Why not? A powerful approach to life's challenge

Meet Rafael Damar Arjanggi, an remarkable MBA student and 2024 graduate, who shares his academic and personal journey at HEC Paris, ahead of the commencement ceremony. With a unique blend of problem-solving skills and artistic talent, Rafael embodies a combination of academic rigor and personal resilience. Rafael's story is one of resilience, adaptability and the relentless pursuit of meaningful impact. His motto: why not?

As the academic year draws to a close, punctuated by the graduation ceremony on June 7 and 8, we spoke to some of the school's remarkable students.

In Episode 1 ‘Voices of HEC Graduates 24’, MBA student Rafael (class of 2024) tells us about his journey from Indonesia to the HEC MBA. He shares his interest in sustainability and consulting, his passion for the arts, his commitment to high-impact projects, and his ability to navigate and overcome challenges, including the one that put his life on the line.

Driving progress in sustainable development

Rafael worked for three and a half years in the consulting sector in Indonesia before enrolling in the MBA program on a government scholarship. Determined to advance sustainable development, he intends to return to his home country after completing his MBA to make a substantial contribution.

My purpose in doing an MBA at HEC Paris was above all to move in this direction of sustainability. 

He is a recipient of a government scholarship from the Indonesian Endowment Agency for Education (LPDP) and is participating in the HEC Paris program with the desire to promote sustainable development in his home country.

Why did he choose the HEC MBA? For its specialization and expertise in sustainable development, its position in world business school rankings and because France and Paris are the birthplaces of sustainable development.

Personal challenges and resilience

Rafael's journey took a difficult turn when he was diagnosed with cancer three months into his MBA. He attributes his recovery to the excellent French healthcare system and the support of the HEC community. The ordeal taught him resilience and gave him a new perspective on life and professional challenges.

Despite this serious health setback, he continued to pursue his studies and engaged in extracurricular activities while battling cancer. For all his academic and personal achievements, he was honored by the HEC Foundation in February 2024. This prize is awarded annually to an MBA student who has demonstrated interpersonal leadership qualities in his or her work group.

The pursuit of knowledge and personal development can be a guiding light.

Here are the words of Brad Harris, Associate Dean of MBA Programs, in presenting him with this distinction :

"Throughout his battle with cancer, Rafael refused to let adversity define him. Instead, he chose to define his experience through his dedication to his studies.

His academic achievements during such a challenging time are a testament to his resilience and tenacity, setting an example for us all that even in the darkest of times, the pursuit of knowledge and personal development can be a guiding light."

Problem-solving and artistic talent

Rafael has perfectly adapted the MBA program's pedagogical philosophy of learning-by-doing and real-time problem-solving as President of HEC Consulting Practice, enabling his peers to participate in engagements with real customers.

His nation-building aspiration is materialized through his MBA Project. Under the tutelage of Professor Hélène Musikas, his thesis delves on the implication of electric vehicle shift to the survivability of Indonesia’s lubricant company and proposes a big leap transformation into the water technology business.

His team successfully reached the finals of the Global Case Competition at Harvard University (2023), placing among the top 10 out of 100+ teams globally.

Passionate about the arts, he has demonstrated his musical virtuosity by performing at MBAT and the Talent Show.

Embodying HEC values

From his academic career to his life experiences and associative commitments, the question “why not?” sums up his bold, resilient approach to life's challenges.

In the words of Brad Harris: "Rafael Arjanggi is more than a student; he is a living embodiment of the values that HEC cherishes – courage, determination, and a commitment to excellence.

His journey serves as a powerful reminder that challenges, no matter how daunting, can be overcome with the right mindset and a community that stands united in support."