HEC Paris

[Your 10-Minute Presentation on Topic of Your Choice]

This is your moment to shape the narrative. Choose a topic that reveals something meaningful about your values, curiosity, or growth. Use the '2-8-10' framework: Why (2 min), What (6 min), Impact (2 min). Practice until you can deliver it naturally, without notes, with genuine pauses for breath and thought. Your delivery matters as much as your content.

Tell me about a time you failed or faced significant challenge. What did you learn?

HEC values growth mindset over perfection. Pick a real failure (not a humble-brag). Explain what went wrong, what you were responsible for, and how you adjusted. Reflect on what that taught you about yourself, your approach, your leadership. The best answers show humility and genuine learning, not excuses.

Walk me through your career path. Why did you make each move?

Your interviewer has only your CV; they want to understand the logic of your trajectory. Each move should make narrative sense. If you job-hopped, be ready to explain the strategy or learning behind each move. Coherence signals clarity of thinking. Randomness suggests unclear goals.

Why an MBA, and why now?

Be specific. 'I want to grow as a leader' is vague. 'I've spent 8 years in operations and want to transition to general management. The MBA's strategic coursework and leadership development will close the gap.' Or 'I want to launch a sustainable fashion company, and HEC's entrepreneurship program plus mentor network will accelerate that journey.' Connect the MBA to a specific inflection point in your thinking.

Tell me about your most significant accomplishment in your current or previous role.

Don't just state the outcome. Walk through the challenge (why was this hard?), your approach (how did you think about it?), key decisions (what trade-offs did you make?), and result (what changed?). Then reflect: what did this teach you about yourself as a leader? What would you do differently?

How do you approach continuous learning and development?

HEC values lifelong learning. Share specific examples: books you read, courses you've taken, mentors you've sought, skills you've intentionally developed. Show that you're proactive about your growth, not waiting for your employer to develop you.

Tell me about a time you disagreed with a manager or colleague. How did you handle it?

This assesses emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. Pick a real disagreement. Explain your perspective, their perspective, where the gap was, and how you bridged it. Avoid blame. Show you can listen, understand opposing views, and find common ground. Leaders don't just impose their will; they persuade and align.

What would you change about your current or previous role if you could do it again?

This shows self-awareness. Maybe you'd invest earlier in building a strong team, or spend more time on strategic planning instead of fires, or communicate differently with a key stakeholder. The point is reflective learning, not regret.

How do you define leadership?

Your answer reveals your leadership philosophy. Share a definition grounded in your experience. 'Leadership is enabling others to succeed, creating clarity in ambiguity, and modeling the values you expect.' Then support with an example from your career.

How has your thinking about [topic from your presentation] evolved? Where do you want to take it next?

Your interviewer is looking for evidence that you're still growing in your passion area. Show how the MBA connects to deepening or applying this thinking. This links your presentation to your future vision.

What are you looking for in an MBA program, and why HEC specifically?

Again, specificity wins. Name classes, clubs, exchange locations, or professors at HEC that align with your goals. 'Strong program in Paris' is forgettable. 'Your sustainable business concentration and connections to luxury brands will help me transition into ESG-focused roles at LVMH or similar' is memorable.

Tell me about a time you had to lead or influence without direct authority.

HEC case-method learning relies on peer influence and group consensus, not hierarchy. They want evidence that you can persuade with ideas, not just authority. Pick a story where you influenced a peer group, a cross-functional team, or even a senior stakeholder without being in charge.