Reflecting on the HEC Paris Executive MSc in Finance
Why should you pursue the HEC Paris Executive MSc in Finance? To answer the question, we asked Matteo Grassani, who graduated from the program in 2022, to explain his motivations for joining the program and the key takeaways. From the program structure and content to the faculty and participants, let’s hear what Matteo has to say about the progr
Matteo Grassani is an international business lawyer with experience across multiple continents. One of the main focuses across his career has been to support companies in achieving their objectives – he emphasizes his passion for digital innovation, sustainability, and people-oriented initiatives. To excel in his role, Matteo recognized the need to develop a deeper understanding of the economic and financial drivers that shape global markets, prompting his decision to join HEC Paris to enhance his knowledge and expertise.
Reviewing Practices and Rethinking Vision
HEC Paris' Executive MSc in Finance stimulated Grassani to review his practices and rethink his vision by addressing the critical question of effectively allocating capital and resources - a key issue for all businesses. The program's focus on both academic research and business practice provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the asset owner and asset manager perspective, along with the challenges and conflicts of interest faced by economic agents. The faculty's expertise in qualitative and quantitative analysis expanded Grassani's ability to contribute actively to the decision-making process within his organization. “By learning new ways to analyze data and make informed decisions based on empirical evidence, I feel better equipped to identify growth opportunities.” The program's coverage of digitalization, AI, and fintech's impact on various industries also gave Grassani critical insights into leveraging technological changes.
Appreciating the people, the structure and the interactions
According to Matteo, the Executive Master in Finance program at HEC Paris was exceptional in both its structure and interactive nature. The caliber of the professors, who struck a perfect balance between academic rigor and practical knowledge, had a profound impact on his educational journey. “Everyone was very supportive - the faculty, the support staff, the librarians and my classmates. They provided me with valuable assistance throughout my coursework, especially during my research work, which played a crucial role in its success.” Matteo Grassani also highlights the diverse network of talented leaders from various backgrounds, whose shared dedication to making a positive impact fostered valuable connections and friendships. In terms of work life balance, Matteo affirms that the program's flexibility for working professionals allowed him to balance his work commitments while pursuing academic excellence.
Continuous Professional Development and Career Impact
“This executive program offered me an opportunity to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone in a safe environment.” Being a problem-solver, Matteo Grassani underlines the immense value that the Executive Master in Finance program brought to his professional development. “Thanks to the program, I gained new skills and tools to enhance the economic impact of business decisions, thus improving the quality of the decision-making process within my organization.”
The value of the program didn’t stop once he graduated. “I managed to establish lasting relationships with talented professionals, leading to ongoing conversations and valuable insights.” One of the main assets of the program lies in the very international cohort, which is made up of about 15 nationalities! Being part of the HEC Alumni association also provides Matteo with a platform to stay updated on recent trends and engage in discussions on sustainability and business topics. Moreover, the program's reputation worldwide contributed to new business development opportunities.
With newfound knowledge and skills, together with valuable insights into global financial markets, Matteo Grassani feels well-equipped to make informed decisions and contribute to the success of his organization.