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MBAGuide
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,282
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
25 Jan 2024, 08:26
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The MBA interview at HEC Paris stands out from other business school interviews because of its particular format, the inclusion of a presentation section. I strongly believe that the requirement of a 10-minute presentation compels applicants to prepare more intensively for the interview compared to other business school interviews. This heightened preparation ensures that each interview is a unique experience that provides the alumni interviewer with valuable insight into the applicant's thought process. In this write up I am going to share how can applicants make sure their presentation makes a strong impression but stays with the interviewer a long time.
Note- You will find a sample ppt in the attachment
The HEC Paris MBA interview- Who conduct the HEC Paris interviews?
The HEC Paris MBA has two separate interviews that are scheduled with the alumni of the MBA program. Unlike the US B school interviews, the HEC Paris MBA interviews are not blind, and the interviewers have access to the application. I think it's also important the applicants research more on the background of the interviewer and consider what topics might engage and make the interview discussion more interesting. This is my time-tested strategy, and nothing beats the impression created by an applicant who is has prepared and researched well. You will see how this worked for the example I have attached. Creating meaningful conversations during B school interviews is more a science than art.
What are the HEC Paris interviewers looking for?
Most importantly, your interviewers just want to get to know the real you and understand why you're applying to the HEC Paris program. This holds true for the presentation part too. They're curious about the subject you've picked for the PPT and want to grasp why you chose it. That's why I can't stress enough that you shouldn't just grab random topics for the presentation. The topics should genuinely interest you and make sense for your application.
Here are some themes you might want to consider when you're brainstorming about the topics for your presentation. Towards the end of this write-up, I'm also throwing in an actual PPT from a successful late-round admit. Maybe it'll spark some inspiration for you.
1. Life's Defining Moments: Talking about your defining moments is a good way to start the conversation. Not only does it break the ice, but it also allows the interviewer to connect with the real you. Imagine putting a slide about a period in your life where you had to navigate a difficult personal situation, and how you emerged stronger and more resilient. Or, share a personal growth journey, like overcoming a fear or pursuing a passion outside of work that significantly shaped your character. Honestly, it takes some courage to talk about your most important personal moments, maybe even some vulnerable ones, on a presentation slide. Putting together a few experiences that had a big impact on your personal or professional development is, in my opinion, a solid strategy to make a positive impression on the interviewer. You set the tone for the conversation and shift the focus from just your professional development to a more human side by including your relationships, challenges, personal situations, and all the interesting stuff.
2. Passions and Hobbies: While this topic is quite common in the PPTs, it requires being authentic. : While this topic is prevalent in PowerPoint presentations, instead of listing broad activities, applicants should concentrate on a single passion that truly identifies them.
Let's say you have a passion for photography. Instead of simply mentioning it, demonstrate a few of your greatest photographs and explain how the art of capturing moments has impacted your attention to detail, creativity, and even patience. Not only does this demonstrate your extracurricular engagement, but it also provides a unique insight into your personality.
On the other hand, if you are an avid mountain climber, you could use this section to show a snapshot of a particularly challenging climb and draw parallels between conquering physical peaks and overcoming professional challenges.
I suggest only addressing this topic if you have plenty of evidence of your extracurricular involvement in your profile and sports or hobbies really are an important part of your personality. It's not just about showcasing activities, but explaining how they reflect your character or have shaped your goals. This way, your passions become a meaningful part of your narrative rather than a mere checklist in your application.
3. Leadership Philosophy: This is a bit of an unconventional choice since it's often posed as an interview question. However, if you find that your application might not showcase enough examples of your leadership, or if you are on the less experienced side of the applicant pool, diving into your leadership philosophy can be a strategic move.
If you choose this topic, strategically articulate your personal philosophy on leadership and describe the kind of leader you are. Provide ample and intriguing examples from both your personal and professional lives to illustrate how you've applied your philosophy. For instance, share a story from a team project at work where your leadership style played a crucial role in achieving success. Alternatively, delve into a personal experience that showcased your leadership qualities.
Remember, our leadership style evolves with age and experience, so be cautious not to come across as rigid. Instead, present yourself as someone constantly seeking ways to become a better version of who you are today. Share examples that not only highlight your leadership skills but also reflect your adaptability and growth mindset.
4. Cultural Influences: A personal favorite. Many applicants who are living outside of their home country may be interviewed by HEC alumni who are from different cultures. I think this theme works great when you know the person interviewing you is from a different culture. With this theme, the 10 minute presentation can turn into a very interesting, colorful, and vivid depiction of the life you have lived and how your cultural background has influenced your values, perspectives, and decision-making. Applicants must not forget to connect their cultural guidelines and practices with their present and their vision for the future. Everything must connect plausibly in your B school interview responses.
At the same time, do not forget to show you are highly sensitive and receptive to the diversity in thought and actions that exists at global business schools and you feel you would be enriched by the learnings that come by being a part of a truly global cohort.
