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Karan0912
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Which intake to prefer? 20 Oct 2023, 00:21
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Hi,

I am currently into Finance Transformation consulting using emerging technology solutions. I aim to pivot to VC/PE role investing in technology companies post my MBA.
I am planning to apply to R2 INSEAD this year.

I am wondering should I wait and apply in R1 of Jan'25 intake because of the internship opportunity? One alumnus I spoke to said it doesn't matter which intake you choose, you'd still get similar opportunities. I am not sure because I do not have relevant PE/VC experience.

Also, does the geography matter - Paris vs Singapore for such a role?

Appreciate the help!
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MBADecoder
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Karan0912
Hi,

I am currently into Finance Transformation consulting using emerging technology solutions. I aim to pivot to VC/PE role investing in technology companies post my MBA.
I am planning to apply to R2 INSEAD this year.

I am wondering should I wait and apply in R1 of Jan'25 intake because of the internship opportunity? One alumnus I spoke to said it doesn't matter which intake you choose, you'd still get similar opportunities. I am not sure because I do not have relevant PE/VC experience.

Also, does the geography matter - Paris vs Singapore for such a role?

Appreciate the help!
Show more


I think its a matter of personal preference. Some of my applicants who I continue to ask about their experiences while they are studying at INSEAD say that internship is very important. One of these people has gone from consulting support function and wants to go back to consulting.
Another thing to consider is- either you should apply by the Nov round- which is in less than a month. Or you should wait to apply in R1 of the Spring Intake.

Namita Garg,
Founder, MBA Decoder
Profile Evaluation; Email: contact@mbadecoder.com
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admitStreet
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Which intake to prefer? 20 Oct 2023, 05:33
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Karan0912
Hi,

I am currently into Finance Transformation consulting using emerging technology solutions. I aim to pivot to VC/PE role investing in technology companies post my MBA.
I am planning to apply to R2 INSEAD this year.

I am wondering should I wait and apply in R1 of Jan'25 intake because of the internship opportunity? One alumnus I spoke to said it doesn't matter which intake you choose, you'd still get similar opportunities. I am not sure because I do not have relevant PE/VC experience.

Also, does the geography matter - Paris vs Singapore for such a role?

Appreciate the help!
Show more

Karan0912: Internship option in the Jan batch would help with the transition into PE/ VC, especially since you don't have prior experience in the sector. While PE/ VC firms do recruit full-time, from what I've seen, they prefer candidates who intern (or have prior experience). Internship also gives you that additional time to explore the sector.

Besides, since Jan '25 would offer the opportunity to apply early i.e. R1, unless there are other considerations, there's that (slight) advantage as well.

Regards,
Arvind
HEC Paris MBA alum
W:https://admitstreet.com| E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com
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Karan0912
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Would appreciate some more responses.

Thank you!

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Hi Karan0912,

I hope you are doing good. Whether or not you should wait to apply in R1 of Jan'25 intake depends on a few factors, including the specific internship opportunity you are interested in and your overall application strength.

If the internship opportunity you are interested in is only available in the summer of 2025, you may want to wait to apply in R1 so that you can have more time to prepare your application and network with potential employers. However, if you are confident in your application strength and you are able to secure an internship offer before the R2 deadline, you may want to apply in R2 so that you can start your MBA earlier.

Does the geography matter - Paris vs Singapore for such a role?

The choice between the Fontainebleau (France) and Singapore campuses can impact your post-MBA career. Here are some considerations:

Fontainebleau (France): This campus may be a better fit if you're looking to work in European VC/PE, as it's located in the heart of Europe and offers excellent networking opportunities with European firms.

Singapore: If you're interested in Asian or global markets, Singapore may be a better choice. Singapore is a hub for VC/PE activity in Asia, and the INSEAD Singapore campus provides access to this ecosystem. Consider where you want to build your VC/PE career and choose the campus accordingly.

Regardless of your intake, take full advantage of INSEAD's career services and network with alumni and industry professionals in VC/PE. Building relationships and demonstrating your commitment to this field can help you secure post-MBA opportunities.

In summary, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, and your decision should align with your specific goals and preferences. If gaining relevant internship experience is critical for your transition to VC/PE, consider applying in R1. Additionally, think about your preferred geographical focus for your VC/PE career and choose the campus accordingly. Ultimately, your dedication, networking efforts, and the skills you develop during the MBA program will be significant factors in achieving your goal.

Feel free to schedule a free profile evaluation call with our profile experts to discuss your profile better and give a fair evaluation of your chances of admission to INSEAD. They will help you decide between the rounds you are confused with and also help you decide on your campus location.

Neha Hadke
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Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com
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Karan0912
Hi,

I am currently into Finance Transformation consulting using emerging technology solutions. I aim to pivot to VC/PE role investing in technology companies post my MBA.
I am planning to apply to R2 INSEAD this year.

I am wondering should I wait and apply in R1 of Jan'25 intake because of the internship opportunity? One alumnus I spoke to said it doesn't matter which intake you choose, you'd still get similar opportunities. I am not sure because I do not have relevant PE/VC experience.

Also, does the geography matter - Paris vs Singapore for such a role?

Appreciate the help!
Show more