Michael Nnamdi Peters, HEC Paris MBA Class of 2027
Age: 30
Hometown: Delta State, Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Ibadan/ Educational Management & Economics.
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Head, People Analytics and Digital Transformation / Banking & Finance, Sterling Bank Limited, 2023 – 2025.
Why did you decide to attend business school? Why now?
I participated in a leadership meeting with our CEO, where the conversation centered on disrupting HR and driving change in HR processes, ultimately leading to improved business outcomes. I immediately saw how the future of HR would be built around understanding business and using people & technology to drive improved business outcomes. I want to be able to do this from an entrepreneurial perspective and as a consultant. This felt like the right time to go for it because to be able to make such disruptions, especially in the corporate space, you have to be in a strong decision-making and strategic position.
Why did you choose HEC Paris? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I love Europe because of the influence it currently has on the cultural and business environment in Africa. Since my path is aligned with digital transformation, one can see that Europe has a buzzing artificial intelligence network built on ethics and human-centered design. This is a space I would love to be in. HEC was at the center of this. I saw their active entrepreneurial lab, the CDL program, and how one can tailor the program to fit exactly into whatever path you want it to be.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
Maybe my experience working in African corporate structures and in numerous multicultural environments. I also understand people and culture from different industry perspectives. I have worked in Finance, Education, Energy, and Consulting, and the contexts are different, even if the end goals are similar. These can be conversations I can share in class, and with networks – the beauty about doing business and creating workplace cultures in a multicultural place like Africa.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I was close to joining a catholic seminary. Hahaha. I was a devoted mass server and loved serving mass in remote areas, so I applied to the seminary. I still serve the church in other ways, but yeah, I could have been a Parish Priest today. Maybe eventually.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I will continue to be honest with my application and ask questions when I do not have clarity. Hugo and Liesbet were very important aspects of my journey. HEC Paris loves genuine motivations for wanting an MBA; it really helps make the class rich in diversity. So, I will do an honest application, again and again.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
During the pandemic, I was running a small organization that catered to young graduates who needed to find their feet after leaving school. I helped coach CV writing, job search, and links for free courses. I was also a young graduate myself. So it was great helping others, even when I needed help. Then I got a job in a good organization, and got too tired to continue giving my time. It died after a while. I am always reflecting on how I could have kept it alive, and maybe find a way to make it functional amidst my crazy schedule. I believe there were different things I could have done. This could have been a very interesting aspect of my application.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Funding for my tuition balance was difficult. I could outsource it if it were possible, haha. But the school was supportive, and is still supportive about it.
What is your initial impression of the HEC Paris students/culture/community?
Respectful and very cordial. There have been different activities where students from different cultures organize events where their native food and norms are displayed. It has all been respectful and supportive. It’s the general culture of HEC Paris. The school also has sustainable practices in full force, and that’s a big indicator of support for climate change.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join, and why?
I have joined the Search Fund Club and the MBAT volunteer teams. The former is because I would love to be a part of the search fund community and probably be a searcher, and MBAT is a prestigious activity I would love to help make a reality.
What is one thing you have learned about HEC Paris that has surprised you?
They do not speak about their history enough. This is a richly historic school with a very strong alumni base that is willing to support. They have huge alumni doing very big and impactful things.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
We have been learning to build networks and get internships. It’s done in a very personalised way and I have been excited about it because I get to figure out myself, and what I want to be, as I study and meet new people.
