Fast-Track Your Future in Finance with HEC Paris Summer School

If you're considering a future in Finance, there's no better way to test the waters - and make waves - than through the HEC Paris Summer School. With seven dynamic programs designed to challenge, inspire, and accelerate your ambitions, our Finance Portfolio offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into key areas of the field. Over two intensive weeks, participants gain real-world exposure, global perspectives, and invaluable connections that often lead to transformative career decisions. For many, it’s not just a summer program, it’s the first step toward a Master’s degree and a thriving career in Finance. But don’t just take our word for it - hear from those who’ve lived it. 

Settle down for the long-read…

LEVEL 1 PROGRAMS

These first level programs offer an overall view of the subject matter. They are suitable for early level business or economics students, and participants from another domain who are interested in adding Finance or Accounting skills to their profile. 
These programs also welcome applicants with experience in the field, who are seeking to refresh their skills, and to gain concrete real-life applications.

Corporate Finance – Arthur Rat

"The decision to pivot into finance from a purely legal background was a significant leap, and the HEC Paris Corporate Finance Summer Program was the essential bridge.

My goal was to completely challenge myself, dive into a new field of expertise, and rapidly acquire the professional skills necessary for a career pivot. What I experienced was a rigorous, two-week immersion that immediately translated complex financial theory into accessible, applicable knowledge.

I developed real-life skills by being exposed daily to case studies and by meeting face-to-face with worldwide-renowned finance professionals. The immediate result was tangible. The Summer School experience allowed me to significantly differentiate myself from other candidates on the competitive job market, leading directly to a role in the Financial Services department of a Big Four company.

Furthermore, having been immersed in the HEC environment proved to be the pivotal first step toward applying for a Master’s degree here. The experience provided the courage to apply and, more importantly, added invaluable credibility as HEC professors recognize the quality and dedication shown in these intensive programs." 

Arthur is now on campus at HEC combining his Law degree with a Business Master’s.

Firms’ Accounts & Restructuring – Qinyuan Yang

"In the Accounts & Restructuring program, I gained deep proficiency in IFRS principles, complex consolidation mechanisms, financial restatements, and the nuances of distressed asset analysis. The professor’s ability to weave together complex topics from firms’ accounts and recent restructuring deals 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.

I left with a sharper understanding of how finance operates at its core: a blend of strategy, structure, and storytelling."

Qinyuan has a background in Engineering and Risk Management. This program gave him the opportunity to explore a new field.

FinTech: The Future of Finance – Alisa Koluskina

This first level program welcomes participants with an interest in the FinTech field and strong motivation to explore the economic model behind FinTech companies and the new technologies that are shaping the world of Finance. A background in Finance or Economics may be beneficial to gain maximum benefit from the program. However, there are no formal academic pre-requisites.

"The two weeks offered a highly enriching experience. I was particularly impressed by the lecturers' ability to break down complex, modern concepts - such as AI, DeFi, and crypto - into clear and accessible terms. This ability to simplify intricate topics is a hallmark of true expertise. The program was further enhanced by a series of incredibly engaging guest speakers, who provided valuable insights from diverse backgrounds, ranging from traditional banking at Raiffeisen Bank to dynamic crypto expertise from Coinbase. They were all highly knowledgeable and open to questions, which fostered an open discussion in the classroom.

Beyond theoretical knowledge, the program provided me with a range of new practical skills. From creating AI agents to mastering crypto tools, these skills are directly applicable to my current role as a financial analyst."

Alisa is a young professional equally passionate about Finance & Entrepreneurship.

LEVEL 2 PROGRAMS

These intermediate programs welcome motivated, ambitious participants with at least 2 years of undergraduate studies in a related field, such as Economics, Corporate Finance or Accounting, at the time of the program. A first domain-related internship experience may be beneficial. These programs are more technical than Corporate Finance. 
Students with an engineering background are also welcome to apply to the Sustainable Finance & Investment program.

Sustainable Finance & Investment - Xuelian Tai

"During the course, I learned to establish strategic goals under varying policies and within a diversity of markets, analyze corporate carbon emissions, and promote green projects. Key takeaways included understanding the urgency of sustainability through data analysis and considering perspectives from the World Bank, energy companies, and commercial banks.

