And they’re off: MIM'27’s first weeks in Fontainebleau
As we prepare to move forward from Launch Week, all new MIM students will no doubt feel a certain bittersweetness. While we know the real courses are about to begin, bringing a great deal of excitement, the experience of these last two weeks has been nothing short of exceptional.
As a British student who knows his family is only a few hours away, I did not expect arriving at INSEAD to transport me to a completely different world, but it truly has. It is hard to convey the level of diversity of experiences, cultures and knowledge that you find in Fontainebleau
The first week was marked by a series of group challenges and lectures, designed to familiarise students with the campus, the course, and our new classmates. Before arriving here, I spent some time thinking about the inevitable, somewhat clichéd icebreakers that would surely await me upon arrival. ‘What would my two truths be? Ooh, that’s a good lie, they’ll never get that.’
However, what I found was far from what I had envisaged. You would expect 218 students from 50 different countries to need some nudging to get to know each other as quickly as we have, but this has not been the case.
As the unique INSEAD atmosphere has taken hold of us all, whether in a plush Amphi, a hastily organised breakout room, or a certain Scottish themed food and beverage establishment, I have been struck by how naturally all the cohort have begun to form such tight bonds.
The lectures were first-class, brewing further excitement about what was to come. We learned about the importance of organisational culture, on both a micro and macro level, as well as getting our first taste of workplace negotiation. This was probably the highlight of Week 1 for me, as well as for many others.
Never have I felt so gripped by my (or more specifically, my fictitious character Raphael’s) quest for financial security for his young family. I’m glad to report he secured a healthy bonus which should stand them all in good stead. We also examined the nuances of networking, hugely aided by Maximillian’s astute insight, which, according to Thibaut, has ensured MIM'27's long-lasting legacy. And that was just the beginning.
The lead-up to Week 2 was certainly wrapped in more uncertainty. We had been told very little about the two-day ‘outdoors seminar’, apart from the somewhat egregious 6 am meet time. Were we camping? Did it require wetsuits? Were four suitcases too many? As the buses left the barely sunlit car park, full of weary-eyed yet keen MIM students, the sense of excitement began to build.
After a quick briefing, we were whisked away to get our army overalls, helmets, and gloves before the clock struck 8. Not my usual Tuesday morning, it must be said. What followed was a series of team-building exercises, in which we were struck by the brilliant ideas that each team produced in stressful environments. I can now say that what started as a group of ten MIMs staring over a pile of wooden planks, bemused by the instruction that they must form a sturdy bridge, resulted in a strong connection among us all.
As well as our collective achievements, every member had the chance to lead their classmates, gaining vital expertise for the year ahead. The next day brought even greater challenges, as we used a zip line, a boat and our newly developed negotiation skills to secure the release of our beloved Diego. Having learnt a host of crucial new skills, we reluctantly packed our bags and headed home.
Despite all the joy and engagement of the last fourteen days, the most resonant personal moment for me happened at the very end, in what was perhaps the perfect encapsulation of Launch Week. Walking home from the aforementioned Scottish institution, a fellow MIM asked if I had made life-long friends since arriving here. I was taken aback, as I know my closest relationships at home took years to solidify. But the more I considered his question, I began to change my mind. The countless connections, laughs, and core memories that have already been made will stick with me for life.
So thank you to all of my cohort for making this introduction so special. Long may this continue when the real work starts.
