matchagirlie
Received an interview invite today from INSEAD (R2 - Jan 2026).
Would appreciate some tips on the Alumni interview process.
Thanks in advance.
Congrats on the interview invite
matchagirlie and everyone! So, applicants are invited to complete 2 separate interviews, each conducted by a different INSEAD alum. These interviews are often assigned based on your professional background and geographic location, allowing for a more personalized and contextual assessment of your candidacy. The interviews can be conducted either in-person or virtually, depending on the location and feasibility of the interviewer/applicant, and usually last between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Unlike formal adcom interviews, INSEAD alumni interviews tend to be conversational, open-ended, and holistic. Interviewers are not working from a rigid script. Instead, they focus on assessing your fit with the INSEAD culture, your career clarity, leadership potential, and, importantly, your international mindset. The goal is to evaluate how well you’ll thrive in INSEAD’s fast-paced, global classroom environment. Expect the interviews to be both professional and personal, sometimes even philosophical, as alumni seek to understand your values, motivations, and ambitions.
Common questions often cover areas such as your career goals ("Why INSEAD?", "Why an MBA now?"), cross-cultural experiences, and leadership capabilities. For example, you might be asked to describe a time you worked with a globally diverse team or had to adapt your leadership style in a challenging environment. Some creative questions may surface, too, like "What would your TED Talk be about?" or "What will your classmates learn from you?", so be prepared to showcase your personality and interests beyond the resume.
To succeed, you’ll want to have a well-structured narrative that connects your past experiences, present goals, and future aspirations. Your answer to "Why INSEAD?" must go beyond rankings, reference specific program features, or some strengths in consulting, entrepreneurship, or tech. Demonstrating cultural fluency is also key, so include stories that highlight your ability to work across cultures, especially since INSEAD is known for its highly diverse student body.
A differentiator in INSEAD’s evaluation can be "how you engage with your interviewer". Alumni are trying to determine if you’d be a great team member, classmate, and contributor to the INSEAD community. Be genuinely curious, ask thoughtful questions about their experience, their post-MBA journey, or how INSEAD shaped their worldview. This turns the interview into a two-way exchange.
If you'd like, you can also send a personalized thank-you note after each interview. Mention specific takeaways from the conversation and express appreciation for their time and insights. This simple gesture reflects both your professionalism and your interest in the school.
You can also take a look at these blogs on:
INSEAD MBA Interview Questions & TipsWould you like help developing tailored responses to INSEAD’s typical interview questions or practicing through a mock session? We’d be happy to assist you. Feel free to
reach out. Good luck, everyone!