Chasing dreams and finding purpose – Valentin Malique’s inspiring journey
At key turning points in life, we often look back to understand how far we’ve come - and who we’ve become along the way. As the Class of 2025 prepares to graduate, we asked some of our amazing HEC Paris Master’s students to write a letter to themselves on the eve of this important milestone.
In this deeply personal letter, Valentin Malique, a Programme Grande École student, traces his journey from his initial fears to the quiet confidence and ambition of today. With heartfelt honesty, he shares the moments that shaped him - from cultural events and international exchanges to his first professional experiences and lifelong friendships.
What emerges is a portrait not only of growth, but of gratitude - for the people, the values, and the challenges that have made this chapter unforgettable.
Dear Me,
As the graduation ceremony approaches, I find myself reflecting on these past few years and I cannot stop thinking how wonderful they have been.
After two intense years of studying and growing, I finally got admitted to HEC Paris, a dream I had held onto for a long time. I remember arriving with high hopes: eager to learn, to meet new people, to take part in the vibrant student life, to start working and gain new skills. Still, underneath that excitement, there was fear. Coming from the countryside, I was worried I might not fit in. All those doubts were washed away during the Chamonix integration seminar. Everyone was open, curious, and kind. Being in small groups helped create instant connections. From that moment, I knew my dreams were beginning to take shape.
My time at HEC Paris became everything I had hoped for. Through student clubs like the BDE, Grand Cru, International Society, HEC Monde Arabe, and Avenir Vietnam, I took part in and organized countless cultural activities, from lively parties to Vietnamese cooking workshops. There was one core theme during my years at HEC Paris: the international aspect of my experiences. I lived my own version of the American dream during my exchange in the US, where I immersed myself in campus life, sports events, and a different academic culture. Part of Avenir Vietnam, I participated in a humanitarian mission for over a month. Inspired by these international experiences, I decided to join the Master Program CEMS with more than 80% of my class from all over the world and got the chance to study at the University of Sydney. I learned from the laid-back Australian mindset, the Finnish “sisu” resilience, and the precision of German work culture, lessons I’ll carry for life.
During my gap year, I took my first steps into the professional world as a Financial Analyst at Saint-Gobain. I was nervous at first, unsure of whether I could handle the pressure. But I was lucky to be surrounded by supportive and inspiring people, from my coworkers to my manager and director, who taught me more than I could have imagined. I cherish those connections deeply.
HEC Paris helped me grow. I became more responsible, more curious, more grounded. I learned to appreciate every moment. I was already open-minded, but being part of such a diverse environment made me even more eager to engage with others, to listen, to understand. Being constantly surrounded by bright minds sparked a quiet but strong ambition in me. I now see the workplace not only as a space for performance, but as one of discovery, collaboration, and sometimes necessary failure. Even if I didn’t launch a start-up, I found an entrepreneurial mindset in the way we were encouraged to lead, to take risks, and to think beyond the obvious.
With graduation just days away, I feel both nostalgic and excited. A new chapter is about to begin. I will soon begin working in strategy consulting, in fields like Energy, Transport, Defense, and Aerospace. I know the learning curve will be steep, but I am ready for the challenge. I want to grow, to contribute meaningfully, and to give back. As an HEC Paris Alumni delegate for my cohort, I will continue to support and connect with the community that shaped me.
If I could leave one message to myself at this moment, it would be this:
You’ve come a long way and not every step was easy, but it has always been worth it. Keep believing in yourself. Dreams are real if you dare to chase them. Invest in yourself. Keep learning. Embrace uncertainty. Question the world and yourself but never forget to trust your instincts. Be bold. You are capable of more than you know.
With pride and hope,
Valentin
Valentin’s words remind us that success isn’t just measured by titles or diplomas - but by the courage to grow, the willingness to connect, and the ability to stay true to who you are.
As he steps into the next chapter, he carries with him not only knowledge, but a mindset shaped by curiosity, resilience, an international spirit and the determination to chase his dreams.
Find our more about the Programme Grande École/Master in Management