Jason Clerico-Pharaoh

HEC, as a world-class business school, has provided me with a tightly packed baggage of skills and knowledge which helped me kickstart my career. 

Coming from an academic and professional background spanning international relations, strategic communications, and arts and cultural management, I have always sought to expand my knowledge and understanding of the world. Applying to the "Business & Geopolitics: A Global View" program was thus an obvious choice. The 5-week program led by Professor Jeremy Ghez offered a perfect opportunity to apply my knowledge in global affairs to the context of business in long-term strategic planning.

I took part in the program while working at a global strategic communications firm in London, and its online format provided me with the best of both worlds. The course allowed me to enhance my geopolitical analysis and strategic planning skills as well as apply them to my work in monitoring international affairs and supporting clients to manage an ever-changing landscape. 

Aspiring to work in the creative and cultural industries, the course’s exercises and assessments allowed me to explore geopolitical trends and risks which may influence the sector and develop a bigger picture mindset of the challenges it faces. Anyone attuned to or passionate about a particular industry who has little background in geopolitics should definitely not shy away from this carefully tailored course as it enables its participants to explore the geopolitical impacts on a sector or organisation of their choice.

I was moreover drawn to the course by how interactive lessons were, not only through the weekly live sessions where we could exchange thoughts with Professor Jeremy Ghez, but also thanks to the smaller group discussions. One was able to engage with students from around the world, fostering a more culturally enriching experience and stimulating conversations.

Although it was challenging to balance two different commitments, I was able to demonstrate my ability to manage time and workload to both my employers and recruiters. Having gained a deeper insight in navigating the geopolitical arena and identifying both opportunities and risks in a business context, I have since felt more confident to participate in making and voicing strategic considerations with my colleagues and senior leadership. HEC, as a world-class business school, has provided me with a tightly packed baggage of skills and knowledge which helped me kickstart my career. 

For more information on our interactive online programs