INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY : CELEBRATING OUR INSPIRING FEMALE STUDENTS
Celebrating women's achievements and supporting gender equality go hand in hand with HEC Paris' core values. In honor of International Women's Day 2023, we #EmbraceEquity and shine the spotlight on the bright and ambitious female students from HEC Paris Master's programs. Find out what this day means to them, their aspirations for the future, and how their degree will help them achieve their goals.
Camilla Bastianon – Master in International Finance
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day represents for me an opportunity to celebrate the progress we have made towards gender equality and to uplift women’s accomplishments. It also offers the chance to reflect on the long way we still need to go to achieve full equality and on the challenges that we must overcome to do so.
In what ways do you think the Master in International Finance empowers women?
The MiF represents the first step to break the glass ceilings that still exist in finance. We are offered a top-notch education and access to unique opportunities.
What advice would you give women considering a Master in International Finance?
Don’t be afraid to dare, as not trying only means saying “no” to yourself. Chase every opportunity, support each other and never stop being ambitious.
What are your aspirations for the future? How will the Master in International Finance help you reach those goals?
I would like to pursue a career in trading, with the longer-term objective of potentially creating my own fund. The MiF gives me the knowledge necessary to start my career, as well as the chance to build a strong network across current students, alumni, and professors. It also empowers me to pursue my goals actively and proudly, trying to make a difference in the world.
Elinda Karpoutzoglou - Mastère Spécialisé/LLM Droit et Management International
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
This day is a reminder of how structural inequalities, discriminatory laws and policies, as well as socio-culturally tolerated mistreatment affect women on a daily basis, despite the fact that they make up more than half of the global workforce.
In what ways do you think the Mastère Spécialisé/LLM Droit et Management International empowers women?
A career in Law is empowering. Even more so when it is combined with managerial skills, which are essential in the legal industry.
What advice would you give women considering a Mastère Spécialisé/LLM Droit et Management International ?
Apply! The legal industry lacks female partners in large law firms.
What are your aspirations for the future? How will the Mastère Spécialisé/LLM Droit et Management International help you reach those goals?
To influence Trade Law and Policy, integrating intersectional considerations based on Environment and Human Rights Laws. The Mastère DMI represents a first step toward a career in Law.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to women thinking about their careers?
To strive for more when necessary and to set less barriers to their true potential.
Aliette Poplu - MSc X-HEC Entrepreneurs
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women’s day is important to me: it is a yearly reminder that gender equality still doesn’t exist. However, it is also a reminder that women are strong and resilient, that we must keep pushing everyday for the deconstruction of our society’s biases by standing for each other and unifying our forces.
In what ways do you think the MSc X-HEC Entrepreneurs empowers women?
The Msc X-HEC Entrepreneurs empowers women in several ways:
- I didn’t feel any gender biases as I might have experienced in other environments. Everyone is appreciated and recognized for their abilities, independently of their gender.
- There are no quotas in this master’s programs. I know that I have been accepted for my skills and that it had nothing to do with my gender.
- Female entrepreneurs and investors regularly come to talk about their experiences. These testimonials help us identify ourselves in those roles and believe in our abilities.
- The Master’s program is led by women, which makes me feel more listened to as they can relate to our needs and issues.
What advice would you give women considering a MSc X-HEC Entrepreneurs ?
Believe in yourself, be natural, and show that nothing will stop you from achieving your goals. The selection process is only based on skills and personality: the candidate’s gender has nothing to do with the outcome.
What are your aspirations for the future? How will the MSc X-HEC Entrepreneurs help you reach those goals?
I wish to build and manage my own company. I aspire to be a strong leader and put wellbeing at the center of my management: I am convinced that only a company with happy employees can succeed.
The MSc X-HEC Entrepreneurs gives me all the keys to succeed in my entrepreneurial project. The program provides us with the best training to increase our chances of success. The teaching sessions and testimonials guide us to build a profitable company and give us the tools to maintain a good company governance and a strong team.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to women thinking about their careers?
Women are capable of everything! We need to get rid of the limiting thoughts and beliefs that keep us from fighting for what we want. Whether it is a dream job, a dream salary, or a dream position, we are entitled to get whatever we want.
Shihan Ye - MSc Data Science for Business École Polytechnique-HEC
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It is a day to celebrate women’s achievements, advocate for gender equality, and acknowledge the challenges that still exist. It is significant to me because it reminds me of the incredible women who paved the way for my generation. It is an important day for all people to come together for brighter and equal future.
In what ways do you think the MSc Data Science for Business empowers women?
The MSc DSB gives women the opportunity to learn and work in this male dominant industry.
