Sadam Alabed Alrazak, HEC Paris MBA Class of 2027
Age: 24
Hometown: Ar-Ramtha, Jordan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Toronto – Industrial Engineering, Engineering Business Minor
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Chief AI Officer, Cyber Security, Octopian Security, 6 months- current
Why did you decide to attend business school? Why now?
I chose to pursue business school because I reached a point in my career where my responsibilities were growing faster than the formal business training behind them. I’ve spent the last few years working at the intersection of AI, strategy, and operations, advising executives, leading transformations, and navigating environments where the decisions you make have real organizational impact. That experience showed me two things: first, that I genuinely enjoy solving high-stakes problems, and second, that to operate at the level I’m aiming for, I need a stronger foundation in areas like strategy, finance, and leadership.
“Why now” became clear to me after stepping into roles where I was expected to influence senior leaders, guide complex transformations, and understand both the technical and commercial sides of a business. I was capable, but I could feel the ceiling. I had the drive and the practical experience, but I wanted to sharpen my strategic toolkit, learn from peers who come from very different industries, and immerse myself in an environment that pushes me intellectually and personally.
The MBA is giving me exactly that — a structured way to accelerate my growth, expand my network across regions I care about, and prepare myself for roles where I’m not just executing strategy, but shaping it. It’s the right moment in my trajectory: I’m early enough to adapt, ambitious enough to absorb everything, and experienced enough to know exactly how I want to use this degree.
Why did you choose HEC Paris? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose HEC Paris because it matched exactly where I want to go, both professionally and personally. I knew I needed a program that wasn’t just academically strong, but one that would put me in the center of global business, technology, and entrepreneurship. HEC offered that combination better than anywhere else.
A few factors mattered most to me: The strength of the strategy and consulting ecosystem. The Deep Tech & AI specialization. The international exposure. CDL and its connection to my home, the university of Toronto.
In the end, HEC felt like the place that would stretch me, challenge me, and place me close to the opportunities I’m working toward. The decision wasn’t just about getting an MBA; it was about aligning myself with a community and a platform that matches the scale of the career I want to build.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
My differentiator is the mix of early leadership in AI and strategy, combined with real experience across the Middle East, North America, and Europe. I’m able to bridge technical and business perspectives and help connect classmates to opportunities across regions. I bring both practical insight and a collaborative, high-energy mindset that lifts the people around me.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, so by the time I was 10 I was already helping run small parts of the family businesses; from negotiating with suppliers to organizing inventory. It taught me more about people and business than any textbook ever could.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m aiming to build a career in strategy consulting focused on AI and digital transformation, ideally with a top firm in the Middle East. Long term, I want to lead or build a company at the intersection of AI, security, and healthcare, using what I learn in consulting to launch and scale impactful ventures.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again: I made a point of speaking with alumni early in the process. Those conversations helped me understand the culture, clarify why HEC was the right fit, and shape my story in a more authentic way. It grounded my whole application and made the experience feel much more personal.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would do differently: I would start earlier. I underestimated how much reflection it takes to articulate my story clearly, and I ended up doing a lot of that work under time pressure. Starting a few weeks sooner would have made the whole process calmer and even stronger.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Honestly, I would have skipped the first few weeks of administrative logistics—timetables shifting, adjusting to SPSS, Excel, and finance deliverables all at once, and trying to align group schedules when everyone comes from different time zones and backgrounds. It was overwhelming.
What helped me get through it was the culture of peer support at HEC. People step in quickly. My classmates shared notes, taught each other shortcuts, and were genuinely invested in everyone succeeding. That environment grounded me and made even the tough parts manageable.
What is your initial impression of the HEC Paris students/culture/community?
My first impression was how humble and driven people are at the same time. You meet consultants, doctors, engineers, founders—and everyone is genuinely curious about who you are, not just what you’ve done.
The culture is collaborative and ambitious, but with a “we rise together” mindset. People help each other prepare for interviews, share opportunities in WhatsApp groups, and show up for events even when they’re exhausted. It feels like a community that pushes you to grow while supporting you at every step.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join, and why?
I joined two clubs where I felt I could genuinely contribute:
- Marketing Club – President
I stepped in because I’m passionate about marketing’s role in shaping brand, consumer behaviour, and business growth. As President, my goal is to “pull back the curtain” on the marketing world—bringing leaders to campus, exposing students to real career paths, and building a platform for practical learning. - Family Business Club – VP of Marketing
Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, the club resonates deeply with me. I wanted to play a role in growing its visibility and connecting students who are navigating succession, governance, or transformation in family-owned businesses. Helping elevate the club’s brand and activities has been incredibly rewarding.
I’m also active in the Consulting Club, especially for case prep and networking, because of my focus on consulting roles.
What is one thing you have learned about HEC Paris that has surprised you?
I was surprised by how accessible the alumni network is. Before joining, people told me it was strong, but experiencing it is different. Alumni from McKinsey, Bain, BCG, VC funds, and major tech companies responded to my messages within hours and offered real mentorship—sometimes even before meeting me.
It showed me how deeply people care about giving back to the HEC community.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the intersection of business and deep technology—especially the Deep Tech & AI specialization. Being able to apply my background as Chief AI & Governance Officer and my consulting experience to real corporate projects is a huge opportunity.
I’m also excited about the community-building side: leading the Marketing Club, growing the Family Business Club’s outreach, and helping shape a memorable year for my classmates.
