Pause, Pivot and Discover Something New ~ My Journey to HEC Paris ~

After completing a degree in Aerospace Engineering and enjoying a successful entrepreneurial experience from his late teenage years, Jose Plaza Carreras found himself at a point where he wanted to pause, explore new horizons, and embrace fresh opportunities. That’s when he discovered the HEC Paris interactive online program Business & Geopolitics: A Global View.

At just 17 years old, Jose Plaza Carreras founded his own clothing brand, Atuntao, with his twin brother. During a summer in Zahara de los Atunes, they searched for original, locally-inspired clothing they could wear in their daily lives, but found nothing that was worthwhile. So, they decided to create it themselves, and that’s how Atuntao was born. Jose shares with us, “We had a strong intuition that people would love it, and we were right. With rapid growth, we’ve launched new clothing collections year after year, selling over 6,000 pieces annually through our two physical stores in Zahara. This success wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible team we built to bring our vision to life.”

Around the same time, he began his university studies at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. While he had various options, his love for physics and his passion for understanding how things work led him to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering. He tells us, “For several years, I balanced my demanding engineering studies with managing our clothing brand. By the end of 2023, after completing a year-long internship at E-USOC, a research center specializing in space studies, and marking Atuntao’s sixth year, I realized I wanted to pause, pivot, and discover something new.”

“My passion for business, curiosity for learning, ambition to develop an international career, and drive for excellence led me to HEC Paris. While researching, I discovered the opportunity to take the Business & Geopolitics program online from Madrid, and I didn’t hesitate to seize this chance as a stepping-stone in my new journey.” He loved the semi-flexible format of the program, and was impressed how the professor created a sense of community even online. “The program exceeded my expectations. It provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how the world operates and how companies navigate complex challenges. Professor Jeremy Ghez brought enriching perspectives to the table, making the content truly engaging. Despite the online format, the structure of the sessions, with group work and discussions, fostered genuine connections with fellow participants. I particularly enjoyed interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds, connecting with individuals from cities like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and even remote parts of Africa.”

We were curious to discover the impact of the program on his future. Jose assured us, “This experience affirmed that I was on the right path. It gave me the confidence to pursue further education to complement my engineering background and explore new opportunities for the future. Inspired by what I learned, I decided to continue my journey at HEC Paris by enrolling in the Master in Management program.”

Since August 2024, he has been on campus pursuing the Master in Management program. From the first moment, he felt like he was home. “Being here is incredible—the campus offers everything I need to excel academically, grow professionally, and connect personally. The vibrant mix of cultures enriches daily life, and the friends I’ve made here have become a big part of my experience.”

He continues to share some of his recent experiences with great enthusiasm. “Beyond academics, HEC offers countless ways to get involved. Just last week, I had the chance to represent HEC in an international football tournament in Rome with the university team—a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Whether it’s joining associations, playing sports, or exploring new opportunities, HEC Paris is truly one of a kind.”

“I am incredibly happy with the path I have chosen and the journey I am on. It was definitely the right decision to explore new horizons, and the online program at HEC Paris gave me the opportunity to do that at a high level. It inspired me to dare, to embrace change and think outside the box. The combination of my engineering background, entrepreneurial experiences, and the exceptional education at HEC Paris has equipped me with the tools to face the future with confidence. Without a doubt, a bright and exciting future lies ahead.”

For more information on the interactive online program Business & Geopolitics: A Global View