Could you tell us something about yourself?
My name is Cecilia and I am currently working for InterContinental Hotels Group where I am a part of the Future Leaders Program. I have been interested in this industry for a while and did my studies in the same, completing my Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism from the Lebanese American University. Since then I have been a part of the industry through my internships and my job at the InterContinental Hotels Group.
You are just 23 years old. What prompted you to do an MBA after less than 2 years of work experience?
I like my job and my sector but during the internship, I found that the program which I am a part of is very operational and I would like to get a more strategic view of my sector. To do so I need to gain the knowledge and the credentials to be able to apply or target the job position that I want in the Hotel Management Industry.
Why did you choose HEC Paris for the MBA?
As you mentioned I am a bit young and it may make sense for me to step out from the job market to develop myself. What I like about HEC is that they offer three things that appeal to me. First of all, the format of the program is sixteen months. That will give me enough time to study and learn without being stressed about finding a job by post-MBA perspectives. Secondly, the HEC campus is excellent and the social life on campus is intense. I know that I can have a lot of great experiences as I develop myself through all the social activities that are offered at HEC. Finally, as one of the best business schools in Europe, HEC has a lot of exchange programs with schools all over the world; I am especially interested in the opportunity to participate in an exchange program in the US.
What did you find the most difficult part of the entire process?
The most difficult part about the entire process was definitely the GMAT. You have to understand that my education was very operations based and what is required on the GMAT is very different from what I have studied and practised in my daily life.
Working in the hotel industry is a difficult task with long hours, even during the lockdown period. As such, it was quite difficult for me to devote the time to develop the skills that I needed for the GMAT.
What advice would you give future applicants for MBA programs?
The first thing I would advise is that applicants should devote enough time and prepare well in advance. I spoke to many applicants and most of them gave me the same suggestion. All of them talked about the fact that performance was affected when they had started their preparations late.
Secondly, do not underestimate the GMAT. Even though the concepts tested in the GMAT are not very difficult, they require practice. So prepare well and practice enough to be able to get the score you need.
Finally, it is important to take the help of experts. I was very ably guided by Reussir le GMAT and Dr Hubert Silly from MBA Center and I am very grateful to them for their patience and guidance.