The professor’s inspiring teaching methods and passionate guidance were immensely beneficial. The guest lecturers also brought rich practical experience, broadening our horizons.
The effectiveness of the program quickly became evident as I applied the skills I had learned to my ensuing internship in the Strategy Department at Jaguar Land Rover China and received unanimous praise. Using the professional knowledge I gained in France to help my country achieve net-zero targets is exciting and inspiring."

Xuelian is now doing a Master’s in Management at INSEAD.

Investment Banking & International Finance – Xinyue Zhou

"Looking back on my summer at HEC Paris, so many vivid images come to my mind — the beautiful campus bathed in sunshine and green lawns; classrooms buzzing with energy; and faces from all around the world. Thanks to the Investment Banking and International Finance program, I had a truly immersive learning experience in the world of finance. Our professor, who had years of experience in investment banking, guided us through real-life cases and practical methods that brought theory to life. My classmates — representing 23 different nationalities — broadened my horizons with their diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds.

Those two weeks were incredibly rich and inspiring — filled with engaging classes, hands-on projects, and vibrant campus life. I left HEC Paris knowing I wanted to pursue my master’s degree here! There’s truly no other place that offers the same blend of real-world exposure, global perspectives, and meaningful connections."

Xinyue is now back at HEC doing a Master’s in Accounting, Finance & Management.

LEVEL 3 PROGRAMS

These advanced programs are designed for students or recent graduates who already have solid fundamental and technical knowledge in Finance and want to gain technicality and expertise. It is recommended that participants have a strong academic background in Accounting, Corporate Finance, or Economics. Most participants will already be studying at master's level.

Private Equity & LBO – Till Amend

"Participating in this HEC Paris program gave me the opportunity to develop a deep, structured understanding of private equity valuation and the industry landscape. Building on my experience of analyzing commodities market data, I learned to construct comprehensive LBO models in Excel with multi-layered debt structuring and cash sweeps, elevating my analytical and structuring abilities to a new level. The classroom fostered direct interaction between students and the professor, from tackling intricate financial modeling questions to exploring broader finance topics. Industry speakers grounded our coursework in current market realities. Everyone demonstrated enthusiasm to learn, and I felt high motivation and genuine collaboration in our classroom.

My enthusiasm for international markets and dynamic decision-making was stoked by my internship at a trading firm in Singapore, which led me to pursue additional financial skill development. The program enhanced my technical skills in private equity and increased my understanding of global markets, which will help for upcoming internships and a career in international finance."

Till was looking for international exposure and additional finance before his upcoming exchange semester.

Mergers & Acquisitions - Tatiana Camou

"I first experienced HEC Paris through the M&A Summer School in 2024, and it proved to be a turning point. Over two intensive weeks, the program blended sharp theory with hands-on practice: we built full financial models of real-life deals, ran scenarios to understand the levers that move enterprise value, analyzed and presented the effects of M&A on the companies involved, and worked in fast-paced teams. The cohort was just as valuable – ambitious peers already working across banking, private equity, consulting, and corporate development. That experience made the next step obvious: apply to the HEC Paris Master in International Finance. 

The transition from Summer School to the master’s felt natural: the same practice-oriented mindset, high standards, and collaborative culture, just at greater depth and scale. What began as a way to “test the waters” became a decisive career move and the first step toward a master’s and a focused, long-term path in finance."

Tatiana’s dream came true and she is now back at HEC doing the Master in International Finance.

Participants can also be considered eligible for these Level 3 programs if they have attended in one of the following HEC Paris Summer School Programs:

- Firms' Accounts & Restructuring
‐ Corporate Finance
‐ Investment Banking and International Finance

Closing reflections

"Committing to the Summer School is embracing the HEC mentality, a commitment to professional drive and excellence, which provides a tangible advantage for a successful Master’s application and a thriving career direction." ARTHUR RAT

"HEC’s switched on, interactive teaching style made it very enjoyable to be active in class. This pedagogy makes HEC’s teaching character unique and in my opinion validates its reputation as Europe’s best business school. NICO FISCHER      

Find out more about our Summer Program Portfolio