Self-isolation paints a scary picture during COVID times. For many, the thought of attending MBA classes via Zoom while being confined to a tiny room is a significant compromise to the campus experience, and potentially a nightmare. But having being thrown unexpectedly into this situation for two weeks, my perspective transformed.

• Read more about Cementing Friendships During COVID Self-isolation

The three months since Launch Week for the INSEAD MBA July’21 class have passed in a blink of an eye: 77 people across two sections in the Singapore campus - the smallest INSEAD cohort ever. It’s incredible to reflect on this amazing experience we’ve been on together since day one. As pioneers in the new hybrid learning environment, we’ve learned to be adaptive and flexible. 

• Read more about The Year of Fortitude with INSEAD

Hometown: Ulaanbaatar, MongoliaUndergraduate Institution and Major:

• Read more about Viewpoints - Orgil Nyamaa

Hometown: Yen Bai, VietnamUndergraduate Institution and Major:

• Read more about Viewpoints - Nga Vu

Hometown: Reykjavik, IcelandUndergraduate Institution and Major: ​​​

• Read more about Viewpoints - Kolbeinn Stefansson

Hometown: Born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, but raised in Rio de Janeiro, BrazilUndergraduate Institution and Major:

• Read more about Viewpoints - Fernanda Corrêa Dalbem

Hometown: Agadir, MoroccoUndergraduate Institution and Major:

• Read more about Viewpoints - Abdellah Safi

I never saw myself as an entrepreneur before INSEAD. In my mind, entrepreneurs with the likes of Steve Jobs or Elon Mask have a certain level of coolness; they are free spirits with a tremendously high risk-seeking appetite. I imagine them to be working day and night in T-shirts and jeans in their tech-enabled cozy offices, drinking coffee and ordering late night takeaways, pushing the team towards new breakthroughs with excitement!

• Read more about Startup Bootcamp: A Glimpse of the World of an Entrepreneur

“While we may come from different places and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one.” —Albus Dumbledore The obvious question many prospective candidates ask me is the impact of COVID-19, or more specifically online classes (for one month) during the MBA. The honest answer from my point of view is that it's not ideal but it is much better than I had initially expected. Faculty have adopted quickly to provide extremely engaging classes and non-traditional assignments such as games and simulation exercises.

• Read more about The Power of INSEAD's Community

What got you here will not be what gets you there. This is a resounding message throughout the MBA programme and it entails fundamentally changing the value that your skillset brings to the table.

• Read more about The Global Leadership Accelerator