Anneroos van der Kaaij

It’s two very intense weeks, finding a balance between the academic and the social, but it is more than worth it.

For me, open-mindedness, a respectful working environment, and a willingness to learn are what I search for in any academic programme. Also, the diversity of people with different backgrounds, educations, nationalities, and opinions merged in a course, eager to learn from one another. This is why I chose the Corporate Finance summer program at HEC Paris.

As a student of a business programme that is very focused on (social) entrepreneurship, project work and positive environmental and social impact, we have our fingers in many pies. However, something like finance is relevant in whatever career path I choose for the future. Whether as an entrepreneur or part of the sustainability team of a bigger enterprise, I want to be able to make propositions that are financially viable and understand the larger concepts. HEC offered, in my opinion, the most all-round summer course in finance for people with little initial knowledge in the field. It was perfect for further developing my knowledge and understanding of finance, which I hope strengthens me as a future entrepreneur and in any prior career path I may choose. 

Our professor was very fond of independence and incentivised us to figure out in groups how to solve tasks ourselves. This wasn’t always the easiest way, but I do think we learned most by doing this and it was very rewarding when we succeeded. In addition to the more classic corporate finance topics, we also had the privilege to learn about food safety and security and mergers and acquisitions, particularly post-merger transformation and integration, which was a welcome surprise.

On a personal level the most rewarding and challenging part was forming great connections with people from all over the world and making incredible memories together, and then having to say goodbye to them after spending two weeks together. I relished being in such a different environment than I was used to and stepping out of my comfort zone. I loved how, regardless of our differences we became friends, going beyond open-mindedness and towards embracing diversity in terms of values.

I would recommend this programme to anyone with little background in finance, who, for whatever reason, feels like it would strengthen their skillset to learn about corporate finance, not only current or post business students. It’s two very intense weeks, finding a balance between the academic and the social, but it is more than worth it, and you’ll be left with experiences and memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

For more information on the Summer Program Corporate Finance