Anne S. Ndiaye
Summer Student Story
Rather than simply analysing current events, we focused on what they mean for businesses, leaders and strategy. It challenged me to connect global dynamics to strategic decisions.
As I was finishing my Master's degree in London, I wanted to spend my summer exploring a subject I had always been curious about - geopolitics. Throughout my studies and professional experiences, I had become increasingly aware that markets do not operate in isolation. Political decisions, conflicts, trade relations, and shifts in power can reshape industries overnight. I wanted to better understand these forces and how they influence business strategy. This is what drew me to HEC Paris's Geopolitics, Globalization & Business Strategy Summer Program.
What stood out most was the program's perspective. Rather than simply analysing current events, we focused on what they mean for businesses, leaders, and strategy. It challenged me to connect global dynamics to strategic decisions and to think more critically about the opportunities and risks they create.
The highlight of the experience was Professor Jeremy Ghez. Anyone who has taken his class might recognise the words, “Ladies and gentlemen…”. His energy, expertise, and ability to challenge assumptions made every session engaging. Beyond understanding current events, we were constantly pushed to think about their implications for companies, industries, and the future of business.
The experience was further enriched by insightful guest speakers and an incredibly international cohort. Some of the most valuable learning came from discussions with classmates whose diverse backgrounds brought new perspectives to every conversation.
The program gave me a more nuanced understanding of how geopolitical developments translate into strategic decisions, and of the importance of looking beyond the immediate event to understand what comes next. It pushed me to think more critically about how businesses can navigate uncertainty, adapt to geopolitical shifts, and anticipate their impact.
Throughout the week, one question kept bringing us back to the bigger picture: “So what?”. It is a way of thinking that I will carry with me long after the program.