What advice would you give women considering a MSc Data Science for Business?
Build solid foundation in mathematics, learn programming languages and believe in yourself when facing challenges.
What are your aspirations for the future? How will the MSc DSB help you reach those goals?
I want to work in the financial industry or company's in-house consulting department. This degree helps me develop skills in building analytic models, which will allow me to make data-driven decisions as a strategic leader.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to women thinking about their careers?
Believe in yourself, don't give up easily when facing challenges and just do it to achieve your career goals.
Jasmin Esermann – Master in International Finance
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
For me, International Women's Day is a great opportunity to highlight the achievements of women across the globe in all walks of life. Although progress is being made each day to make the workplace a more equal place for all, there is no doubt that gender inequality still exists. This day allows me to admire the resilience and accomplishments of inspiring women who are breaking boundaries around the world.
In what ways do you think the Master in International Finance empowers women?
I believe the MiF program is an excellent platform for women to shine and succeed. I felt included in the program from day one. The ratio of female/male in classes is nearly an equal split, and the emphasis on group work and collaboration in the program forges a strong community culture. Moreover, the guest lectures featuring successful women in various areas of finance empower me and help me visualize a career in finance.
What advice would you give women considering a Master in International Finance ?
Apply! I have never felt such a sense of community than the one I have with my classmates. I am grateful that I made the decision to study this program at HEC Paris. It is an encouraging learning environment in which each person can grow to be better prepared for a successful career.
What are your aspirations for the future? How will the Master in International Finance help you reach those goals?
I plan on starting my career in Finance, specifically in Investment Banking. The MiF provides excellent preparation for a career in Finance, whether through the content covered by well-renowned professionals and professors, or through the first-class career services.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to women thinking about their careers?
I would encourage all women striving for a successful career never to undermine their abilities and strengths, particularly in male-dominated fields. Being the only woman in the room should not stop you from seeking equal treatment and paving your own path, especially if it means shattering glass ceilings until you achieve your professional potential.
Yuhan Ji – Master in Economics and Finance
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
For me, International Women's Day is a symbol that reminds me that there are still inequalities between men and women in the world. There is still a long way to go, for me, for women and for everyone.
In what ways do you think the Master in Economics & Finance empowers women?
The program gives us the tools to choose our own careers, especially in some traditionally male-dominated industries, such as banking, technology, etc. I also have the chance to connect with many women leaders from different industries and found a lot of inspiration through their stories. Most importantly, my classmates are all very inspiring and determined people.
What advice would you give women considering a Master in Economics & Finance ?
This program will equip you for your future career. If you are determined to create changes, this is the place you should consider.
What are your aspirations for the future? How will the Master in Economics & Finance help you reach those goals?
I would like to be a management consultant. The different courses offered in this program, such as behavior economics, industrial organization, strategic consulting etc., provide me with the necessary skills The strong alumni network we benefit from is also a considerable asset for my future career.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to women thinking about their careers?
Do whatever you want to do. Women can create change!
Manon Hias - MSc X-HEC Entrepreneurs
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It offers the possibility to reflect on the condition of women in the world and to set up actions to help them to emancipate themselves. It is a day that reminds me that there are still many inequalities. I am lucky at my level not to be affected, but it is by seeing what is highlighted this day that we become aware that too many inequalities remain.
In what ways do you think the MSc X-HEC Entrepreneurs empowers women?
In entrepreneurship, women are underrepresented. For example, the number of female founders in the French Tech120 ranking was only 6% in 2021 and 11% in 2022. The Msc X-HEC Entrepreneurs allows women to become role models, which is necessary for future generations. That’s why the Boost'Her seminar was created, to exchange with alumni of the major and women entrepreneurs. The idea is simple: to make us aware that it is possible.
What advice would you give women considering a MSc X-HEC Entrepreneurs ?
Go for it! There is no difference between a man and a woman who have the ambition to launch their entrepreneurial project. The real questions you should ask yourself are: do I really want to become an entrepreneur? Am I ready to continuously doubt? Am I ready to give 100% to make this project happen?
What are your aspirations for the future? How will the MSc X-HEC Entrepreneurs help you reach those goals?
I am also an engineer and very interested in subjects concerning the energy transition and the photovoltaic sector. I would like to create a hybrid software between a CRM and an ERP tool for these players and give them the right tools to scale their business in all serenity. I want my entrepreneurial project to contribute in its own way to building a more sustainable world.
The master teaches us to execute and take action. It makes us realize that if you don't know how to do it, take the plunge and see what happens.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to women thinking about their careers?
Let's stop limiting ourselves or asking questions because we are women. We need more women decision-makers to show future generations that it's possible, quite simply!