[Alumni of the Month / March 2025] Ikaya

Q -Can you introduce yourself and share your academic and professional journey in France?

A - My name is Ikya, and I am originally from Hyderabad, India. I completed my undergraduate studies at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi before moving to France in August 2022 to pursue a Master’s in Sustainability and Social Innovation at HEC Paris. The program lasted one year and required 4–6 months of professional experience, either through a job or an internship, to fulfill the course requirements. Following my master’s, I worked for a year at the Development Co-operation Directorate at the OECD and later at the Learning Planet Institute in Paris.

Q - Do students need a specific background to pursue a master's in Sustainability and Social
Innovation?

A - Not at all! My cohort at HEC included students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including (but not limited to) business, engineering, politics, architecture, humanities, and hard sciences. This also created an academically enriching classroom experience, allowing us to gain a multidimensional and well-rounded understanding of sustainability rather than being confined to a single framework. Rather than any specific background, I think what matters more is having the motivation to pursue the course, understanding your interests, knowing your professional goals, and how this particular course can help you achieve them.

Q- What was your bachelor's degree in? Was it related to sustainability?

A- Not quite – I completed my bachelor's in Chemistry from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi University. While it's not directly related to sustainability, there is some overlap in understanding technical concepts like net-zero, carbon emissions, global warming, etc. However, I was more interested in the social and environmental dimensions of the discipline, which I developed through internships and volunteer work with NGOs, non-profits, and research organizations focused on development in India.

Q - Why did you choose France for your studies instead of other countries?

A - When exploring options to study abroad, I was more inclined toward the UK and Europe. I was never particularly interested in the US, partly because it is a lot more expensive. France, and specifically this master’s program at HEC Paris, stood out to me for several reasons. I wanted to study at a university with a strong reputation and network, not only in France and Europe but also globally, to keep my options open in case I decided to return to India after completing my master’s. HEC provided all of this. Additionally, the French government offers a range of scholarships to international students, and I was fortunate enough to receive the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship by Campus France. It not only came with a generous monthly stipend but also covered my flight tickets, provided a housing allowance, and offered administrative support for processing my visa - all of which greatly alleviated the financial and administrative challenges of studying abroad.

Q- . How has studying and living in France impacted you personally and professionally?

A - Relocating to France after spending my entire life in India was a major transition—it felt like an entirely new world. Initially, the experience was quite overwhelming and intimidating, but over time and through new experiences, I have become more confident, self-assured, and independent. I feel very fortunate to be immersed in an international environment where I engage with people from different cultures and perspectives—interactions that have profoundly shaped my personal and intellectual growth. Professionally, studying at HEC opened many doors for me. It provided me with a gateway into the professional world, offering exposure to conferences, seminars, networking events, and policy discussions. Importantly, it also gave me a platform to build and foster relationships with exceptional individuals who have mentored me and generously offered their time and guidance whenever I needed support in navigating my career path.

Q- What subjects or topics were covered in your master’s program?

A - The program was very flexible, allowing students to adapt the curriculum to suit their specific interests and career objectives. For those focusing on corporate sustainability, there were courses like decarbonization strategies within companies, sustainability reporting standards, ESG, operations and supply chain management, and sustainable finance. I was more interested in development and policy, so I chose courses such as climate change economics, social innovation methodologies, development economics, systemic shocks, and sustainable urban development. Apart from these, there were also some very interesting courses such as critical thinking and persuasive communication, which delved into environmental psychology, including identifying biases and using psychological insights to drive behavioural change. I also took a course on diversity and inclusion, which sparked many engaging and thought-provoking discussions in class. Additionally, during the second semester, we had the opportunity to take on a consulting project within an organization or develop our own impact startup project. Overall, there were plenty of opportunities to explore depending on one's interests!

Q- Did being in Paris provide more exposure in terms of sustainability?

A - Absolutely. Especially when it comes to climate and the environment, Paris, and Europe as a whole, offers a dynamic ecosystem with a growing number of startups in the climate innovation and tech space, ongoing policy discussions, and strong business networks. There's a lot of room to engage, learn, and collaborate with different stakeholders, but to truly benefit, you need to be proactive and take advantage of what Paris has to offer.

Q- Do international students need to learn French to study and work in France?

A- It’s possible to get by with just English, especially in Paris, where there is a large English- speaking community. However, knowing French can significantly improve your experience—especially when it comes to dealing with administrative tasks and integrating into society. Speaking French also greatly expands your professional opportunities. If you plan to stay in France and work after your studies, I highly recommend dedicating time and effort to learning the language. It is something I wish I had prioritized earlier, but I’m working on it now—and better late than never!