Lennard Liebig: From online learners to HEC Paris Innovation Leader

When Lennard Liebig first started exploring online courses, he wasn’t chasing a diploma, he just wanted to grow. With his international business background, he has been involved in topics such as Python, Statistics and Analytics, all available online via Coursera. Curiosity finally got him online Innovation Management and Entrepreneur University Certificate HEC Paris On Coursera.

The first five basic courses quickly turned into more. As he progressed through the certificate program, Leonard was able to transfer the credits he earned to a full master’s degree. This opportunity has taken him on a new path which will lead to online Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship At HEC Paris, he is now part of the graduating class of spring 2025.

Originally from Germany, Lennard lives in Brussels and is not just studying, he has laid the foundation for something bigger.

🚀1. From Coursera to Campus: How it all started

“I did a lot of online courses in 2020 and 2021,” Leonard recalls. “Python, statistics, analytical thinking – whatever I can find. I’m already looking for something that can be stacked and long-term.”

That was when he met HEC Paris’s online innovation management and university certificate for entrepreneurs On Coursera. Through hard work and dedication, Lennard completed a rigorous foundation course, obtained a certificate and, more importantly, qualify to transfer these credits to HEC Paris’ online MSC program.

“I know I either want to pursue an MBA or take the course on a more entrepreneurial path. The idea of ​​building something from scratch really attracted me.”

In 2022, Lennard applied and was accepted to take a full master’s program. Thanks to his previous courses, he was able to jump straight to the second half with a focus on project-based learning and essay writing.

🛠️2. Real-world learning and team-based innovation

One of the main things about selling Lennard in the HEC program is its hands-on application focus.

“I’m always looking for a specific dimension that focuses on practical applications and risk creation. As one of the world’s leading business schools, HEC is known for its faculty and ecosystem, prompting people to promote people to start their entrepreneurial ideas – it’s about actively building and testing concepts, moving from theory to execution.”

His team of projects (professionals from London, Germany and Peru) all conducted research on entrepreneurial concepts and applied what they learned in real time. From building an MVP to pitching to a real venture capitalist, this experience is different from any traditional classroom setting.

“It’s full of energy to work with like-minded people. And, there’s the opportunity to bring these ideas further out of the course. That’s what makes the program unique.”

🎓3. Find balance and flexibility in a big change in the year

The last two years have been a whirlwind for Lennard – professional and personal.

In October 2023, his daughter Elisa was born during the exam. In November, he was promoted to the process and analysis team of his current employer Mobileexpense. Meanwhile, he still delves into the master’s program, addressing the focus of courses, projects and papers on decarbonization in the oil industry, a topic he has long been interested in.

“It’s been a challenging journey,” he admitted. “I’ve been doing full-time work and changing diapers while browsing the full-time school program. There are certainly some moments I think, ‘Why am I doing this again?’ But my fiancé has been supporting me.

Lennard submitted his paper in December 2024 and recently he “received his diploma in an outstanding way.” He has plans to attend a face-to-face graduation ceremony in June.

Despite the occasional need to balance priorities, Lenard said the program brings a sense of structure, resilience and a sense of purpose for restarting. “I get up early in the morning to study, I study on the weekends. It really makes you realize how precious time is. But, at the end of the day, it makes a lot of sense and you feel very fulfilled. That’s how I feel right now. I’m proud of it. I’m very happy with my position.”

💬4. Leonard’s advice: Play a long game

When asked about advice he would give prospective students, Lenard would not sugar it:

“You need to commit. It’s not like you’re taking a 5-week course and you’ve finished and done it. It’s a long-term commitment. If you work full time, talk to your employer. Whether they sponsor you or not, you sometimes have conflicts with your job.”

He also highlighted the importance of staying in touch with his peers, professors and the wider HEC community.

“Use resources. Schedule feedback sessions. Join the webinar. Engage with alumni. Be prepared to introduce your ideas to actual venture capital. You will really understand the real world, and that’s the beauty of the university and the program itself. It’s an eye-opening.

For those with entrepreneurial ambitions? “If you have an idea of ​​starting a business or even a client pain point, the program will help you bring it to life.”

For those who stand at the crossroads of career and curiosity, his message is clear: “Follow your passion. Stay resilient. Remember – it’s worth it in the end.”