Kerem Levent Aytac, HEC Paris MBA Class of 2025
Age: 27
Hometown: Ankara, Turkey
Undergraduate Institution and Major: MA: Ankara University – Strategy and Management; BA: Bilkent University – Translation and Interpretation (English, French, Turkish) with Minor in International Relations
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Project Manager, BYS Group, 4 years: I primarily worked as a Project Manager on public consulting projects focused on technology and innovation in public institutions. Additionally, I contributed to the business development and in-house R&D projects.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Throughout my university years, I developed a curiosity about the dynamics of social systems and the potential businesses hold in shaping and influencing society for the better. I knew I wanted to drive business decisions that were not only profit-maximizing but also constructive for the broader community. I started working on public consulting projects right after graduation and had the opportunity to witness firsthand how public investments translate into tangible value for society as well as identify the areas where processes can be smoother and more efficient. Seeing businesses as an inseparable part of our society, I am committed to bridging the perceived gap between business efficiency and societal impact, and doing an MBA at an excellent business school like HEC Paris with values very close to mine will equip me with the necessary tools to turn my vision into reality.
Why did you choose HEC Paris? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was initially drawn to HEC Paris because of its approach to the MBA program, which strikes a good balance between academic development and fostering networking and bonding opportunities. Now, having spent my initial months here, I can sincerely confirm that my first impressions were correct! HEC Paris cultivates a collaborative and enjoyable culture, with a subtle French touch, among its student body. Furthermore, the program’s structure and its duration align perfectly with my needs. The curriculum allows time for laying a solid foundation for advanced business concepts in initial months, and then specializing in a contemporary area of interest. The 16-month duration optimizes our time investment between the more common 1-year and 2-year programs, offering enough time to internalize learnings while staying attuned to the evolving business landscape.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
The Class of 2025 is full of highly talented and inspirational people, and I am proud to share my journey with them! My previous studies in translation and interpretation, international relations, and strategic management, paired with my experience in public sector projects offer a unique voice from a multi-disciplinary lens that can enrich our in-class discussions with fresh perspectives.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included in your application:
I translated three books (two non-fiction and one fiction) between English and Turkish, that were published and available at the bookstores in Turkey. Ironically, due to a typo somewhere along the process, all the online bookstores initially listed my last name as “Ayrac,” which means “bookmark” in Turkish.
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA, I’m considering roles in either consulting or the tech sector. Both fields excite me due to their fast-paced environment driven by proactivity and impact.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Pinpointing what I want from my MBA experience initially enabled me to have clear priorities when making my selection. I recommend everyone to get to the bottom of their personal reasons for doing an MBA and what they want out of it by delving deeper than the more common drivers like career and financial benefits. This will not only help with selecting a business school that is a good fit but also help with many aspects of the application process, like essays and interviews.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have reached out to students focused on my target sectors, or even better, alumni already working in those areas, to get first-hand tips for crafting a roadmap for the program. Once the program is in full swing, clarity can be a scarce resource!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
To be honest, I would not have skipped anything. I found the application process to be very relevant, and the preparation was valuable in and of itself to clarify my motivations and get ready for the program.
What is your initial impression of the HEC Paris students/culture/community?
I am absolutely thrilled with the diversity, camaraderie, and resourcefulness of the HEC Paris community. The campus environment helps us build strong relationships, and the administration and events teams are doing an excellent job of putting us in settings where we can grow our team spirit further.
What is one thing you have learned about HEC Paris that has surprised you?
I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent hands-on programs that were ingrained into the curriculum, such as simulations, participation in the Creative Destruction Lab, or a comprehensive capstone project to solve a real-world business challenge.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Leaving a lot of valuable experiences on the table. As someone who has a semi-healthy obsession with efficiency (who doesn’t -right?), I try to make the most of all the opportunities I am presented with. Being exposed to a plethora of opportunities on all fronts (academic, professional, social, etc.) takes its toll on me and forces me to prioritize among all the interesting opportunities available on campus.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am genuinely excited about the transformative journey the HEC MBA program promises. Given its rigor and depth, I am confident that by the end of the program, we will emerge as purposeful and competent business leaders backed by a robust network. The prospect of sharing this experience with the diverse HEC cohort makes it even more compelling. Learning from peers, sharing experiences, and forging lifelong friendships are all factors that enrich my MBA journey, making every intense study session worth it.
