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idliboba
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Schools: Kellog '27 (A)
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International Experience for a Working Professional in SE Asia 24 May 2023, 00:12
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Hi guys,
Hope you're all doing well. I'm looking to apply to business schools in the next round of admissions ('24). Aim is to go for top programs in Europe such as INSEAD, LBS etc. INSEAD being the topmost priority.

I understand that INSEAD really values international experience in applicants. I am a 26 year old engineer working in the founders' office at a tech startup based out SE Asia (India, specifically). There are no internal avenues for me through which I could gain international experience. The job market isn't that great right now either, with a whole bunch of hiring freezes, job cuts and the like.

I wanted to explore what other tangible ways there might be that could be leveraged for international experience. I have some proficiency in the French language (to an intermediate level), but not enough that I could get work with it (could change that, though.)

My profile otherwise isn't that great as of now. GMAT is 700 (will be retaking, though), GPA is nothing to write home about. So I would really like to make the most of the time I have in front of me. Not interested in why something won't work.

Really appreciate the help, thanks!
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TheMBAEdge
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International Experience for a Working Professional in SE Asia 29 May 2023, 00:45
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idliboba
Hi guys,
Hope you're all doing well. I'm looking to apply to business schools in the next round of admissions ('24). Aim is to go for top programs in Europe such as INSEAD, LBS etc. INSEAD being the topmost priority.

I understand that INSEAD really values international experience in applicants. I am a 26 year old engineer working in the founders' office at a tech startup based out SE Asia (India, specifically). There are no internal avenues for me through which I could gain international experience. The job market isn't that great right now either, with a whole bunch of hiring freezes, job cuts and the like.

I wanted to explore what other tangible ways there might be that could be leveraged for international experience. I have some proficiency in the French language (to an intermediate level), but not enough that I could get work with it (could change that, though.)

My profile otherwise isn't that great as of now. GMAT is 700 (will be retaking, though), GPA is nothing to write home about. So I would really like to make the most of the time I have in front of me. Not interested in why something won't work.

Really appreciate the help, thanks!
Show more

Hey idliboba,

Founders office role is quite impactful specially if its a late stage well funded venture out of SEA. Given your current situation, would recommend the following:
- Try to bump up the GMAT past he 740 mark since you are already light on the international aspect of your application
- The French language can be a good way to demonstrate your international bent, so do complete the course to advance level and maybe gain further exposure via Events etc.
- If there are any cross collaboration project upcoming with people from different nationalities / culture, try to sign up for them as they will give you insight into a multicultural setup
- Travel can also be a way to show your intent to learn about cultures and nationalities (both personal and professional)
- Specifically for INSEAD, do try to focus on developing your leadership skills in the interim period as they do tend to look at your leadership potential
- Even moving across multiple locations for diverse assignments can be a way to show your willingness to learn and thrice in different cultures (doesn't necessarily have to be international culture, India is quite diverse in itself)

Thank you,
TheMBAEdge
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MBAGuide
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International Experience for a Working Professional in SE Asia 29 May 2023, 07:41
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idliboba
Hi guys,
Hope you're all doing well. I'm looking to apply to business schools in the next round of admissions ('24). Aim is to go for top programs in Europe such as INSEAD, LBS etc. INSEAD being the topmost priority.

I understand that INSEAD really values international experience in applicants. I am a 26 year old engineer working in the founders' office at a tech startup based out SE Asia (India, specifically). There are no internal avenues for me through which I could gain international experience. The job market isn't that great right now either, with a whole bunch of hiring freezes, job cuts and the like.

I wanted to explore what other tangible ways there might be that could be leveraged for international experience. I have some proficiency in the French language (to an intermediate level), but not enough that I could get work with it (could change that, though.)

My profile otherwise isn't that great as of now. GMAT is 700 (will be retaking, though), GPA is nothing to write home about. So I would really like to make the most of the time I have in front of me. Not interested in why something won't work.

Really appreciate the help, thanks!
Show more

Hi idliboba hope you are doing great. I am an INSEAD alum and have served 3+ years as admissions interviewer for INSEAD so I hope I can add value to your query.

International focus is a key criteria at INSEAD, but the school has insisted that "international experience" is not mandatory. So, what this criterion means is that the applicants must demonstrate a keen interest in exploring the global realms during and post MBA while, having an international working stint prior to MBA is not mandatory. However, having been at INSEAD, I can tell you that most of the students from India do have some experience working internationally. But there is still a decent number of folks who havent worked outside India.

Those who dont (have formal international work exp), have something else going on for them. These folks fall into two most common categories.

1. Entrepreneurs -At INSEAD, entrepreneurs are highly valued, with a large percentage of students transitioning into entrepreneurship within three years. The immense learning curve experienced by both successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs is highly valued and considered crucial at INSEAD. The school recognizes the invaluable lessons gained through first-hand experience in the world of entrepreneurship and seeks to leverage and promote this knowledge in its curriculum and community.

2. Consultants or Strategy folks- INSEAD has a strong bias toward individuals with consulting backgrounds, particularly those who have served as advisors to founders and C-suite executives.
This presents a favorable opportunity for you to leverage your experience.
It is critical that you examine your career path, deconstruct your experience, and reconstruct your stories in a way that reveals how working on strategy projects alongside founders, senior executives, or C-suite members has equipped you with a higher level of practical experience, experiential maturity, and a better ability to contextualize business issues within your specific area of expertise than most strategy consultants, MBB or otherwise - the profiles that make up more than 30% of an INSEAD MBA cohort.

If your professional opportunities are currently limited, you may consider participating in community development initiatives or joining a nonprofit organization to cultivate a unique differentiator. It is important to know that your career aspirations and goals are not only dependent on your previous work experience but can also be influenced by your active involvement in impactful and meaningful social service or outreach work. By immersing yourself in these areas, you will not only contribute to the betterment of society, but you will also develop your own perspective and expertise that can set you apart.

Feel free to reach out should you need candid advice

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com