From Texas to HEC Paris: Jaxon Gonzales’ Lafayette Fellowship Journey

Originally from Austin, Texas, Jaxon Gonzales graduated from Stanford University this spring with a degree in economics. Today, he is following the HEC Paris Master in Management program as a Lafayette Fellow, learning the language of finance, discovering France and exploring where his interest in international affairs might take him.

Thanks to the Lafayette Fellowship, a scholarship and leadership program organized by the French Embassy in the United States, Jaxon is immersing himself in a new culture, gaining a deeper understanding of Europe and discovering international issues from a different angle. 

Discovering the Lafayette Fellowship

Jaxon first learned about the Lafayette Fellowship through a French professor teaching his advanced macroeconomics course at Stanford. At the end of the semester, the professor shared information about the scholarship and encouraged students to apply.

The fellowship immediately resonated with Jaxon’s interest in working abroad and working on international issues. He also saw it as a unique opportunity to better understand France at a time when relations between Europe and the United States are increasingly important.

For Jaxon, the value of the program extends far beyond financial support. By bringing talented American students to France and exposing them to the country's institutions, culture and business environment, the Fellowship creates long-term ties between the two countries.

"You end up with a whole network in France and a much better understanding of the country," he says. "I think it's beneficial for the students, for France and for the relationship between France and the United States."

His advice to prospective Lafayette Fellowship applicants? Be authentic and be yourself. The personal statement and video give you the perfect opportunity to show that you have a sincere interest in France – you don’t need to make every past experience fit neatly with a future career goal.

A summer of learning and connection

The fellowship program kicked off in July with an introduction to French life that was both intellectually engaging and memorable. The thirty Lafayette Fellows took part in an intensive summer leadership program designed to introduce them to French society, culture and institutions.

The students began their Lafayette Fellowship journey in Paris with masterclasses led by prominent academics and industry experts, alongside visits to major cultural sites – a private tour of the Louvre being a particularly memorable experience. They then travelled to the Avignon Theater Festival before continuing to Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, where they visited the headquarters of global shipping and logistics company CMA CGM.

The program also encouraged the fellows to engage with issues shaping contemporary France and Europe. Discussions on technological sovereignty, and artificial intelligence offered valuable insight into debates that are perhaps less prominent in the United States. Conversations about immigration and industrial policy, meanwhile, brought familiar debates into a different national context.

Perhaps equally important were the friendships formed during these initial two weeks. Those connections continue today, with fellows now studying across France in cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Grenoble, Nice and Strasbourg.

Building new foundations at HEC Paris

For Jaxon, HEC Paris offered the ideal combination of academic excellence and international exposure. At Stanford, he had been drawn to economics for its quantitative rigor and ability to tackle important social questions. At HEC Paris, he wanted to develop expertise in areas he had not previously studied, particularly in finance and accounting.

At the same time, he hopes that long-term his work will strengthen ties between countries. "I've become increasingly interested in working in an international role, whether that's in Europe, the US or both," he explains. "Understanding how things work in Europe and building meaningful relationships here will be very useful."

Jaxon is already embracing campus life. Outside of class, he has joined the European Horizons association, which brings together French and international students to learn about European institutions. He has also applied to the HEC Startup Club and is launching an energy and commodities club with friends.

Campus life has offered some welcome familiarity. The open space and quiet remind him of Stanford, giving him space to think and relax. He has become an enthusiastic fan of the HEC Paris canteen! On the weekends, central Paris offers a change of pace and opportunities to reconnect with other Lafayette fellows. 

Seeing France through American eyes

For someone who had no previous experience of living and studying in France, Jaxon has found the adjustment relatively straightforward. Overall, he has found life in France both familiar and welcoming. The diverse and highly international nature of the HEC Paris community has helped, and he is convinced that improving his skills in French will make the experience even more enriching.

Jaxon believes that France and the United States share even more similarities than many people assume. "Western Europe is actually pretty similar to the US in a lot of ways," he states.

That said, he has noticed some interesting differences. One example is the prominence of environmental and social considerations in higher education. At HEC Paris, for example, courses are accompanied by environmental and social impact ratings, something he says would be unusual in most American universities. Living in France will give him the chance to understand both the similarities and differences through daily experience.
 

A passion for the energy sector and looking ahead

Jaxon remains very open-minded about exactly where his career will take him, but one area has captured his attention in recent months - battery storage technology.

He has become fascinated by startups developing systems that allow homes and businesses to store electricity when prices are low and use or resell it when demand increases. "It's become something I'm almost obsessed with," he admits. He hopes to gain experience in the sector in the future, ideally within an innovative startup environment.

For now, however, his focus is on making the most of his time at HEC Paris, expanding his knowledge of finance, deepening his understanding of Europe, and building relationships that will last long after graduation.

As he settles into life in France, Jaxon's story reflects the broader ambition of the Lafayette Fellowship - bringing together talented young leaders, fostering mutual understanding, and creating connections that can strengthen ties between France and the United States for years to come.


Find out more about the Master in Management