Solenn Laurent

The international and multicultural dimension of a program is very important to me and that is exactly what I found in this summer school.

The summer program in Geopolitics, Globalization and Business Strategy at HEC Paris was filled with rigorous teaching and dynamic social interactions, having a profound impact on my professional and personal growth. It gave me the opportunity to make the link between my Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Political Science and my Master's degree in International Business and Export Management, which I am currently pursuing at ESCE Paris.

I have traveled a lot for my studies. In addition to Paris, I have studied a semester in London and a semester in Los Angeles to finish my Bachelor's degree, then a semester in Cork, Ireland for my first year of a Master's degree. The international and multicultural dimension of a program is very important to me and that is exactly what I found in this summer school. I was able to engage with classmates from diverse countries and cultures and their varied perspectives greatly enriched our discussions, broadening my understanding and fostering a truly global mindset.

Guided by Professor Jeremy Ghez, the program delved into the intersection of geopolitical dynamics and strategic business decisions. From dynamic social activities to scenario analysis and OPEC simulations/negotiations, the program was both intellectually stimulating and highly relevant, equipping us with the skills to navigate and analyze the complexities of the global trade environment.

This is not the first time I have been on the HEC Paris campus. In fact, in 2018 I participated in the first Eloquentia@HEC promotion for high school students.  Eloquentia is a national public speaking competition for high school students in France which gives students the opportunity to practise defending their ideas through eloquence and develop their self-confidence so that they can assert themselves through their words. Having finished as a national high school finalist in 2018, I was invited to return to campus this year as part of the jury for the 2024 promotion.

Both experiences at HEC Paris were truly profound,
Shaping me in ways both vast and sound.
From honing the art of eloquence with every word I’d weave,
To unravelling the threads of global trade that interleave,

These moments have sculpted not just my academic ascent,
But also nurtured the confidence on which I now depend.
They sparked a fire for international affairs,
And armed me with wisdom to navigate global snares,

Guiding me through this world, so vast, so intertwined,
With purpose, clarity, and an open mind.

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