Malalatina Ralison Rakotoson
Summer Student Story
Those two weeks at HEC were like nothing I’ve ever experienced — every class, every workshop, every conversation pushed me to think bigger and live fully.
Coming from Madagascar, I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Sustainability and Green Business at the University of Paris-Est Créteil. My academic path reflects my desire to connect internationally and engage in meaningful exchanges between my home country and abroad. For my thesis, I focused on Luxury Supply Chains and Developing Countries: Between Ethical Ambitions and Structural Realities, with a particular interest in the luxury fashion sector — an industry in which I aspire to build my career. Growing up in a developing country, I have always been passionate about contributing to its growth in a way that is sustainable and respectful of its resources.
I chose HEC Paris’s New Luxury summer program because it perfectly combined my interests in luxury and sustainability. Having always dreamed of joining HEC, discovering this program felt like the ideal opportunity. I was curious, excited and eager to explore the world of luxury from a sustainable perspective — a topic that had not been covered in my previous studies.
The professors and guest speakers exceeded my expectations. We were taught by inspiring professionals whose insights were both empowering and thought-provoking. The teaching approach balanced academic rigor with practical application through workshops and excursions, offering us a complete view of the luxury ecosystem. For the first time in a long while, I found myself genuinely excited to be in class, learning not only about the structure and mindset of luxury but also about building a career driven by meaning and purpose.
The program was intense but incredibly rewarding. I woke up early each day, attended classes, worked on projects, shared meals with friends and spent my evenings practicing dance choreography in the campus facilities until late at night. I was so eager to live every experience fully that 24 hours often felt insufficient. The program pushed me to live intentionally, make the most of every opportunity, and apply a new sense of discipline and energy to everything I do.
Since the program, I have integrated what I learned into my Master’s projects, especially in connecting luxury and sustainability. The insights I gained about supply chains, customer values, and the challenges of ethical transformation continue to guide me as I shape my studies and future career.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the New Luxury summer program to anyone passionate about luxury, sustainability, and innovation. It offers not only academic excellence but also an environment that encourages self-discovery, international friendships, and the motivation to keep pushing your limits.