10 Years of HEC Paris MBA Afterworks Across Continents

What began as a “random idea” launched a decade ago in Paris has transformed into a tight-knit community fostering global connections. Celebrating 10 years, the HEC Paris MBA Afterworks, reaching more than 50 cities worldwide, has become much more than a network. 

It is a platform where people can reach out to fellow alumni for a soft landing in a new place, guidance through career and life decisions, or simply a trusted connection, said MBA Afterworks Club Co-President Santosh Prasad. Every initiative of the Paris headquarters from Afterworks events and mentoring programs to MBA Giving Month, which supports MBA scholarships, and the Global Afterworks, is built with thought and genuine care, he said.

“For many, it has become a family away from family and seeing that sense of belonging flourish has been rewarding,” he added. “People thank me for organizing the Afterworks, I thank them for building the community.”

Over the years, that culture of giving back has become the foundation of the community, something that continues to connect people across cities, backgrounds and generations.

“There is a deep need for people to have community,” said Mike Mills, MBA Afterworks Club Co-President. “Every HEC MBA student took a leap in coming to HEC, in moving across the planet, in changing careers, or both. We give them a chance to keep meeting people with that experience in common.”

BANGALORE

Bangalore has become a community that genuinely enjoys spending time together, said Ambassador Mahesh TD. The city is home to around 100-120 HEC alumni and while gatherings are usually 10-20 people, they've become something people look forward to rather than just another networking event.

“What makes me happiest is seeing familiar faces return, new alumni integrate quickly and people naturally helping one another, whether that's discussing a startup idea, exploring career opportunities, testing a product or simply making the city feel a little less overwhelming,” TD said. 

He attributed the success to keeping the format relaxed where people can reconnect, exchange ideas, and enjoy each other's company, so attendees leave feeling they've had meaningful conversations rather than collecting business cards.

The first Bangalore Afterwork was held during COVID, and TD had just moved to Bangalore and barely knew anyone. Alumni met virtually and eventually in person at a small get-together at a French café called Plume.

“Many of us were meeting in person for the first time,” TD said. “The café became so lively with conversations and laughter that it felt like we'd all known each other for years. Looking back, that evening really restarted the Bangalore community. That first evening reminded me that the strongest professional communities are built on genuine personal relationships.”

Since then, the Bangalore Afterwork has seen people connect over business ideas, seek career advice, partner with each in entrepreneurial ventures, and form lasting friendships.

 “In my MBA WhatsApp group, every Football World Cup suddenly brings everyone back together. For a few weeks, it's as if we've stepped back into campus life again,” TD said. “Whether you're in Paris, Bangalore, Singapore or New York, you know fellow HEC alumni are gathering at roughly the same time, sharing the same spirit of connection. I hope that anyone moving to a new city knows there's an HEC community waiting for them, making the transition a little easier and helping them feel at home more quickly.”

SINGAPORE

MBA Afterworks has become a tradition that brings alumni together every year, not just within their own cities, but as part of a global celebration happening simultaneously around the world, said Pallavi Misra, Singapore Ambassador. 

At a recent Singapore Afterwork, several alumni who hadn’t attended events for quite some time said how glad they were to come back and reconnect with the community. Attendees also shared their interests and the kinds of people they hoped to meet. Using that information, they received personalized introductions, giving everyone a few suggested connections and conversation starters. 

Several alumni said afterwards that it made networking much more meaningful. 

“I had an exceptional experience during my MBA,” Misra said, “and being involved is my way of giving back and helping ensure future generations enjoy that same sense of community.”

Looking ahead, Misra hopes to see even more cross-pollination between chapters, with alumni communities across cities and countries sharing ideas, best practices and opportunities to connect.

LIMA

Watching experienced graduates welcome and mentor recent alumni, offer career advice, share opportunities, and help them in their job search, is a powerful reminder that the HEC spirit extends far beyond graduation, said Lima Ambassador Bea Salazar.

“One of my favorite moments at our annual MBA Afterworks in Lima is when everyone shares a meaningful memory from their time in Jouy,” Salazar said. “Even though we studied there in different years, those stories remind us that we all lived the same extraordinary experience.”

Salazar’s hope is that the MBA Afterworks Alumni Club continues to grow while preserving the spirit that makes it so special. 

At the end of the day, the MBA Afterworks organizers are simply facilitators, Prasad added. “We aspire to be the backbone of the MBA community globally continuing to connect alumni, foster genuine exchanges, and give back to HEC,” he said. “After all, if the last 10 years have taught us anything, it’s that the best is still ahead of us, and the party is far from over.”