From Online to On-Campus: Reshaping Entrepreneurial Education with HEC Paris' New MSIE & EMSIE Programs

In June 2024, HEC Paris announced a significant transformation in its online MSc in Innovation & Entrepreneurship (MSIE) and Executive MSc in Innovation & Entrepreneurship (EMSIE) programs. Starting this month, participants can attend the new module, ‘Scaling For Success’, in France at the HEC Paris campus and Station F, the world's largest startup campus. This decision stems from feedback from past participants who expressed a strong desire to connect with their peers and the HEC Paris community in a tangible, real-world context.

Two Programs, One Unforgettable Experience

Flexibility is a key feature of both the EMSIE and MSIE programs, appealing to both young and seasoned professionals. These programs equip participants with a comprehensive “startup” entrepreneurship toolkit through courses, case studies, and practical exercises while fostering an understanding of the social and global challenges that innovation and entrepreneurship aim to address.

Initially offered entirely online via Coursera, these degrees cater to the busy schedules of executives, ensuring robust learning outcomes without compromise.

For Hansueli (Hans) Wyss, an alumnus of the MSIE program, attending HEC Paris was a lifelong dream made possible by the program's flexible online format. “I needed the flexibility of online classes due to my work and family commitments,” Hans recalls. Since joining the program in December 2021, his journey has been a “wonderful ride.” The program not only expanded his vision but also provided the tools to transform his ideas into reality.

The program was an eye-opening experience, not just to start “castle building in the clouds” but also to give the castle building a concrete form.

As the class delegate, Hans visited the HEC Paris campus several times. “The campus experience was incredibly enriching and beautiful. Words can't capture the sense of belonging,” he shares, hoping every participant can experience this.

Elevating the (E)MSIE Experience

From June 2024, the (E)MSIE programs have evolved into a blended format. Participants can now choose to attend the ‘Scaling For Success’ module in Paris, foster rich connections, develop essential entrepreneurial skills, and enhance their potential for profitable growth. This module, conducted at the HEC Paris campus and Station F, offers hands-on experience and exposure to a vibrant startup ecosystem.

Katia Bouderbane, Founder and Talent Recruiter at BDB Talent and participant in the 2024 Scaling For Success program, confirms: “The program highlighted the importance of developing a relevant HR strategy—always aligned with both the culture and ambitions of the startup—at the early stage of the entrepreneurial journey, while always keeping the scaling objective in mind.”

The class also explored Lean approaches and AI's impact on startup strategy, learning how to successfully transition HR strategies during scaling. For Hans, “this new option gives participants the power of choice.”

Why integrate an in-person module into the MSIE and EMSIE programs? 

Cheryl Moriceau, Project Manager at HEC Paris Executive Education in charge of both programs, underscores the importance of participant feedback in the program's evolution. “This new blended option offers participants the flexibility to choose how they engage with the program based on their unique needs and circumstances,” Cheryl explains. Managing the programs for over five years, Cheryl sees this as a testament to HEC Paris's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation through iterative development.

The decision to integrate an on-campus experience arose from participants' strong desire for in-person interaction. Hans emphasizes the value of physical presence:

“Interacting or even disagreeing with peers is important for learning, but seeing their character and feeling their energy amplifies the experience.

Direct contact helps build more than just pleasant interactions; it creates a bond." By integrating their suggestions and constantly iterating and improving the programs, HEC Paris underlines its commitment to being entrepreneurially minded.

This blended option will undoubtedly attract a broader audience, ensuring that those who prefer a fully online setting can continue to do so while also providing an exciting in-person experience for those who seek deeper engagement and hands-on opportunities. The new addition to both programs aligns with the HEC Paris mission to offer a comprehensive, adaptive, and customer-centered learning experience that meets the evolving needs of our entrepreneurial community.

Expanding Opportunities for Participants

For Katia, participating in the 'Scaling For Success' program provided her with new perspectives to develop new offerings for her startup. It also infused her with increased motivation and fresh energy in her entrepreneurial journey.

“I am now more than ever convinced that the only limit in entrepreneurship is the one we impose on ourselves.”

The in-person ‘Scaling for Success’ module offers numerous benefits tailored to entrepreneurs and innovators.

• Increased Networking Opportunities: Coming to campus provides unparalleled opportunities to network with like-minded entrepreneurs, industry experts, and potential investors. Building these connections can lead to strategic partnerships, mentorships, and collaborative projects crucial for entrepreneurial success. Through the people he met at HEC Paris, Hans is now the co-founder of Acajul, an NGO that removes children from armed groups, educates and socially reintegrates them, and also prevents children at risk of statelessness in conflict-affected areas. “Through Acajul, I want to help children develop a vision for themselves, just like the awakening I felt with HEC Paris,” Hans explains.

• Pitching Practices: For those with a business idea, participants can pitch their idea to their peers and jury members during the Pitch Battle and receive immediate feedback. This real-world practice is vital for entrepreneurs who must effectively communicate their vision to investors, partners, and customers. This pitching contest at Station F was for Kevin Legrave, winner of the first edition of the program, the highlight of the Scaling For Success program. “One of the biggest lessons I have learned from both the program and pitching session is the conviction that the motto “Fake it until you make it” doesn’t apply in the innovation and entrepreneurship world. “Nail it before you scale it” works better!”

• Experiential Learning: On-campus workshops, simulations, and group activities provide hands-on learning experiences that are difficult to replicate online. These activities help participants develop practical skills and innovative solutions to real-world challenges. For Hans, the beauty of the alumni networks lies in how they help you to see things more clearly. “People you meet make you aware of the world around you when everything else is in the shadows.” By simply shedding light on different possibilities, new ideas emerge. Just like that, Hans launched another project based on his background, experience, and desire to make the world a better place. Inspired by members of the HEC Alumni community, Hans is in the process of launching an aircraft refurbishment program to get salvageable aircraft back into service with the support of various HEC Alumni members.

• Campus Experience: Experiencing the vibrant campus environment allows participants to immerse themselves in a culture of innovation and creativity. This environment is designed to inspire and motivate, providing a break from their daily routines and allowing them to focus on personal and professional growth.

No wonder this new optional Scaling For Success program will offer new participants an even more memorable experience.

If you are interested in driving innovation within your company, preparing for a career in business as an entrepreneur or intrapreneur, or even a decision-maker wishing to launch innovative projects and make R&D investments, join the next cohort of the Executive MSc in Innovation & Entrepreneurship (EMSIE), and get a chance to experience the in-person module in Paris.