Markus Hubmann

This journey has not only enabled me to grow both personally and professionally but gain something invaluable – connections meant to last!

FINTECH – THE PULSE OF OUR ERA

FinTech is the heartbeat of the 21st century, woven into the fabric of our daily lives in ways both seen and unseen. Whether you're tapping your phone to pay for coffee, investing in the next big startup with just a few swipes, or ordering dinner through UberEats, you're engaging with financial technology that’s reshaping the world around us. It's in the background when you split the bill with friends or effortlessly convert currency on your travels.

This isn’t just a trend - FinTech is the pulse of our era, driving innovation and growth at an unprecedented pace. It’s the invisible force powering a future where finance is seamless, accessible, and integrated into every aspect of modern life. As FinTech expands its reach, it’s not just transforming how we manage money; it’s redefining what’s possible in the digital age.

MY BACKGROUND

I am a master’s student, studying both International Management at Imperial College London (ICL) and Management and Technology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) simultaneously. I have already gathered professional experience in a diverse array of industries, spanning quantitative finance, Automotive, Strategy Consulting, Venture Capital, Private Equity and FinTech. Paired with both an understanding of the omnipresence of FinTech in our modern era and a profound interest for the world of FinTech, I was directly drawn to the FinTech Program at HEC. The opportunity to immerse myself in a learning environment that fosters intellectual rigor and cultural exchange was a further key factor in my decision.

HEC PEDAGOGY

The pedagogical approach at HEC Paris is both innovative and impactful, making the program as academically rigorous as it was interesting. Professor Patrick Legland is not only an expert in this field but also a skilled educator who managed to create a both engaging and intellectually stimulating environment. The lectures were structured as hands-on sessions, emphasizing groupwork, regular interaction, asking questions and discussing different opinions in class, providing an optimal baseline to foster an in-depth understanding of the world of FinTech and promoting our ability to engage with the diverse range of guest speakers on a deeper level.

The guest speakers were definitely the academic highlight of the program, featuring founders of FinTechs and experts stemming from the fields of venture capital, strategy consulting, quantitative finance, investment banking, embedded finance, artificial intelligence and more. All the guest speakers were incredibly open and approachable, allowing us to ask questions, engage and discuss recent developments in the field. One guest lecturer even invited us to visit their Paris office, allowing us to gain further exposure and freely network with their employees and discuss potential job opportunities.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOOM

The FinTech program at HEC was nothing short of extraordinary - but it wasn’t just the curriculum that left a lasting impression. The true magic of the experience was in the incredible people I met along the way. From all corners of the world, I found myself surrounded by like-minded individuals who are as passionate about innovation and finance as I am. It was a privilege to share this journey with such diverse and talented peers, not only within the FinTech program but across other programs too. Whether they were just starting out in undergrad or seasoned professionals, the connections I made were nothing short of amazing.

And let’s not forget the unforgettable events that brought us all together, with HEC offering a broad selection of evening activities including cocktail receptions, cheese and wine tastings and karaoke (a quick tip: be sure to register early for those!). But the real "after-work" magic happened in the vibrant streets of Paris and the stunning surroundings of Versailles where we spent nearly every evening exploring, watching the European championships, and enjoying the amazing cuisine. There’s something about those Parisian vibes, where the culture, the parties, and the company of incredible students from around the world truly come alive.

THANK YOU

This journey has not only enabled me to grow both personally and professionally but gain something invaluable – connections meant to last! We’re already planning reunions, with the first stop at Oktoberfest in Munich (my hometown) with friends traveling from far and near to relive the memories we created at HEC. Thank you, HEC, and to everyone who shared this journey with me for making this experience truly unforgettable!

Find out more about this summer program