7 Tips to Ace your INSEAD Interview, from an INSEAD Admit

[original article published here]

The INSEAD interview is a crucial step in the admissions process, providing the admissions committee with a deeper understanding of your motivations, aspirations, and the value you bring to the program.

Here is an interview debrief and 7 tips/ insights on the interview process from our candidate Adhiraj, who successfully received his INSEAD admit for the Jan'24 intake. He also shares a curveball/ challenging question that he was asked.

Tip 1: Research the (INSEAD) program in-depth

Take the time to identify and understand the distinctive resources offered by INSEAD. Here are some examples:

1.1 Courses and Electives:

Analyze the curriculum and identify specific courses or electives that align with your career goals. Consider how these courses can provide you with unique skills and knowledge that set you apart in your target industry.

1.2 Clubs and Extracurriculars

Explore the various clubs and extracurricular activities available at the school. Highlight those that align with your interests and aspirations. Identify industry-specific clubs that can provide valuable networking opportunities and hands-on experiences.

1.3 Alumni Network

Look for alumni who have successfully transitioned into careers similar to your intended path. Alumni often share advice through interviews, articles, or school publications. Analyze their insights and consider how you can apply similar strategies to maximize the benefits of the school’s resources for your own career journey.

1.4 Industry Connections

Research the school’s partnerships and connections with industries relevant to your career goals. Also explore ties to specific sectors, which can provide unique opportunities for internships, projects, and job placements.

Tip 2: Embrace a Relaxed and Conversational Style

During the interview, it is essential to maintain a relaxed and conversational tone. Remember that the alum is not there to intimidate you but to understand your motivations, aspirations, and how you align with the INSEAD culture.

Be prepared to discuss your professional journey, but don’t let it turn into a formal interrogation.

Tip 3: Authenticity is Key

INSEAD values authenticity. Be yourself during the interview, showcasing your genuine personality rather than attempting to fit into a perceived mold.

Alums appreciate candidates who are sincere and true to themselves, as this indeed aligns with the school’s commitment to diversity and individuality.

Tip 4: Craft a Convincing MBA Story

Be well-prepared to articulate a convincing narrative on why you specifically want to pursue an MBA. This may involve discussing career goals, personal development aspirations, or a desire for a specific type of global exposure that an MBA program offers. The key is linking your past/ current experiences to your career goals and identifying what gaps an MBA would help you fill and how.

Make sure these key pointers are aligned with what you wrote on your essays.

Tip 5: Reflect on Career Decisions

INSEAD is interested not only in where you want to go but also in understanding where you've been in your career journey so far.

Expect questions about the motivations and thought processes behind key decisions in your career. Be ready to provide explanations that make logical sense and are free of inconsistencies.

Tip 6: Embrace Mistakes and Growth

Be open about any missteps you’ve encountered and discuss how you’ve worked to overcome them. This transparency can underscore your resilience and ability to learn from challenges.

INSEAD values individuals who can reflect on their mistakes and demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth.

Tip 7: Articulate the Value of an INSEAD MBA

One of the critical aspects that INSEAD explores during interviews is your motivation for pursuing an MBA. A generic response about career growth or a desire for a diverse learning experience may not be sufficient. Delve deeper into your motivations, providing a compelling and unique reason for choosing INSEAD.

You might encounter a direct challenge to your decision to pursue an MBA, as exemplified by the question I was asked, “Why are you paying INR 1 Cr+ for it?” It’s essential to respond with a well-thought-out answer that goes beyond a generic desire for an international job.

Final Thoughts

Hope this article provides you with some first-hand insights on the INSEAD MBA Interview.

Feel reach out through the link(s) below if you’d like to partner with me on your MBA application journey!

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet
W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com