INSEAD
MBAFair 2024 chat transcript
Representatives:
- Segen Berhe | Assistant Director, MBA & MIM, Recruitment & Business Development
- Alex Shmulovich | MBA 2020
- Asher Sethill | MBA 2021
- Victoria Morozov | MBA 2020
School brochure: click to open
Q&A with admissions: click to open
Boulevard de Constance, 77300 Fontainebleau, France
2024 Chat Transcript:
Ofir
1.What sets you apart as a business school compared to other schools?
2.Do you have any programs or courses for students that have mechanical engineering background?
3. How are the social activities in the campus? do you have the time to engage in social activities that are not related to school directly?
MBAFair Admin
This is the MBAFair organizers. we can see Segen from INSEAD dropped off. We will send her this transcript
the chat is officially closed
Oded
anyone answering here? any way to be in touch with insead directly?
Thai Shalev
Which GMAT result do you consider to be competitive?
Kohen
I don't have any community experience but tons of other extracurricular activities. Is that ok?
Thai Shalev
Do you have special activities for students' spouses?
Thai Shalev
Hello, when will registration open for August/September 2025? And when will it close?
Ziv Altit
Hi INSEAD, thank you for taking the time to answer the questions. Q for the alumni on the line- in your decision-making process, what factors led you to choose Insead over other universities?
adi
Would an MBA be relevant for someone striving to start a NGO/non-profit? As opposed to a proper business venture.
Oded
how does one decide where to study? I saw you have two main campuses. can I study in both somehow?
MBA here I come!
Hi @INSEAD any GMAT waiver options for Israelis ? its been a challenging year for some of us who were in reserves more than 100 days...
Tal
Thank you for answering our questions. If I come from a non-quantitative background, such as journalism with a major in humanities, do I need to pivot my career before applying for an MBA and gaining experience in industries like tech or finance?
Ezra
I had a gap year, should I speak about it in my essays?
kirti
Hi Kirti - it honestly depends on what is low and what your background is - I can give you a better answer after looking at your score and understanding your profile
Can I ask this on mail before apllying or after application it will be done?
Barak
Thank you, will do.
INSEAD
Hi Kirti - it honestly depends on what is low and what your background is - I can give you a better answer after looking at your score and understanding your profile
INSEAD
Hi BB - not at all! It's true that approx 30% will go into consulting but our students do end up in different industries - tech, startups, vc
elad
I am a recent BSc graduate. I don't have a lot of experience in the industry, but I have a lot of other professional experience from the IDF etc. Will this affect my acceptance chances?
Allon
hi -
Can I choose between the France and Singapore campuses?
INSEAD
Hi Ofir - there is no difference in rounds in terms of getting accepted to INSEAD - for scholarships R1 & R2 have all the scholarships - so if funding is imp to you - I would recommend you apply in the first 2 rounds ..
kirti
Do you have option of deferred MBA if work ex is less than what is required?
INSEAD
Hi Sharon - You can give a bit of background in the last essay - but we would only questions if you've already done an MBA in person with a top school
Noa
How would you describe the culture of your MBA program, and what aspects do you think prospective students might not fully appreciate until they are part of it?
Asaf Hadar
Hi again :) Can you share information about courses related to ESG and Impact Investing?
INSEAD
Hi Noa - Honestly - not really :) Given that diversity is key for INSEAD - we appreciate students from all backgrounds. Once you get to know our alumni - you'll understand why ...
Barak
Thank you. Could I have your contact details, please?
kirti
If I scored less in GMAT- Quant section. Will any other quantitative skills value in place of that?
B B
I have heard that consulting is one of the only routes post mba - can u tell us more about this? (I want to work for a tech company - is INSEAD still good for me, or will I have a hard time finding a job aferwards?)
INSEAD
Hi Ofir - with regards to the scholarship - https://sites.insead.edu/schlmgmt/dsp_schl_info.cfm?schlcode=JEW1&prog=1-mba
ofir
Is there any difference in Round 1 or Round 2 applications? Admission or scholarship wise?
INSEAD
Hi Lee - There is no difference in terms of the courses, admissions, career opp - it just depends on your preference on where you would like to study
sharon
I have done a distance MBA degree (which I realize was not very useful). So technically, this will be my second MBA. Do I need to explain this anywhere in the application? Thank you.
