Pablo Ruiz Arango

In today’s world, where geopolitics can change overnight, spotting the signals that matter isn’t just useful… it's critical. HEC Paris gave me the tools to do exactly that.”

Born and raised in Mexico, I carry values of curiosity, resilience, and an instinct to go beyond familiar borders. As an Economics undergrad at Bocconi University and a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum, I understood technical expertise was essential to navigate today’s market uncertainty - which is exactly what first drew me to HEC’s Business & Geopolitics online program.

Spring was the perfect window to dive deeper. For a finance-major international student summers are packed with flights home and internships. But HEC made this learning possible exactly when I needed it. The curriculum provided tools I could apply immediately: translating headline chaos into strategic action and making sense of AI and climate turbulence. Now, those frameworks click into place as I scan the morning news.

Initially a concern, the virtual classroom became our superpower: Zoom amplified voices from every continent. Breakout debates and live polls transformed distance into dynamic diversity, and we gained fresh perspectives by analyzing topics with peers living them first-hand. Additionally, you will definitely push soft skills: from navigating the awkwardness of Zoom networking (no easy feat) to using shared hobbies as icebreakers that can turn stiff calls into real connections!

Balancing university coursework, extracurriculars, and the online program was intense. But HEC’s flexible format allowed me to thrive at my own pace. The true reward? Professor Ghez’s infectious enthusiasm, and group calls where high-achieving peers made me rethink my five-year plan over a single coffee chat. That energy made every effort worth the sweat.

If you’re considering HEC’s Business & Geopolitics online program, my recommendation is to bring a stable connection, an open mind, and yes… the courage to dream big. But always leave space for life’s surprises, because those surprises are where the real growth begins. I’m forever grateful for this diverse international cohort, and for learning to truly see the world behind the words we read.
 

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