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9 years
Cameroon
2026
Male
Score: 655 GMAT Focus
GPA: 3.3
Pre-MBA industry: Finance: Diversified Financial Services
Post-MBA industry: Finance: Investment Banking
INSEAD
January Intake
January Intake
Round 2,
2026
AcceptedJul 2, 25
Scholarship25%
4 months ago
18 Jul 2025 01:07
HEC Paris
January Intake
January Intake
Round 5,
2026
AppliedMay 2, 25
AcceptedJun 20, 25
Scholarship25%
4 months ago
27 Jun 2025 10:06
8 months ago
13 Mar 2025 02:03
Hello,
I am a Mechanical Engineer, 31 years Old, and graduated in 2015 from the Top Engineering School of my Country (Cameroon). 6 months after my graduation, I was contacted by the best bank in the country for a graduate program because I was among the Top students. I switched to finance and started as a project manager. I did 4,5 Years as Project manager and was promoted Head of Projects and Organization where I managed a team of 12 executives, and a large project's portfolio (around 80-100). After 2,5 years as head of projects, I moved to the private banking division as Head of premium banking (1 Year ago). I did so because I wanted more business exposure to achieve my goal (become a Bank CEO).
I'm in the same company (a multinational company with a subsidy in Cameroon) since the beginning of my career and have a strong relationship with the board. My CEO and former Regional Director wrote my recommendations letters. I am also listed as talent in my group.
I did a lot of training and certification in parallel: I was Top of central Africa, 6th worldwide in ITB - banking management (2 years master’s program) in 2021; I hold a PMP Certification since 2022; ...
I recently took the Gmat Focus and had 655 (Q87, V81, D80).
I want to apply for both Instead and HEC Paris ‘12 months Mba program. Do I have a chance?
I am a Mechanical Engineer, 31 years Old, and graduated in 2015 from the Top Engineering School of my Country (Cameroon). 6 months after my graduation, I was contacted by the best bank in the country for a graduate program because I was among the Top students. I switched to finance and started as a project manager. I did 4,5 Years as Project manager and was promoted Head of Projects and Organization where I managed a team of 12 executives, and a large project's portfolio (around 80-100). After 2,5 years as head of projects, I moved to the private banking division as Head of premium banking (1 Year ago). I did so because I wanted more business exposure to achieve my goal (become a Bank CEO).
I'm in the same company (a multinational company with a subsidy in Cameroon) since the beginning of my career and have a strong relationship with the board. My CEO and former Regional Director wrote my recommendations letters. I am also listed as talent in my group.
I did a lot of training and certification in parallel: I was Top of central Africa, 6th worldwide in ITB - banking management (2 years master’s program) in 2021; I hold a PMP Certification since 2022; ...
I recently took the Gmat Focus and had 655 (Q87, V81, D80).
I want to apply for both Instead and HEC Paris ‘12 months Mba program. Do I have a chance?
I too had been in just one company before going to INSEAD and was caught unprepared during my interview when my interviewer literally grilled me about the lack of progression in the same company, even though I had a lot of global experience in multiple countries. I have known since then that the admissions committee and the interviewers may have different views on your career history. You too have been in the same company throughout, but you have been promoted through the ranks into impressive roles and have even changed teams/domains, which shows you are quite versatile and how much your senior management believes in your capabilities. This kind of progressive career can compensate for the lack of experience in different companies or even formal international work experience. Therefore, if you haven't already applied, make sure your work as a leader in the organization is well highlighted in your essays. I have written much about INSEAD essays on this platform. Feel free to take ideas.
https://gmatclub.com/forum/insead-janua ... 41374.html
Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanchal-sahni-83b00819/ |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/| Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com
Priyanka here from ARINGO. Speaking about your profile, 9 years of finance experience in Cameroon, transitioning from mechanical engineering, that's a compelling narrative of adaptability and ambition. The fact you were recruited by the top bank right out of engineering speaks volumes about your capabilities.
Your progression from project manager to head of projects and organization, and now head of premium banking, demonstrates consistent growth and leadership. Managing a team of 12 executives and a large project portfolio is again a no small feat. Your parallel training and certifications, especially being top of Central Africa and 6th worldwide in the ITB banking management program, and holding a PMP certification adds immense value to your application.
HEC Paris and INSEAD are both top-tier programs with strong finance reputations. HEC emphasizes leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, while INSEAD's global perspective and diverse student body are unique strengths. The 655 GMAT Focus score is a good starting point, considering INSEAD's competitiveness, you should consider a retake if possible. You should also talk about your specific skills and experiences that have prepared you for a career in IB.
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You can also email me at: priyankak@aringo.com