Qinyuan Yang

Working alongside peers from some of the world’s best universities, I was immersed in a dynamic and high-performing cohort that challenged my thinking.

With an academic background in engineering and risk management, and a professional internship as a Product Manager at Amazon, I approached the HEC Paris Summer School with a curious but uncertain mindset. Finance had always intrigued me, but I wasn’t sure if it was the right path. That’s why I joined the Accounting & Restructuring and Private Equity & LBO programs, to explore whether this field resonated with me beyond theory.

These two programs delivered exactly what I was looking for, and more. By the end of the four weeks, that curiosity had grown into conviction. The technical depth, case-based structure, and immersion in real financial challenges helped me understand that investment banking and private equity are not only intellectually stimulating but fundamentally aligned with how I think and what I aspire to pursue.

In the Accounting & Restructuring course, I gained deep proficiency in IFRS principles, complex consolidation mechanisms, financial restatements, and the nuances of distressed asset analysis. Meeting Professor Olivier Levyne was a true stroke of luck in my learning journey. His ability to weave together complex topics from accounting, restructuring, and private equity into one coherent framework made the learning both comprehensive and highly engaging.

Working alongside peers from some of the world’s best universities, I was immersed in a dynamic and high-performing cohort that challenged my thinking. Group work, case presentations, and late-night Excel modeling with future consultants, bankers, and entrepreneurs from over 20 nationalities gave me the collaborative exposure I will need in my future career.

Beyond academics, HEC Paris offered an intense yet enriching environment. The campus itself made the experience even more enjoyable, the dormitories were modern and comfortable, and the cafeteria served surprisingly delicious food. I also appreciated the state-of-the-art gym and basketball court, as well as the 24-hour library that supported our late-night study sessions. Most memorable of all was the serene forest behind the historic château on campus, a perfect place to unwind, reflect, or go for a run after class. The long hours, fast deadlines, and high expectations mirrored the real pace of finance. It wasn’t easy, but it was energizing. More importantly, I left with a sharper understanding of how finance operates at its core: a blend of strategy, structure, and storytelling.

For any student or young professional seeking to enter high-stakes finance, particularly investment banking, private equity, or restructuring advisory, I wholeheartedly recommend the HEC Paris Summer School. These programs do not just prepare you for the field; they launch you into it.

Find out more about this Summer Program