INSEAD
Hi Barak - It is possible - but get in touch with me as we'll need to review your profile
Rotem Eilat
Oh I see, thank you, but I think they ran out of space in the zoom meeting
INSEAD
Hi Rotem - you'll have to ask the organizers of the fair as I am not sure :)
INSEAD
Hi Asaf - INSEAD has one of the largest career development teams thanks to our large student body. This team is divided between the different campuses and are responsible for specific sectors and geographies - so regardless of the industry you're targeting - you will have a strong team to support you. You can find our career stats https://www.insead.edu/master-programmes/master-business-administration/career-development
Noa
Hi! Thank you for answering these questions. I wanted to know if there are any particular professional roles or industry experiences that are viewed more favorably during the admissions process?
ofir
Do you offer specific scholarships for Israeli candidates?
Lee
Hi there,
I have a couple of questions -
1. Are there significant differences between campuses besides location?
2. What is the percentage of alumni who receive sponsorship for work visas post-graduation?
INSEAD
Hi Oren - I would say work for one more year - you need at least 3 years of exp
Barak
Hey,
If I do not hold an undergraduate degree but do have a strong GMAT score (690 GMAT Focus), and an exceptional career record in tech, including management experience - would I still be considered for the MBA program? How significant is the lack of an undergraduate degree given I surpass all other criteria?
INSEAD
HI Kirti - I would suggest working for one more year before applying to the program as the minimum work exp is 3 years.
Rotem Eilat
Thank you for your answer! How can I join a zoom call later to continue discussing these issues?
INSEAD
Hi Tal - Both intakes are 10 month long. HOWEVER. The Jan intake offers the opportunity for a summer experience during the months of July and Aug where you can do an internship, participate in different treks or just take the time off.
Asaf Hadar
I consider Insead to be one of my top priorities. What kind of career services and support does the school offer to MBA students?
INSEAD
Hi Inbar - When considering your academic capacity, INSEAD looks at your GPA and your GMAT score. If for any reason your GPA is low - you can overcome that with a good GMAT score.
Oren
I have 2 years of experience. Is it very low for a competitive profile in INSEAD?
INSEAD
Hi Uri - Our students have the opportunity to exchange to Wharton and Kellogg whilst doing the program
kirti
Hi, I have a work-ex of 2 years in different organizations. is this accepted? what is the Minimum work years required to get into MBA program?
INSEAD
Hi Rotem - INSEAD is known for its diversity - we have students from over 70+ countries. Therefore, we look for candidates that have unique experiences and interested building a global network. We do provide students in need of additional support - happy to discuss this over a zoom call at a later time
Tal
Hello! Can you share please the differences between September and January intake?
INSEAD
Hi Offir - INSEAD offers a one year general business management program with no specialization. We accept students from all program that are looking to pursue an education and career in business. There are no test waivers offered, as for the admissions requirements - you can find them - https://www.insead.edu/master-programmes/master-business-administration/admissions
inbar
my GPA is not that high, will a high GMAT overcome that?
Uri M.
and follow up - and still complete my degree in 10 months?
Uri M.
How many universities do you have exchange agreements with? Can I do an exchange in the US?
Rotem Eilat
Hello INSEAD team, thank you for your time. I would like to ask a few questions: What are you looking for in candidates? What support does the program offer for individuals with ADHD to help them succeed in tests and coursework? What are the main fields that most students come from before starting this MBA program? Lastly, what is unique about your MBA program compared to others?
Ofir
Hello!
1.What sets you apart as a business school compared to other schools?
2.Do you have any programs or courses for students that have mechanical engineering background?
3. What are the requirements for a BSc. graduate in order to apply to your business school? is there an option for a test waiver?
INSEAD
Hi Rotem - INSEAD is a 10 month intense program. It's quite difficult to study and work unfortunately ..
Ezra
Are good essays as important as a good GMAT score?
Tom
does masters degree(not mba) affects acceptance?
INSEAD
If you are considering applying to INSEAD - I would suggest attending this event if possible - https://www.insead.edu/events/essential-tips-your-mba-application-online?_ref=finder
rotem
Is it possible to work during the full-time program?
INSEAD
Hell Ezra - the essays are integral part of the application as it provides you with the opportunity to showcase your skills and tell us about your future goals and how INSEAD will help you achieve them.
Ezra
Hello,
My question- how important are the essays in the INSEAD MBA application process compared to other application materials?
Prashant
Hello