From Krea to HEC: A Journey of Academic and Cultural Discovery
By Pranav Harikrishnan, Cohort of 2026, SIAS Economics major and Dheer Panjwani, Cohort of 2027, SIAS, Data Science and Economics major
In June 2025, we had the opportunity to attend HEC Paris Summer School – Dheer in the Corporate Finance program and Pranav in the Investment Banking and International Finance program.
All Things Finance
As students of Economics and Data Science, with growing interests in finance, the programs aligned perfectly with our academic and professional goals. What we gained went far beyond technical knowledge. The program sharpened our financial intuition, deepened our understanding of valuation mechanics, and immersed us in the world of finance alongside an incredibly diverse and high-performing peer group.
With nearly 200 participants from over 50 countries, the cultural exposure was both intense and rewarding. From undergraduates to young professionals in finance, we had to quickly adapt to a wide spectrum of communication styles, professional experiences, and working styles, while working through language barriers and racing against deadlines, which in itself was an incredible learning experience.
The Learning Curve
The skills we developed at Krea, especially working on group projects, structuring presentations, and analysing data, translated seamlessly. The coursework itself was rigorous: Dheer covered discounted cash flow analysis, capital structure theory, risk-return tradeoffs, project evaluation under uncertainty, and real-world M&A case studies. His group project involved a valuation analysis of Palantir, complete with complex financial models and segment-specific risk profiles. Navigating its cash flow dynamics helped him understand how finance intersects with market sentiment, industry positioning, and long-term strategy.
Pranav’s coursework covered corporate valuation through discounted cash flow and dividend discount models, financial institution valuation, financing decisions, dividend policy, group accounting, and corporate governance and strategy. The practical application of concepts through hands-on work in Excel, along with a group project involving a valuation analysis of Dassault Systèmes — exploring the firm, market, financial projections, sensitivity analysis, and culminating in a pitch deck — was undoubtedly the highlight of his program.
A Valuable Opportunity
A major highlight was the opportunity to learn directly from seasoned professionals. Olivier Levyne (Former MD, Crédit Agricole CIB) and Eric Bayle, CFA, led highly technical sessions using real-world case studies in Excel from merger models and LBOs to DCFs and accounting mechanics. Cyril Paolantoni (MD, Société Générale) took us through the lifecycle of an M&A deal, offering insights into the human side of corporate finance. Alice Roux (CEO, Comco Consulting) brought a refreshing lightness while discussing valuation and long-term career planning in finance.
Making Memories Beyond Classrooms
Of course, no summer in France is complete without some Parisian magic. From late-night grocery store adventures and picnics by the Eiffel Tower to being thoroughly awed by Les Invalides and the Musée de l’Armée, the city left its mark. Cycling along the Seine and exploring French culture at the Fête de la Musique with friends from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Egypt and many more corners of the world, now future collaborators and close friends, reminded us that the value of a summer school lies as much in the people as the program.
Our experience at HEC Paris didn’t just teach us finance, it showed us what it means to learn, live, work and grow in a truly global environment.
