put in have been pivotal in making this experience unforgettable. 

Technology Club

Club President: Shreyas Itnal

Trek Destination: Amsterdam

Companies Visited: Amazon, Avanade, Wipro, PICNIC Technologies, ServiceNow, Accenture, Worldline, D2X

What was the highlight of your club’s trek?

In addition to meetings with vice presidents, country heads, and managing directors from various companies, we organized two distinctive social events. The first was a networking mixer that brought together over 25 MBA students from Oxford who were on their tech trek in Amsterdam. The second was an HEC Alumni Mixer, which provided a valuable opportunity for current students to connect with alumni.

Describe the importance of this trek to your club:

The trek was highly significant for our club as it enabled us to forge and strengthen valuable relationships with leading companies and recruiters in the region. By engaging directly with these organizations, we not only maintained our existing connections but also established new ones, enhancing the visibility and attractiveness of HEC students to these employers for future recruitment cycles. Additionally, the trek provided us with invaluable insights into the local market and the dynamic economic environment of Amsterdam. Experiencing this growth firsthand reinforced our belief in the abundant opportunities available in the region, ensuring that our members are well-positioned to capitalize on them in the future.

What lessons did you/the club learn from the experience of coordinating this trek?

Organizing a trek for 25 students during Easter posed significant challenges, prompting us to glean valuable lessons from the experience. One crucial takeaway was the importance of early planning to secure slots with companies and finalize schedules, preempting potential issues and ensuring smooth execution. Given the diverse professional backgrounds of participating students, a multifaceted approach to role scouting within companies proved essential. Leveraging both the Alumni network and existing HEC Talents team contacts expedited processes significantly. HEC Talents played a pivotal role by facilitating connections with industry leaders, coordinating meetings, and supporting logistics such as the Alumni Mixer, crucial for managing a large group effectively. Their strategic counsel also enhanced our interactions with companies, maximizing educational and networking opportunities for all students involved.

Why are treks in general an important part of your experience of the HEC Paris MBA?

Treks provide a unique opportunity to visit companies in their actual work environments. This firsthand experience offers a realistic view of daily operations and helps us envision our future in these settings. Additionally, treks are a significant aspect of the MBA program, as they allow us to travel together and share memorable experiences beyond the classroom. As the president of the Tech Club and as a student myself, I consider these treks to be a standout feature of my MBA journey, enriching both my academic and professional development.

Any other reflections you’d like to share?

I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of our incredible trek to Amsterdam. From the dedicated members of the Tech Club to the supportive staff at HEC Talents, and to all the students who joined us on this journey—thank you. Your trust in the club has been immensely appreciated, and we hope that this trek will significantly enhance your career opportunities.

Business in Sustainability Club 

Club President: Imanol Mondragon

Trek Destination: Berlin

Companies visited: Plan A, Formo, Food Labs, Extentia, Briink (brought in 3 start-ups- Vara, Momentum, Cambrium), Quantis, Future Energy Ventures (FEV)

What was the highlight of your club’s trek?

The highlight of our club's trek was the visit to Formo, where Fabian Baumann gave us, an insightful tour demonstrating their innovative approach to creating sustainable cheese alternatives. The experience was memorable, not only because of the cutting-edge technology involved but also because we got to taste their delicious French and Greek cheeses, which left the group highly impressed

Describe the importance of this trek to your club:

This trek was crucial for our club as it provided us with firsthand exposure to the latest advancements in sustainability and climate tech. The sessions at Plan A, Formo, FoodLabs & Atlantic Labs, and Extantia offered invaluable insights into how different sectors are addressing sustainability challenges. These experiences enriched our knowledge, expanded our network, and reinforced our club's commitment to driving sustainable practices.

Why are treks in general an important part of your experience of the HEC Paris MBA?

Treks are an essential part of the HEC Paris MBA experience because they offer immersive learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom. They allow us to connect with industry leaders, explore real-world applications of theoretical concepts, and build a robust professional network. These experiences help us understand the practical challenges and opportunities in various fields, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our areas of interest.

Any other reflections you’d like to share?

This trek has not only broadened our horizons regarding sustainability and climate tech but also strengthened the camaraderie within our group. The combination of professional insights and cultural experiences, such as the alumni event and exploring Berlin, made the trek a well-rounded and enriching experience. A special thanks to the HEC Talents team for their exceptional organization and support, making this journey both impactful and enjoyable.