HIM Business Club

Young Society, Boundless Ambition

What started as Oleg's desire to find like-minded peers passionate about creating value through business has quickly turned into an exclusive society of over a dozen members in just a few weeks. "The philosophy was that as much as you give, as much as you get. It's about forming a tight-knit group committed to more than just gaining knowledge," explains Oleg.

The club's hands-on mission is to provide a platform for students to apply concepts to real business challenges through workshops, case studies, pitching sessions and more. As Oleg states, "We want everyone to try, even if it's a silly idea. You can't opt out of presenting here."

For Filip, replicating his experience with a small, focused film group that brought in experts was the driving appeal. Lev adds, "We can really feel the energy and appreciation from members who openly thank us after marathon sessions with no breaks." The first meetings have certainly delivered, with members revealing surprising entrepreneurial experiences, receiving pitching coaching, and having startup specialists answer questions about launching businesses in Switzerland.

Ambition Beyond the Classroom

Plans are underway to build an extensive database featuring yearbooks, member projects, recorded sessions and more. "Our goal is for the Business Club to create a lasting connection across all generations of HIM students, past and future." states Oleg. 

The founders themselves exemplify that bridge, committed to remaining in Montreux for at least the next term to induct new members and maintain continuity. Their vision reaches even further - making the club's learnings and resources accessible internationally. Filip states, "I want this to go beyond the SEG group completely and make our sessions accessible from anywhere, not just those educated here."

The founders' sights are set on differentiating the club through immersive, hands-on learning experiences akin to hackathons. Lev explains, "Companies provide a challenge, like developing an AI solution, and teams have just 2-3 days to create something incredible under pressure. We want to host these at HIM." Lev adds, "It could be reimagining struggling properties through a complete business model and tech overhaul - all within an intense 48-hour window. If the idea is good, we pursue investment." This ambition to transform theoretical lessons into tangible, pitched proposals aligns with the school's "be world ready" ethos and curriculum focused on practical skills. 

We're promoting HIM's evolution into an elite business school through the club's activities.

^{–Filip Martin}

To maintain that high-engagement atmosphere, the club will remain capped around 15-20 members. Applications are open to all, but candidates have to demonstrate proper motivation and commitment through networking events and business interest. As Oleg states, "We want members to feel that pride of being part of something truly unique and impactful." Supporting that mission is a robust promotional strategy - an official HIM email and Instagram presence, QR codes around campus, potential sponsorships and partnerships with businesses and other schools.The founders have their sights set on having the club ultimately rival Ivy League societies and open doors worldwide. 

Our dreams are big because we're putting in the hard work to realize them. If we continue delivering value, people will be proud to be part of the HIM Business Club legacy we're building.

^{–Lev Iatsunov}

By providing an intimate platform for cross-pollinating ideas, honing skills and turning vision into viable ventures, this student club -the first one of the new program- is embodying HIM's transformation into an innovative powerhouse. If its meteoric origins are any indication, the impact could indeed extend far beyond the campus.