Do I need to know French to get a job after MSc in Marketing from HEC Paris?

Question

Preet J · Accepted Answer

French is not always required&mdash;but not speaking it limits your options after HEC Paris.

English-only roles exist in firms like Amazon, McKinsey, or L&rsquo;Or&eacute;al in global marketing or analytics teams.
Local French companies, luxury houses, or FMCG brands almost always expect B2-level French for roles like marketing manager or product specialist.
Even in multinational firms based in France, speaking French can be crucial for internal communication or regulatory work.
Students without French often find roles in other European countries or remote global positions.
HEC offers free French language instruction through its Languages & Cultures Department, but you&rsquo;ll need to actively build fluency to access more jobs locally.

Many graduates do get jobs without French, but the best roles in France&mdash;especially in consumer or luxury marketing&mdash;typically go to bilingual applicants.

Hema A · Answer

French isn&rsquo;t mandatory for all roles after HEC Paris&rsquo; MSc in Marketing, but it&rsquo;s expected for most jobs based in France.
Positions in international firms like Amazon or Google may not require French, especially in digital marketing or analytics. But if you&rsquo;re targeting roles like brand manager at LVMH or client-facing positions in French agencies, B2-level French is typically required.
Even when the job is listed in English, companies often prefer candidates who can communicate with local teams or navigate internal systems in French. HEC offers French classes, but reaching a confident level takes consistent effort during the program.
For those who want to stay in France post-graduation, knowing French significantly improves job prospects and chances for long-term growth.