Mohamed Adam Khalifi
Summer Student Story
Meeting people from 73 nationalities and learning from professors, practitioners and classmates with completely different perspectives changed the way I understand international business and the kind of leader I want to become.
I am a Moroccan student currently pursuing a Grande École Master’s degree at Audencia Business School while working as an International Business Development Analyst at the Renault Group. In my role, I collaborate with teams and decision-makers across several countries. I wanted to join a program that would help me step back from my daily responsibilities, broaden my perspective and better understand the world in which international companies operate.
This is what drew me to HEC Paris’s Geopolitics, Globalization & Business Strategy program. I expected excellent teaching and the opportunity to meet new people. I found all of that, but the experience went much further than I had imagined.
The program constantly pushed me to question my first interpretation of a situation and consider how others might see the same issue differently. The case studies, negotiations and group projects made the learning very concrete. During one negotiation exercise, I saw how participants from different countries approached the same objective with completely different instincts, arguments and attitudes. That experience reminded me that international business is ultimately shaped by people, cultures and perceptions as much as by strategies and numbers.
Professors Jeremy Ghez and Mikaa Blugeon-Mered, together with the guest speakers, also made a lasting impression. Their expertise in research, business and international affairs connected theory with the realities faced by decision-makers. More importantly, they encouraged us to remain curious, challenge our assumptions and become more comfortable with uncertainty.
I learned just as much outside the classroom. Every day brought new conversations, cultures and friendships. We continued exchanging ideas after class, played sports on campus, explored the lake and the Château, and spent time together in Paris. These shared experiences created a genuine sense of community that made the program even more memorable. I am also grateful to the HEC Academy team, whose dedication and support helped make the entire experience even more enjoyable from beginning to end.
I came to HEC Paris hoping to grow academically and professionally. I left with a broader understanding of the world, meaningful friendships and a global network that will continue to shape my journey.
I would strongly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to challenge their way of thinking, develop an international outlook and learn in an environment where every person brings something different.