Unlock Innovative Perspectives on Business Challenges with HEC Students: A Success Story with Nexans

In an increasingly complex and dynamic business environment, companies face multifaceted challenges that demand innovative solutions and strategic foresight. Collaborating with top-tier business school students offers a fresh perspective, blending academic rigor with practical insights to address these challenges effectively. This was the case for Nexans, a global leader in advanced cable and connectivity solutions. Partnering with HEC Paris students through a Business Project during the 2023-2024 academic year, Nexans tackled the strategic challenge of internal carbon pricing, aligning with its commitment to sustainable business practices. Discover how this collaboration delivered valuable outcomes for both parties.

Nexans’ Business Project: A Strategic Win-Win

David Grall, Nexans Group’s VP of Sustainability & Corporate Transformation and a key figure in the project, shares his perspective on the collaboration and its impact. From the professionalism of the students to the actionable outcomes they delivered, his insights highlight the mutual benefits of partnering with HEC Paris through a Business Project. 

A Successful Partnership

"Excellent collaboration! The students showcased professionalism, curiosity, and dedication, contributing to a pioneering project on internal carbon pricing. Their work, presented to Nexans’ top management, demonstrated high-quality outcomes and fresh perspectives."

Valuable Insights

"This project offered diverse viewpoints and a comprehensive 360-degree analysis, essential for informed decision-making. It was fully aligned with our strategic needs, demonstrating the value of academic-industry collaboration.”

Mutual Benefits

"We highly recommend this format to other companies. Such initiatives provide businesses with innovative perspectives while giving young talents valuable hands-on experience."

Concrete Outcomes

"The project allowed us to model the impact of internal carbon pricing on profitability, providing actionable insights for business leaders to assess and comprehend the potential future impacts on business continuity and resilience."

What are HEC Paris Business Projects?

HEC Paris Business Projects are unique academic-industry collaborations designed to tackle real-world business challenges while enhancing students' educational experiences. These projects allow companies to benefit from the cutting-edge knowledge and diverse perspectives of highly motivated, final-year master’s students, supervised by both a company mentor and an academic advisor.

Each project addresses a key strategic issue for the company’s development and spans areas such as strategy, marketing, finance, sustainability, and digital transformation. Students work in teams of 2 to 5, dedicating 7 to 20 hours per week over a 10-week period. They deliver actionable insights and innovative solutions tailored to the company's needs.

Key Benefits for Companies Working with HEC Students

•    Fresh Perspectives: Collaborating with international students brings innovative ideas and solutions tailored to strategic challenges.
•    Top Talent Pipeline: Projects provide a unique opportunity to observe students in real-life scenarios, offering insights into their potential as future hires.
•    Academic Expertise: Students are guided by experienced HEC faculty, ensuring high-quality outcomes backed by academic rigor.

Why Collaborate with HEC Paris Through Business Projects?

HEC Paris Business Projects offer companies access to diverse teams of talented students with expertise in fields such as sustainability, finance, marketing, and strategic management. These projects are a cost-effective way to explore innovative ideas while directly engaging with future business leaders.

Details to Keep in Mind:
•    Duration: Maximum of 10 weeks (December to April).
•    Language: Conducted in English or French.
•    Company Involvement: Regular mentorship and feedback sessions, with a final presentation to assess outcomes.

Ready to Solve Your Business Challenges?

If your company, like Nexans, is looking to address its business challenges with fresh insights, consider collaborating with HEC students through Business Projects. These collaborations are an excellent way to foster innovation and talent development.

For more information or to discuss your project ideas, contact Sofia Flores, HEC Paris Business Projects & Corporate Manager flores-barrios@hec.fr 

Explore the brochure and learn more about the program here.