Laetitia Metso
Summer Student Story
As I envision an international career with a global impact, this program was the perfect step towards realizing that goal.
I recently had the privilege of participating in the HEC Paris Summer School, which I chose to complement my master’s in international business. This experience turned out to be exceptionally enriching and diverse, bringing together individuals from all around the globe, each with unique backgrounds and perspectives.
Coming from Cameroon, a central African country, where the sense of community and sharing is deeply valued, I was delighted to find that mirrored at HEC Paris. As an international student who considers herself a citizen of the world, I cherish visiting new places and experiencing different cultures while constantly embracing and sharing my own. The warmth and inclusivity at HEC Paris made me feel welcome and valued, reinforcing my belief that I had something meaningful to contribute.
The campus environment at HEC Paris is designed to foster student bonding, with a plethora of weekly activities that encourage interaction among participants from different programs. These activities were not just enjoyable but also essential in creating a strong sense of community and friendship.
The Geopolitics, Globalization & Business Strategy program I attended was particularly enlightening. These three concepts were masterfully linked, making the connections between them obvious and intuitive. This approach highlighted the practical relevance of these topics in today's global landscape. Group activities were a significant part of the program, facilitating both bonding and collaborative thinking. These sessions helped me develop soft skills, such as teamwork and communication, while enhancing my hard skills in strategic analysis and geopolitical understanding. The program's structure ensured that I gained a holistic perspective on business, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a 360-degree view.
One of the standout aspects of the course was the teaching methodology of our professor, Mr. Jeremy Ghez. His inspiring approach and excellent pedagogy made each class engaging and relevant. The inclusion of current global issues in our discussions provided a dynamic learning experience that kept us all intellectually stimulated. Sharing our own personal and professional experiences added immense value, offering insights from different journeys and further enriching our understanding.
The most challenging part of the program for me was navigating the contrast of opinions shared in class. As we delved into geopolitics, there were moments when I could find myself in total disagreement with someone. Learning to put myself in their shoes to understand their different point of view was essential. This experience taught me the importance of finding common ground and sometimes agreeing to disagree. It was precisely this dynamic exchange of ideas that made the experience so rewarding. The depth of knowledge I gained and the new perspectives I acquired have been invaluable. Academically, the program enhanced my analytical and strategic thinking abilities. Personally, it expanded my network and reinforced my ability to work in diverse, multicultural environments.
I wholeheartedly recommend the HEC Paris Summer School to anyone looking to make the most of their summer. It’s an excellent opportunity for those who wish to deepen their understanding of global business dynamics while forming lasting relationships with peers from around the world.
My story with HEC Paris Summer School is one of growth, learning, and transformation. I am confident that it will have a lasting impact on my professional and personal journey. As I envision an international career with a global impact, this program was the perfect step towards realizing that goal.
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