Can you tell us more about yourself?
My name is Vincente and I am Portuguese. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the Universidade Nova de Lisboa. I worked for a year before joining HEC Paris for a MIM program. My parents are diplomats so I consider myself a citizen of the world and I am fluent in English, French, and Spanish.
What prompted you to apply for a MIM?
The education that I had would not allow me to do much in Portugal as my degree is very theoretical and there are very few jobs in the field of Political Science and International Relations in Portugal. Also, I wanted to use my knowledge of languages to study and work abroad and HEC came as a great opportunity, being one of the best business schools in Europe and the best one in Paris. I also wanted to make a switch from Political Science as I knew that I could not make a great career in the field. I believed that I would make a better entrepreneur as even when I was a student I had created my own company ‘Cuca Monga’ which is an Independent Record Label based in Lisbon. I chose HEC because I love France and its culture and HEC was a great gateway to France with a great network of students. Also, HEC offers a two-year program as opposed to other schools and I believed that two years were essential for me to make the transition from a Political Science major to a business major.
What did you find the most difficult in the application process?
The first difficulty I faced was choosing the right program for myself. Originally when I went to MBA Center I wanted to study at ESADE or Bocconi. It was very difficult for me to question my choice. But I am very happy that Dr. Hubert Silly took time to explain to me the potential that HEC could offer me.
The second issue was my application. I was very naïve and had no idea how my application would be perceived and what I valued in my experiences and how to explain them in my essays, especially as at that time I had no idea what I wanted to do after the MBA. In this respect, Dr. Hubert Silly was very helpful as he helped me elaborate on my personal project that was in line with what HEC could bring me.
What is life like at HEC?
Living in Paris and attending HEC is a great experience. Paris is the city of a lot of history and culture. Being at HEC is a great opportunity to explore the city and learn its history.
The school itself is considered one of the best in Europe and has a great module of studies. Overall you can form great networks with your friends here at school.
What would be your advice to someone applying for a MIM program?
First of all, business schools do not choose a person, they choose a profile. You have to give a clear picture of who is and what you want to do through your profile. So work on your story and your communication and believe in it. This is essential.
Secondly, don’t hesitate to ask for advice. Everybody believes that they know education because they went to school. However, business education is something very specific. From the outside, we do not have a very good perception of the school, of what they can offer, or their contacts. It is easy to be fooled by their advertising and marketing. That’s why I strongly suggest that you work with professionals. I was lucky enough to find Dr. Hubert Silly and the MBA Center team, who have been able to help me throughout the application process. I strongly recommend serious candidates to work with such people.