How can an MBA help you build your data and AI leadership skills?

If you’re looking to become a business leader in a world increasingly driven by data and AI, studying an MBA can equip you with the technical skills, practical experience, and network of experts you need to succeed.

Global employers predict that knowledge of AI tools will be the fastest growing essential skill for new business hires over the next five years, according to the latest GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey.

As a result, business schools are increasingly integrating AI into their curriculums, with over half of global business programs teaching AI as a tool for decision-making and strategy development according to the GMAC Application Trends Survey 2025.

“AI and data now shape business strategy and operations across every sector,” explains Cathy Liu Yang, tech & AI concentration coordinator and associate professor of information systems and operations management at HEC Paris, a top business school based in France.

So, how can an MBA help students develop these necessary data and AI leadership skills? We spoke to insiders at the school , where data and AI literacy are an essential part of the renowned HEC Paris MBA program, to find out.

Build technical skills

Studying an MBA can help you build data and AI skills such as business analytics and AI strategy development, as well as teaching responsible use of technology.

At HEC Paris, data and AI are integrated into the program’s core MBA content, but students can further specialize through dedicated electives and concentrations.

“Students build essential analytical capabilities in data science and data analytics, and can specialize further by choosing the tech and AI concentration and related electives,” explains Cathy.

“The tech and AI concentration is specifically designed to help managers speak in both business and technical terms, so they can turn technology and AI into measurable value and govern it responsibly,” she continues.

During their MBAs, students can also engage with Hi! PARIS—a center on data analytics and artificial intelligence for science, business, and society, created by HEC Paris alongside Institut Polytechnique de Paris.

“Professors affiliated with Hi! PARIS bring their ongoing research into courses, ensuring students are exposed to live case studies, new methods, and industry-driven applications,” explains Pierre-Antoine Amiand Leroy, research engineer at Hi! PARIS. “The center also promotes research-based learning through fellowships, PhD supervision, and joint industry projects.”

Experiential learning opportunities

Learning about data and AI in theory is beneficial for building AI and data leadership skills, but MBA students must be able to apply these insights to real business problems.

At HEC Paris, MBA students are encouraged to apply their technical knowledge in a practical setting, through experiential opportunities such as Hi! PARIS and the Corporate Business Project (CBP).

“Students complete the CBP, where they collaborate directly with leading companies on real-world technology challenges—such as implementing AI solutions, assessing technological readiness for emerging tools, or evaluating the business impact of AI and digital initiatives,” explains Cathy. “Working in small, diverse teams, students apply the analytical and strategic frameworks learned in class to deliver actionable, data-driven recommendations to their corporate partners.”

HEC Paris also has a partnership with the Creative Destruction Lab, a nonprofit startup dedicated to seed-stage companies addressing solutions for global business challenges. The program has a dedicated artificial intelligence stream, which aims to bring together entrepreneurs, scientists, and investors to help scale AI ventures.

“I’m lucky to be in an industry where AI is being championed and pioneered,” says Alisa Dubik, who graduated from HEC Paris in 2023 and now works as customer education manager at AI company Gorgias. “The MBA really prepared me for the speed at which innovation is happening, and opened my eyes to so many different industries and problems, such as ethical issues.”

Reflecting on how her MBA shaped her approach to emerging technology, Alisa highlights the importance of continuous learning and experimentation.

“I would encourage current students to stay up to date on what’s happening in tech, because it’s moving so fast, especially in the AI space,” says Alisa. “By experimenting, you come across problems that you want to solve and find the tools and the means to solve them. The barriers of entry into tech have never been this low.”

Connect with an MBA network

Advancing your career in a data-driven world is about more than just academic skills—gaining access to an MBA network connects you with peers, alumni, and industry leaders who can share their own knowledge and open doors to new opportunities.

“The MBA experience has taught me that I don’t just have to rely on myself,” says Alisa. “I have this whole network of incredibly brilliant people from different backgrounds, and they all have different insights which could help me.

“Being around so many quant-minded people really helped me,” she continues.” I was able to learn, not only in the classroom, but through osmosis and being introduced to different types of thinking from my peers.”

Collaborations with organizations such as Hi! PARIS also provide students with hands-on experiences and networking opportunities.

“Students can participate in data bootcamps, summer schools, or hackathons,” explains Pierre-Antoine. “The center also offers networking opportunities through career fairs and industry events which connects students with top tech and innovation companies, providing them with practical experience and insights from the forefront of AI research.”

By combining technical skills with experiential learning and the support of a strong network of peers and experts, an MBA can help aspiring business leaders use data and AI effectively. Through these skills and insights, the program can help drive innovation, promote the responsible use of AI, and ensure future leaders stay up to date in the constantly evolving business landscape.