Calling all HEC Paris MBA applicants: Jan 2019 intake

Hey..np..I've got used to this confusion now

The interviews were great. I had one Skype and one face-to-face. HEC tries to get you at least one face-to-face in your preferred area.

Interview 1: Skype

One of the best interviews I have had. Very unconventional. No textbook interview questions. It started off with my reasons for second-MBA. Then it went towards a detailed discussion on how Digital transformation is impacting businesses globally. Strengths/weaknesses. Some bit of work ex. Had my presentation in between. Not many questions on it.

Key areas:

1. Motivations for MBA - includes Why HEC, Why now, Short term/long term goals, Where else have you applied to
2. Work ex - How well I know about my work
3. Personality traits - Questions on Strengths/weaknesses

Overall, the interview was very chilled out. Very friendly. He shared lots of stuff on his experience at HEC and provided very useful and candid responses to what I asked from him. Appreciated my

Interview 2: Face-to-face. Happened in a cafe in Delhi.

Very detailed interview but very predictable. Some of the questions which I remember:

1. Tell me something about yourself
2. Why second MBA
3. What do you know about HEC
4. Situational question: I had to give my views as a Team Lead on how I will handle a team conflict in a global team where people are not ready to work with each other
5. What has been your biggest professional achievement
6. Strengths/weaknesses
7. Where else have you applied to - Why not LBS/INSEAD
8. What is your current proficiency in French
9. Presentation: Some basic questions on the 10 mins presentation

Very down to earth individual. Shared his experiences at HEC. Gave his views on the culture at HEC, clubs, etc.

My two-cents on the overall experience

The HEC interviews are a way to check your fit to the program. These are not very formal interviews as is the case with Adcom interviews. HEC is very selective about the applicants. They want to understand very clearly on why you want an MBA at this point in your career and why only HEC can help you fulfill those goals. So read up and do great research on the program. Talk to as many current students as possible. Attend Information sessions in your city if possible.

Be clear about why you have chosen the presentation topic. I think the presentation is an opportunity for you to link it to how you can contribute to the HEC MBA (IMPLICITLY) apart from demonstrating your communication and presentation skills. But it shouldn't be about you selling yourself through the presentation.

Prepare the normal textbook interview questions such as Strengths/weaknesses, handling conflict, failure, ethical dilemma, etc.

Overall, just be chilled out and go with a clear head. For anything else, let me know! All the best for your applications.