Careers, internships and outcomes

Internships are a critical component for students seeking a major career pivot. Between 60% and 75% of HEC MBA students complete an internship during their 16-month journey.

September intake

Students typically pursue a traditional summer internship from May to August.

January intake

These students have the option for a short summer internship or a longer internship at the very end of their programme (January to May), which aligns with the recruitment cycles of many French firms.

Global reach

Internships take place globally, with students landing roles at companies like Amazon, Google, Morgan Stanley and various luxury fashion houses.

The ROI of exploration

The 16-month format is specifically designed to allow students the "exploration value" of an internship without feeling rushed, unlike shorter 10-month programmes. This time is vital for testing a new industry or function before committing to a full-time role.

The HEC Career Center (HEC Talents) adopts a step-by-step coaching journey that starts on day one of the programme.

Phase 1 — self-discovery

Students begin with leadership assessments and 1-on-1 sessions with Career and Corporate Development Managers to understand their core motivations and strengths.

Phase 2 — market expertise

Students are assigned industry-specific career coaches — experts from fields like Consulting, Finance or Tech — who assist with mock interviews and CV polishing tailored to those specific markets.

Phase 3 — connection and matching

HEC facilitates direct contact between students and the market through on-campus recruiting events and career fairs.

Career fairs and networking

The school hosts major recruiting fairs where C-level executives from top firms interact directly with students. Additionally, the alumni network of over 60,000 members is highly active; an estimated 10% of students find their next job directly through a classmate.

HEC Paris is highly effective for the "triple jump" — changing industry, function and geography simultaneously.

The employment report consistently shows strong placement in high-growth sectors.

Graduates earn an average base salary of approximately $109,800 to $130,000, often accompanied by a signing bonus of around $25,000. The overall employment rate remains exceptionally high, with 92% to 97% of students employed within three months of graduation. Top recruiters are the "who's who" of global business, including Amazon, L'Oreal, BCG, McKinsey, Bain, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs.