Starting at INSEAD is exciting, intense, and a little overwhelming. The pace is fast, the diversity is unlike anything you’ve seen before, and everyone seems brilliant. Looking back, there are three things I wish someone had told me before my year began:
Networking Is Everything
Your classmates, professors, alumni — they’re not just people you study with, they’re the network that will shape your career for decades to come.
At INSEAD, opportunities don’t just come from job postings. They come from conversations — a classmate who forwards you a role, an alum who pulls your CV out of a pile, or even a casual chat at a house party that leads to an unexpected opportunity.
If you’re shy, introverted, or more comfortable being the “quiet nerd,” you’ll need to push yourself a little. Talk to people, hang out, show up for group dinners or random coffee chats. The network is one of INSEAD’s biggest assets, but it only works if you engage with it.
The Year Flies By Faster Than You Think
Ten months sounds like a long time… until you realize how packed the schedule is. Classes, assignments, recruiting, travel, parties, trips, and networking — before you know it, graduation day is here.
My advice? Don’t spend all your time behind your laptop or in the library. Yes, academics are important, but your friendships and experiences will last far longer than any exam grade.
Go on the weekend trip. Show up at the random house party. Grab drinks with classmates after class. The MBA is as much about the people as it is about the curriculum. The bonds you build will carry on for decades — across countries, careers, and even industries.
It’s Not a Level Playing Field (And That’s Okay)
One thing nobody tells you: not everyone is on the same track. Some classmates are sponsored candidates from firms like McKinsey or BCG. They already have jobs waiting for them after graduation. Which means — while most of us are stressing over CV drops and interviews, they can focus on academics… or partying.
It can feel unfair at times, but the trick is to focus on your priorities.
- Do you want to chase academic excellence?
- Do you want to maximize your job hunt?
- Or do you want to make the most of the social experience?
There’s no single right answer. The key is to recognize that you’ll need to make trade-offs. You can’t do everything perfectly in ten months — but you can decide what matters most to you and allocate your energy accordingly.
Final Thought
INSEAD will challenge you, stretch you, and surprise you. The academics are world-class, but the real magic is in the people, the network, and the personal transformation.
If you go in knowing that networking matters, time will fly, and everyone’s playing a different game — you’ll be better prepared to make the most of it.
And trust me — it will be one of the best years of your life.