When Lennard Liebig first started exploring online courses, he wasn’t chasing a diploma—he was simply looking to grow. With a background in international business, he dove into topics like Python, statistics, and analytics, all offered online through Coursera. That curiosity eventually led him to the Online Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship University Certificate offered by HEC Paris on Coursera.
What began as five foundational courses quickly became something much more. As he progressed through the certificate program, Lennard was able to transfer the credits he was earning toward a full master’s degree. That opportunity set him on a new path—one that would lead to the online MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at HEC Paris, where he’s now part of the Spring 2025 graduating class.
Originally from Germany and now living in Brussels, Lennard wasn’t just learning—he was laying the groundwork for something bigger.
🚀 1. From Coursera to Campus: How It All Began
“I was doing a lot of online courses back in 2020 and 2021,” Lennard recalls. “Python, statistics, analytical thinking—whatever I could find. I was already looking for something stackable and more long-term.”
That’s when he came across HEC Paris’s Online Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship University Certificate on Coursera. Through hard work and dedication, Lennard completed the rigorous foundational courses, earning a certificate and, more importantly, eligibility to transfer those credits into the online MSc program at HEC Paris.
“I knew I either wanted to do an MBA or pursue a program with a more entrepreneurship-focused path. The idea of building something from scratch really appealed to me.”
In 2022, Lennard applied and was accepted into the full master’s program. Thanks to his prior coursework, he was able to jump straight into the second half, focused on project-based learning and thesis writing.
🛠️ 2. Real-World Learning and Team-Based Innovation
One of the main things that sold Lennard on the HEC program was its hands-on, applied focus.
“I was looking to add a specific dimension focused on practical application and venture creation. HEC, as one of the leading business schools worldwide, is renowned for its faculty and ecosystem that empowers people to launch their startup ideas – it’s about actively building and testing concepts, moving from theory to execution.”
His group project team—made up of professionals from London, Germany, and Peru—collaborated on a startup concept, applying what they’d learned in real-time. From building out MVPs to pitching to real venture capitalists, the experience was unlike any traditional classroom setup.
“It was energizing to work with like-minded people. And there’s a chance to take those ideas further, beyond the course. That’s what makes this program special.”
🎓 3. Finding Balance and Flexibility in a Year of Big Changes
The past two years have been a whirlwind for Lennard—both professionally and personally.
In October 2023, his daughter Elisa was born amid the exam period. In November, he was promoted to lead the Process & Analysis team at his current employer, Mobilexpense. At the same time, he was still deep into the master’s program, tackling coursework, projects, and his thesis focused on decarbonization in the oil industry—a topic he’s long been interested in.
“It was a challenging journey,” he admits. “I was juggling working full-time and changing diapers, all while navigating a full-time degree schedule. There were definitely moments where I thought, ‘Why am I doing this again?’ But my fiancé supported me the whole way. And in the end, it paid off.”
Lennard submitted his thesis in December 2024 and recently he received his diploma “with distinction.” He’s already planning to attend the in-person graduation ceremony in June.
Despite the occasional need to balance priorities, Lennard says the program brought structure, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. “I got up early in the morning to study and I studied on the weekends. It really makes you realize how precious time is. But at the end of the day, it’s rewarding and you feel accomplished. And that’s how I feel right now. I’m proud of it. And I’m really happy with where I’m at.”
💬 4. Lennard’s Advice: Play the Long Game
When asked what advice he’d give to future students, Lennard doesn’t sugarcoat it:
“You need to be committed. It’s not like you take a 5-week course and it’s done and dusted. It’s a long-term commitment. If you’re working full-time, talk to your employer. Whether they sponsor you or not, you may have conflicts with work at times.”
He also emphasizes the importance of staying connected to peers, professors, and the broader HEC community.
“Use the resources. Schedule feedback sessions. Join webinars. Reach out to alumni. Be prepared to present your ideas to actual VC’s. You’ll really get a view of the real world, and that’s the beauty of the university and the program itself. It’s eye opening.
And for those with entrepreneurial ambitions? “If you have a startup idea or even a customer pain point in mind, this program will help you bring it to life.”
And for those standing at the crossroads of career and curiosity, his message is clear: “Follow your passion. Stay resilient. And remember—it’s all worth it in the end.”
