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All students have the opportunity to take advantage a gap year between M1 and M2 and can play a crucial role in determining the career path you want to pursue. 

Though optional, this experience is the perfect opportunity to enrich your résumé with solid professional experience. Discovering the reality of the business world in a specific field of your choice (marketing, finance, consultancy, communication…), will also enable you to fine-tune your career goals. 

Master in Management – Programme Grande Ecole students have the opportunity to complete a one-year professional and/or personal (optional) projectduring their studies at HEC Paris. They can opt to dedicate one year to a professional project (internships, professional experience) or one year to a more personal project (volunteering, business creation, etc.).

They  have the possibility to take:

- one year for a professional or a personal project, 
- one year for a professional project then a further year for a  personal project

This real-life experience will help you broaden your horizons, and ensure that you are on the right path to achieve your career objectives. You will then be able pursue your final year courses at HEC Paris with clearer vision and renewed determination. 

NB: To be exempt from the professional gap year, please note that students need to have completed 8 weeks (for students admitted directly to M1) or 16 weeks (for L3 students) of professional experience by the beginning of M2.