Wanyu Chen

My time at HEC Paris gave me a new lens through which to view my own potential, and the courage to build something from scratch, which is a confidence that will guide me long into my career.

My academic path has always been a blend of two worlds: the logic of STEM subjects and the analytical nature of Economics and Finance. Yet, as I progressed in my studies, I sought to link my passion to real-world use. The HEC Paris FinTech summer school was a doorway into the most dynamic force reshaping our world: the fusion of finance and technology. For me, as well as being an academic course, it was also an exploration into the prospects of my career.

The program was academically intense, with expert guest speakers from various fields leading us into the complexities of cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, and the future of retail banking. But the value of the program extended far beyond its curriculum; its heart lay in the pedagogy, led by Professor Benjamin Gabay as our academic director. This wasn’t just teaching—it was mentorship, tailored to help each of us step beyond our comfort zones.

I remember a specific conversation with Professor Gabay where I expressed a common concern for students with a traditional finance background: how to compete in an increasingly tech-heavy industry. In response, he told to me his own story: from a law degree to FinTech startups, he encouraged me to lean into the unique strengths my degree provides. The initiative and creativity of his anecdote on building a website to fund his student trip also inspired me to launch a podcast post-program, exploring financial topics.

Another amazing aspect about the summer school is the cohort of brilliant peers: the diversity differentiates the atmosphere from our everyday school or work lives. It is here and here only that allows us to collaborate on group projects with such a unique and intellectual crowd. Coming up with our own FinTech startup plan was the most challenging, it pushed me to justify my ideas, appreciate international viewpoints and present my analysis; but it was also the most rewarding – every discussion was rich with perspective and passion.

At the time as a first-year student, I was pleasantly surprised by how ‘new-user friendly’ the course was – its complexity feels approachable rather than overwhelming. Therefore, I highly recommend this program to any student who is curious about FinTech and is ready to be challenged. No matter your background or level of expertise, if you are eager to look into the future of finance, this is for you. My time at HEC Paris gave me a new lens through which to view my own potential, and the courage to build something from scratch, which is a confidence that will guide me long into my career.

Find out more about the Fintech Summer Program