Bulgantamir Ider

 Working with brilliant and experienced teammates definitely raises the bar and has been crucial in improving my work 

Before studying for the MSc Strategic Management at HEC Paris, I completed a double Master’s degree in European Affairs and International Politics at Sciences Po Paris and Fudan University. I have previously spent two years in China: one on an exchange at Renmin University in Beijing, and one as a graduate student at Fudan University in Shanghai. I have interned as a Project Manager at the Paris Chamber of Commerce, and have also worked for two digital startups in Paris and Copenhagen.

I chose HEC Paris and the MSc in Strategic Management to improve my understanding of business administration and gain a solid methodology. The international diversity also influenced my decision and as a French student I was very aware of HEC Paris’ great reputation in France and in Europe.

Program highlights

Acquiring both core methodologies and insights into various industries

The MSc Strategic Management admits students from both business and non-business backgrounds. The first semester focuses on core skills in Corporate Finance, Strategy Consulting, or Negotiation and the second semester focuses on your choice of either a company project or the electives. The electives provide great exposure to diverse industries and topics, from Managing Public-Private Partnerships to building Business Plans.

Proximity to companies through workshops and networking events

Various company workshops gave me the opportunity to interact with professionals from top firms: BCG, McKinsey, EY, IBM, Strategy&, Oliver Wyman or Roland Berger, to name a few. 
Many events available to all HEC students offer further networking occasions. The HEC Consulting Fair in November, or the Career Fair in January, provide exchanges with professionals from the attending companies and allow students to apply for various positions at the event.

Learning from your peers

The MSc Strategic Management is focused on group case studies. I learned a lot from my peers: working with brilliant and experienced teammates definitely raises the bar and has been crucial in improving my work. Aside from school assignments, I was impressed by the various startup and volunteering projects pursued by my peers.

Highly valuable skills

The MSc Strategic Management provides practical skills for addressing a consulting case, a financial analysis, or a business plan. It boosts efficiency in understanding the key elements of an industry or the issues faced by a business. All this has contributed to making me a more “agile” young professional.

There’s a lot to gain from the on-campus network during professional and student events. I had the chance to be head of a club, the HEC Paris Chinese Business Society. Student clubs provide great opportunities to pursue relevant projects along with students from other HEC programs, create new friendships, and improve your leadership skills.

Career ambitions

After graduating, my aim is to work on consulting projects, with a particular focus on policy advisory. I hope to later work as an international Business Developer on market entry strategies. Whilst I’ll start my career in Europe, I hope to take advantage of the professional opportunities in Asia in a few years time.

Last advice

Looking at how time has flown this year, my advice is to know what you hope to gain from the MSc Strategic Management: networks, skills, knowledge, etc. HEC Paris offers an amazing environment for experimenting and pursuing your goals so you are able to make the best of the year.