When Lennard Liebig first began exploring on-line lessons, he wasn’t chasing a degree—he used to be merely having a look to develop. With a background in world trade, he dove into subjects like Python, statistics, and analytics, all introduced on-line via Coursera. That interest in the end led him to the Online Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship University Certificate introduced by means of HEC Paris on Coursera.
What started as 5 foundational lessons briefly changed into one thing a lot more. As he stepped forward throughout the certificates program, Lennard used to be ready to switch the credit he used to be incomes towards a complete grasp’s level. That chance set him on a brand new trail—one that might result in the web MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at HEC Paris, the place he’s now a part of the Spring 2025 graduating elegance.
In the beginning from Germany and now residing in Brussels, Lennard wasn’t simply studying—he used to be laying the groundwork for one thing larger.
🚀 1. From Coursera to Campus: How It All Started
“I used to be doing numerous on-line lessons again in 2020 and 2021,” Lennard recollects. “Python, statistics, analytical pondering—no matter I may in finding. I used to be already searching for one thing stackable and extra long-term.”
That’s when he got here throughout HEC Paris’s On-line Innovation Control and Entrepreneurship College Certificates on Coursera. Via arduous paintings and determination, Lennard finished the rigorous foundational lessons, incomes a certificates and, extra importantly, eligibility to switch the ones credit into the web MSc program at HEC Paris.
“I knew I both sought after to do an MBA or pursue a program with a extra entrepreneurship-focused trail. The speculation of creating one thing from scratch truly appealed to me.”
In 2022, Lennard implemented and used to be approved into the entire grasp’s program. Because of his prior coursework, he used to be ready to leap directly into the second one part, considering project-based studying and thesis writing.
🛠️ 2. Actual-Global Studying and Crew-Based totally Innovation
One of the most primary issues that bought Lennard at the HEC program used to be its hands-on, implemented focal point.
“I used to be having a look so as to add a selected measurement considering sensible software and challenge advent. HEC, as one of the most main trade colleges international, is famend for its college and ecosystem that empowers other folks to release their startup concepts – it’s about actively construction and checking out ideas, shifting from principle to execution.”
His team assignment staff—made up of pros from London, Germany, and Peru—collaborated on a startup idea, making use of what they’d realized in real-time. From construction out MVPs to pitching to genuine challenge capitalists, the enjoy used to be in contrast to any conventional lecture room setup.
“It used to be energizing to paintings with like-minded other folks. And there’s an opportunity to take the ones concepts additional, past the direction. That’s what makes this program particular.”
🎓 3. Discovering Stability and Flexibility in a Yr of Giant Adjustments
The previous two years were a whirlwind for Lennard—each professionally and individually.
In October 2023, his daughter Elisa used to be born amid the examination length. In November, he used to be promoted to steer the Procedure & Research staff at his present employer, Mobilexpense. On the similar time, he used to be nonetheless deep into the grasp’s program, tackling coursework, tasks, and his thesis considering decarbonization within the oil trade—a subject he’s lengthy been fascinated by.
“It used to be a difficult adventure,” he admits. “I used to be juggling operating full-time and converting diapers, all whilst navigating a full-time level agenda. There have been surely moments the place I assumed, ‘Why am I doing this once more?’ However my fiancé supported me the entire manner. And after all, it paid off.”
Lennard submitted his thesis in December 2024 and lately he won his degree “with difference.” He’s already making plans to wait the in-person commencement rite in June.
Regardless of the occasional wish to stability priorities, Lennard says this system introduced construction, resilience, and a renewed sense of objective. “I were given up early within the morning to review and I studied at the weekends. It truly makes you recognize how treasured time is. However on the finish of the day, it’s rewarding and you’re feeling completed. And that’s how I think presently. I’m pleased with it. And I’m truly pleased with the place I’m at.”
💬 4. Lennard’s Recommendation: Play the Lengthy Sport
When requested what recommendation he’d give to long run scholars, Lennard doesn’t sugarcoat it:
“You wish to have to be dedicated. It’s no longer like you’re taking a 5-week direction and it’s carried out and dusted. It’s a long-term dedication. In case you’re operating full-time, communicate on your employer. Whether or not they sponsor you or no longer, you will have conflicts with paintings now and then.”
He additionally emphasizes the significance of staying hooked up to friends, professors, and the wider HEC neighborhood.
“Use the assets. Time table comments classes. Sign up for webinars. Succeed in out to alumni. Be ready to give your concepts to exact VC’s. You’ll truly get a view of the true international, and that’s the wonderful thing about the college and this system itself. It’s eye opening.
And for the ones with entrepreneurial ambitions?
“When you’ve got a startup thought or perhaps a buyer ache level in thoughts, this program will let you carry it to lifestyles.”
And for the ones status on the crossroads of occupation and interest, his message is obvious:
“Apply your pastime. Keep resilient. And take into accout—it’s all price it after all.”
