Real Humans of MBA Students: HEC Paris Executive MBA

Priyanka Narasimhan, HEC Paris, Executive MBA

Hometown:

Mysore, India

Undergraduate Institution & Major:

BITS, Pilani Pharmacy Hons. degree

Pre-MBA Work Experience:

I have worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over seven years.

Why Business School?  Why Now?

HEC Paris has a great reputation worldwide and has consistently ranked among the top EMBA programs in the world. Choosing HEC was a no-brainer.

Why did you pick your school/program? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?

Factors that influenced my decision were

• Core courses and specializations. The program offers a set of core courses, and yet allowed me to customize it to fit my career aspirations. I chose the Manage the Digital Transformation Specialization.
• Flexibility. The program offers the option to attend some classes online. This was crucial to managing my demanding professional life, my young family, and the EMBA.
• Location. I live in the UK and want to be able to commute easily for my classes. The HEC Paris classes are just a Eurostar journey away!

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to your graduating class?

I come from pharma R&D, which is highly innovative. I like to think that I bring an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset to class discussions and case studies.

Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?

I speak five Indian languages.

Post-MBA Career Interests:

My vision is to be in a role that will enable me to bring the next generation of therapies and diagnostics to patients. I see this ambition coming to life as an investor in a VC fund.

Advice to current prospective applicants:

My advice would be to start the program with an open mind. This EMBA program will take you on a self-reflective journey that might open new career doors which you had not thought about.

What is your initial impression of the school’s students/culture/community?

There is great camaraderie among EMBA participants. My cohort is as brilliant as they are supportive. They are there for you to celebrate your successes, practice interviews with, talk about start-up ideas, or listen to you when you are having an off day.

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