5. Innovations and Impact: A rather broad theme, where the applicants can share an innovative idea or project that they are really passionate about, and explain the impact you hope to achieve. The example I share in the attachment falls under this theme.
For example, someone may be really passionate about the scope of renewable energy projects in Africa and they may have a rich experience in contributing to many such projects. This PPT is a great opportunity to showcase the innovations they have worked on and discuss the profound impact these projects have had on local communities. For example, they could show how these initiatives have boosted economic development, improved the livelihoods of residents and contributed to environmental sustainability.
This presentation then is an opportunity to articulate a broader vision for the role of innovation in creating positive change. It allows the applicant to communicate their commitment to impactful initiatives and their ability to drive innovation for meaningful outcomes.
6. Future Vision/Goals: If you are unable to identify a distinct subject for your presentation, this theme can still be used effectively, particularly if your future goals are in a unique place. It allows you to deliver information that a standard question-and-answer style may not be able to convey as vividly.
For example, suppose you have a unique idea for using technology to address environmental issues. You might underline how your future aspirations connect with HEC Paris's esteemed principles and aims, demonstrating how the program's distinctive characteristics will help you achieve your goals. Differentiate between short-term and long-term goals and provide a plan for achieving milestones. Make links between your previous experiences and your desired future, demonstrating how your background and talents make your aspirations attainable. Integrate a worldwide viewpoint, emphasizing the importance of international experience and a global business program in your future aspirations. For example, explain how your desire to lead sustainable initiatives coincides with the worldwide impact you want to achieve.
At the same time, demonstrate a willingness to change, acknowledging the dynamic nature of job trajectories. Demonstrate a readiness to accept unexpected chances and challenges. For example, you may talk about how your goals are flexible, allowing for innovation and responding to evolving trends in your area. This theme provides an opportunity to express a comprehensive and forward-thinking vision for your academic and professional development.
(See attachment)Here's what most of you might be looking forward to. This HEC Paris MBA applicant had a background in fashion design and experience in retail and e-commerce with long term goals in social entrepreneurship. His PPT as you can see is very simple where the story, content, and delivery stood out. This also highlights how delivery and the storyline matter more than anything, even more than the ppt formatting. Your research may not be the best, your numbers not up to the mark, but hey you are not pitching to a VC, you are just bringing your authentic self and speaking about something you feel strongly for. The topic in the ppt is based on a social enterprise model and this was a great pick for the presentation as the applicant was interviewed in a country where both the applicant and the interviewer were expatriates so there was no common knowledge regarding the applicant's culture, and one of the HEC alums had a background in social impact in Africa, which we had researched before the interview.
Confused what might be the best strategy for your HEC Paris applications and interviews. Reach out.
Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |Read Testimonials on WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com
Note- You will find a sample ppt in the attachment
The HEC Paris MBA interview- Who conduct the HEC Paris interviews?
The HEC Paris MBA has two separate interviews that are scheduled with the alumni of the MBA program. Unlike the US B school interviews, the HEC Paris MBA interviews are not blind, and the interviewers have access to the application. I think it's also important the applicants research more on the background of the interviewer and consider what topics might engage and make the interview discussion more interesting. This is my time-tested strategy, and nothing beats the impression created by an applicant who is has prepared and researched well. You will see how this worked for the example I have attached. Creating meaningful conversations during B school interviews is more a science than art.
What are the HEC Paris interviewers looking for?
Most importantly, your interviewers just want to get to know the real you and understand why you're applying to the HEC Paris program. This holds true for the presentation part too. They're curious about the subject you've picked for the PPT and want to grasp why you chose it. That's why I can't stress enough that you shouldn't just grab random topics for the presentation. The topics should genuinely interest you and make sense for your application.
Here are some themes you might want to consider when you're brainstorming about the topics for your presentation. Towards the end of this write-up, I'm also throwing in an actual PPT from a successful late-round admit. Maybe it'll spark some inspiration for you.
1. Life's Defining Moments: Talking about your defining moments is a good way to start the conversation. Not only does it break the ice, but it also allows the interviewer to connect with the real you. Imagine putting a slide about a period in your life where you had to navigate a difficult personal situation, and how you emerged stronger and more resilient. Or, share a personal growth journey, like overcoming a fear or pursuing a passion outside of work that significantly shaped your character. Honestly, it takes some courage to talk about your most important personal moments, maybe even some vulnerable ones, on a presentation slide. Putting together a few experiences that had a big impact on your personal or professional development is, in my opinion, a solid strategy to make a positive impression on the interviewer. You set the tone for the conversation and shift the focus from just your professional development to a more human side by including your relationships, challenges, personal situations, and all the interesting stuff.
2. Passions and Hobbies: While this topic is quite common in the PPTs, it requires being authentic. : While this topic is prevalent in PowerPoint presentations, instead of listing broad activities, applicants should concentrate on a single passion that truly identifies them.
