Andrea Lopez
Master in Sustainability & Social Innovation
What motivated you to pursue your Master’s at HEC Paris?
As a Peruvian woman living in Europe, I’ve always been passionate about sustainability and solving systemic challenges. HEC Paris stood out because it offers one of the most comprehensive programs in sustainability and social innovation, focusing on creating tangible impact. The SASI program is uniquely positioned at the intersection of business, innovation, and social responsibility, which aligns perfectly with my ambition to tackle global sustainability challenges. I was also drawn to the diversity of perspectives in the program and HEC’s network of changemakers, which I knew would push me to grow both personally and professionally.
Is there anything you wish you had known before applying or during the application?
I wish I had realized earlier how much the admissions team values authenticity. At first, I focused heavily on presenting achievements, but what makes your application stand out is demonstrating your passion for sustainability and your commitment to creating positive change. Additionally, I underestimated how helpful it would be to talk to alumni or current students early in the process. Their insights gave me a clearer understanding of how I could uniquely contribute to the program and shaped the way I approached my essays and interviews.
What was your biggest challenge during the application process, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge for me was articulating my long-term vision for sustainability in a way that felt both ambitious and realistic. I didn’t want to just list goals like “working for” or “lived in x number of countries”, I wanted to connect those aspirations to my personal story and the program’s mission. To overcome this, I reflected deeply on my experiences, particularly moments where I had already driven sustainable change, whether big or small. By linking my past actions to my future aspirations, I created a narrative that felt genuine and impactful.
How did you prepare for your HEC Paris interview, and what would you recommend others focus on?
I prepared by reflecting on my personal story, why sustainability matters to me, what specific problems I want to solve, and why HEC Paris is the perfect place for me to achieve those goals. I practiced telling stories from my experiences that demonstrated leadership, resilience, and creativity. To feel confident, I also stayed up to date on global sustainability issues, particularly those aligned with my interests. My recommendation is to focus on showing your passion and authenticity. Be clear about your motivations and how your unique background will contribute to the program. The interview is as much about your personality as it is about your achievements.
If you had one piece of advice for applicants, what would it be?
Show them your passion and commitment to creating meaningful change. This program is for people who want to tackle complex global challenges, so don’t be afraid to dream big but also back it up with your personal experiences and actions. Be yourself - your story matters, and the admissions team wants to understand you, not just your accomplishments. Finally, spend time reflecting on how HEC Paris aligns with your goals and how you can contribute to the SASI community. Passion, authenticity, and clarity of purpose are key to standing out.
Find out more about the Master in Sustainability & Social innovation