As I’m preparing for the Period 1 exams, I want to take a moment to reflect on what my experience has been so far. The program is fast paced. No… I mean the program is VERY fast paced. One learns not only how to be a better business leader, but also how to manage his or her time wisely and to make sound decisions with limited amount of time and resources. Schoolwork is intertwined with career services and social activities.
Each class session requires some individual pre-readings and sometimes case preparation. I am part of a group that consists of an American bio-engineer, an Israeli lawyer, a Ukrainian financial analyst, a Spanish strategy consultant and a Dutch Consultant (trained astrophysicist). Together, we work on different school projects, bringing insights from different fields and corners of earth.
Soon I will be back in the job market, and it is crucial that I create a resume that reflects my competences and experiences. I have had individual and group CV reviews with peers and career services team members. The school has gone to great lengths to bring executives from top firms around the world on campus for presentations and one-on-one coffee chats. These events are organized for students to gather information about the companies and markets they might be interested in. I have participated in events hosted by McKinsey & Co., the Boston Consulting Group, Microsoft and HP to name a few.
Last week was filled with social activities organized by INDEVOR, INSEAD’s organisation for social impact. The INDEVOR club serves as a forum for students and partners interested in social, environmental, and ethical issues, often bridging the gap between business and the social sector. My two favorite activities were Dinning in the Dark, to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the blind, and The Social Run, fun-running laps around the campus. For something that started as a fun activity, the Social Run turned to be very competitive. The record holder ran a jaw-dropping 33 km; the first and second runner-ups ran 27 and 24 km respectively. The good news is that all proceeds from these activities were donated to local charity organisations.
Last but not least, long gone are the days when INSEAD students used to only work hard and party hard. INSEAD students are trained to look at new ways of solving old problems. Inspired by the worldwide bestselling strategy book Blue Ocean Strategy, students have found new undertakings to solve the old “let’s have some fun” dilemma. Weekends are meant for trips in the region to explore historical places, appreciate Southeast Asian culture and enjoy beautiful beaches. Singapore is strategically located near many popular holiday gateways. Each weekend, there is a trip to some exotic places in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Bangladesh (all reachable in a couple of hours by flight).
In two weeks, I will be done with my exams; my wife has arranged a family trip to Penang Island, renowned for being the “food paradise” of Malaysia and for its capital George Town, which is one of the World Heritage Sites.
Ladies and gentlemen, after two months of intensive work, is there a better way to unwind? B-)
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open” Jawaharlal Nehru.