Let's say you have a passion for photography. Instead of simply mentioning it, demonstrate a few of your greatest photographs and explain how the art of capturing moments has impacted your attention to detail, creativity, and even patience. Not only does this demonstrate your extracurricular engagement, but it also provides a unique insight into your personality.
On the other hand, if you are an avid mountain climber, you could use this section to show a snapshot of a particularly challenging climb and draw parallels between conquering physical peaks and overcoming professional challenges.
I suggest only addressing this topic if you have plenty of evidence of your extracurricular involvement in your profile and sports or hobbies really are an important part of your personality. It's not just about showcasing activities, but explaining how they reflect your character or have shaped your goals. This way, your passions become a meaningful part of your narrative rather than a mere checklist in your application.
3. Leadership Philosophy: This is a bit of an unconventional choice since it's often posed as an interview question. However, if you find that your application might not showcase enough examples of your leadership, or if you are on the less experienced side of the applicant pool, diving into your leadership philosophy can be a strategic move.
If you choose this topic, strategically articulate your personal philosophy on leadership and describe the kind of leader you are. Provide ample and intriguing examples from both your personal and professional lives to illustrate how you've applied your philosophy. For instance, share a story from a team project at work where your leadership style played a crucial role in achieving success. Alternatively, delve into a personal experience that showcased your leadership qualities.
Remember, our leadership style evolves with age and experience, so be cautious not to come across as rigid. Instead, present yourself as someone constantly seeking ways to become a better version of who you are today. Share examples that not only highlight your leadership skills but also reflect your adaptability and growth mindset.
4. Cultural Influences: A personal favorite. Many applicants who are living outside of their home country may be interviewed by HEC alumni who are from different cultures. I think this theme works great when you know the person interviewing you is from a different culture. With this theme, the 10 minute presentation can turn into a very interesting, colorful, and vivid depiction of the life you have lived and how your cultural background has influenced your values, perspectives, and decision-making. Applicants must not forget to connect their cultural guidelines and practices with their present and their vision for the future. Everything must connect plausibly in your B school interview responses.
At the same time, do not forget to show you are highly sensitive and receptive to the diversity in thought and actions that exists at global business schools and you feel you would be enriched by the learnings that come by being a part of a truly global cohort.
5. Innovations and Impact: A rather broad theme, where the applicants can share an innovative idea or project that they are really passionate about, and explain the impact you hope to achieve. The example I share in the attachment falls under this theme.
For example, someone may be really passionate about the scope of renewable energy projects in Africa and they may have a rich experience in contributing to many such projects. This PPT is a great opportunity to showcase the innovations they have worked on and discuss the profound impact these projects have had on local communities. For example, they could show how these initiatives have boosted economic development, improved the livelihoods of residents and contributed to environmental sustainability.
This presentation then is an opportunity to articulate a broader vision for the role of innovation in creating positive change. It allows the applicant to communicate their commitment to impactful initiatives and their ability to drive innovation for meaningful outcomes.
6. Future Vision/Goals: If you are unable to identify a distinct subject for your presentation, this theme can still be used effectively, particularly if your future goals are in a unique place. It allows you to deliver information that a standard question-and-answer style may not be able to convey as vividly.
For example, suppose you have a unique idea for using technology to address environmental issues. You might underline how your future aspirations connect with HEC Paris's esteemed principles and aims, demonstrating how the program's distinctive characteristics will help you achieve your goals. Differentiate between short-term and long-term goals and provide a plan for achieving milestones. Make links between your previous experiences and your desired future, demonstrating how your background and talents make your aspirations attainable. Integrate a worldwide viewpoint, emphasizing the importance of international experience and a global business program in your future aspirations. For example, explain how your desire to lead sustainable initiatives coincides with the worldwide impact you want to achieve.
At the same time, demonstrate a willingness to change, acknowledging the dynamic nature of job trajectories. Demonstrate a readiness to accept unexpected chances and challenges. For example, you may talk about how your goals are flexible, allowing for innovation and responding to evolving trends in your area. This theme provides an opportunity to express a comprehensive and forward-thinking vision for your academic and professional development.
(See attachment)Here's what most of you might be looking forward to. This HEC Paris MBA applicant had a background in fashion design and experience in retail and e-commerce with long term goals in social entrepreneurship. His PPT as you can see is very simple where the story, content, and delivery stood out. This also highlights how delivery and the storyline matter more than anything, even more than the ppt formatting. Your research may not be the best, your numbers not up to the mark, but hey you are not pitching to a VC, you are just bringing your authentic self and speaking about something you feel strongly for. The topic in the ppt is based on a social enterprise model and this was a great pick for the presentation as the applicant was interviewed in a country where both the applicant and the interviewer were expatriates so there was no common knowledge regarding the applicant's culture, and one of the HEC alums had a background in social impact in Africa, which we had researched before the interview.
Confused what might be the best strategy for your HEC Paris applications and interviews. Reach out.
Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |Read Testimonials on WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com
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