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INSEAD MBA
This review was written by Nirvan Gandhi on 3rd April, 2025
INSEAD: The Real, Raw, No-Nonsense Guide You Won’t Find on Their Brochure
Let me start with a confession.
I visited the INSEAD campus in Fontainebleau.
And I didn’t fall in love.
It’s clean. It’s functional. But it’s… small.
If you’ve seen HEC Paris, the difference is striking. HEC feels like a campus. INSEAD feels like a high-speed launch pad.
But then again, maybe that’s the whole point.
INSEAD isn’t where you go for a two-year university experience.
It’s where you go if you’re ready to move fast, think global, and go deep—without wasting time pretending you're back in undergrad.
If you’re looking for a school that accelerates everything, pushes you out of your comfort zone, and puts you in the middle of 80 nationalities in 10 months—INSEAD is it.
Let’s break it down.
Divyanshu Jain
INSEAD (CO'25)
“The Business School for the World” — But What Does That Actually Mean?
Here’s what most people miss about INSEAD’s identity.
They don’t just talk about global experience because it sounds nice in a brochure.
They live it. They screen for it. They expect it.
You’re not going to be one of 5% international students in a class of mostly Americans or Asians. At INSEAD, there’s no dominant nationality. The class is intentionally diverse—95+ nationalities across the two intakes.
You’ll be doing finance cases with a Swede, a Nigerian, a Brazilian, and a Korean—every single day.
And here’s the kicker: INSEAD requires you to speak at least two languages to get in. And three to graduate.
Why? Because they’re serious when they say it is a school for global leaders.
INSEAD’s Campuses: Not Just Fontainebleau Anymore
Most people think INSEAD means Fontainebleau and croissants.
But INSEAD runs across four campuses:
Fontainebleau – The OG. Forests, focus, no distractions.
Singapore – Asia’s launchpad. Tech, startups, VC, SEA exposure.
Abu Dhabi – Smaller batch, strong Middle East recruiting base.
San Francisco (SF Hub) – Not a full campus, but great for electives and Valley visibility.
What this means?
You’re not tied to one country.
Start in France, rotate to Singapore, take an elective in SF, attend a workshop in Abu Dhabi—all in the same 10-month sprint.
That’s global exposure—not on paper, but in practice.
The 10-Month Sprint: Why It’s Intense (But Worth It)
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INSEAD’s MBA is 10 months long.
Yes, ten.
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This means:
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No summer internship (unless you take a January start, more on that soon)
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No fluff
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Minimal downtime
The upside? You’re in and out in under a year.
The downside? Blink, and you’re halfway through.
But for many people—especially mid-career folks who already have some clarity—it’s perfect. You save time, save money, and start earning again faster.
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January vs August Intake: What’s the Real Difference?
This is a big one. And most applicants don’t understand the nuance here.
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✅ January Intake
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Includes a 2-month break around summer (June–August)
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You can use that time for a summer internship—which is HUGE if you’re pivoting
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Smaller intake (~300 students) = tighter cohort
✅ August Intake
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No internship break
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Slightly larger intake (~500 students)
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Ideal for those who already have clarity and don’t need that internship buffer
If you’re someone who doesn’t come from a traditional background—say, arts, family business, or early startup roles—the January intake gives you room to prove yourself through an internship.
I often advise applicants: if you’re unsure about where you’ll land post-MBA, go for Jan.
Where INSEAD Grads Actually Get Placed
Let’s be real. Every school shows you fancy career reports.
But what really matters is where their grads land, how soon, and in what roles.
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Here’s the reality with INSEAD:
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Consulting is the biggest recruiter (MBB LOVES INSEAD—especially for Europe and the Middle East)
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Tech, product management, VC/PE, and luxury are solid options
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Middle East placements are strong thanks to the Abu Dhabi campus, alumni presence, and employer relationships
But if your dream is to work in the US right after your MBA, You’d be better off applying to a US school.
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On the flip side, if you're open to global roles, or specifically want to move to Europe or the Middle East, this school opens serious doors.
R1 vs R2 vs R3: Timing Can Kill a Great Application
Let me be blunt here: apply in Round 1.
If you miss R1, then go for R2.
Avoid Round 3 unless you have an unusually strong profile and a very strategic reason for waiting.
Why? Because INSEAD admits by profile buckets—industry, geography, gender, etc.
By R3, many of those buckets are already full.
Indian male engineers—your odds drop hard after R2.
So plan ahead. Prep early. If you’re applying to INSEAD seriously, aim for R1 or R2.
Admissions Strategy: INSEAD Doesn’t Tolerate Mediocrity
The bar is high here. And not just on GMAT.
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✅ What They Want:
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International exposure (and if not that, then international mindset)
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Maturity and clarity
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Real leadership—not just job titles
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Candidates who’ve taken risks, bounced back, and built things
You don’t need to have lived in 3 countries. But you do need to show that you’re comfortable with ambiguity, difference, and navigating diverse teams.
LORs, Interviews, and What to Expect
Letters of Recommendation
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Only one LOR—but it needs to be deep. Someone who has seen you work up close and can speak to your growth and leadership.
I help my applicants figure out who to pick and how to guide them. Generic LORs kill great applications.
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Interviews
Conducted by alumni, not admissions staff.
That changes the vibe completely. It’s more of a “would I want you in my classroom?” check.
I usually do 10+ mocks with INSEAD applicants. Because the storytelling has to be tight. The tone matters. You’re not just proving your worth—you’re connecting.
Final Verdict: Who Should Choose INSEAD
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Go for INSEAD if:
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You want a fast, global MBA
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You already have 4–8 years of solid experience
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You want to work in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East
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You’re clear about your goals and don’t need a 2-year runway
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You value diversity—not as a buzzword, but as a way of life
Maybe reconsider if:
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You want a big, luxurious campus with traditional school life
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You’re unsure of your post-MBA goals
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You want to work in the US (especially without a prior visa or passport)
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You’re looking for a chill, spread-out MBA experience with time to figure things out
Final Thoughts (From a Guy Who Actually Walked That Campus)
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I didn’t walk out of INSEAD starstruck.
The campus is tiny. The buildings are practical. It’s not a postcard.
But the energy?
Unreal.
You meet people here who’ve worked across 4 continents, speak 5 languages, and still have the humility to say, “I’m just here to grow.”
And that’s what INSEAD gives you—growth without the pretense.
If you’re ready to move fast, lead hard, and make a truly global pivot, there are few schools in the world that match what INSEAD can unlock.
Just make sure you’re clear before you apply.
And if you want help getting there—you know where to find me.