Théo Leleup ’25

I came to SOM as part of a dual degree program with HEC Paris. I was already well-equipped with hard skills, and I’d been in lecture-centered classrooms for a long time. I wanted to complement my education with American teaching methods, which are more centered on “learning by doing.” At SOM, this approach is enhanced by the teamwork projects which so many courses feature. The seminar-style teaching in small groups also really appealed to me. My time here has changed the way I approach problems, as well as the way I interact with my teammates.

The curriculum was one of the main reasons I chose SOM. I valued the course flexibility and the option to take classes in other Yale schools. During the fall semester, I took an undergraduate class in the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program. The course focused on queer studies, and I would never have had the chance to take a class on this topic if I had been restricted to a business school. I also took a class at the Jackson School of Global Affairs, which taught me a great deal about the field of artificial intelligence. The breadth of courses available at SOM, and across Yale, makes it very easy to tailor your education to your own needs and specific interests.

Coming to New Haven, I was initially concerned that the city would feel too small and lack enough cultural activities and social options. But I didn’t need to worry. I enjoy living in New Haven. My lifestyle is more peaceful and centered compared to what I’ve experienced in larger, more hectic cities. There are abundant cultural opportunities in New Haven and the broader region, and the same can be said about campus life. SOM events like Winter Stroll and Friendsgiving, as well as the smaller get-togethers SOM sponsors, have been special opportunities to bond with my classmates. Cooking classes, East Rock hikes, and seasonal workshops in carving pumpkins and making gingerbread houses have all added to the sense of community and friendship I’ve enjoyed this year.