Two Ambitions, One Family: What I Learned as the Partner of an INSEAD MBA

An Ironman, a 5,000-metre summit and 40+ podcast conversations taught me the difference between achievement and fulfilment. Becoming an INSEAD partner taught me who pays for it.When Constance received her INSEAD admission, I felt two things at once. Pride. And a quiet question I did not dare ask out loud: what happens to my ambition now?

Global Communities at INSEAD Master in Management

I thought I understood what a global community meant before coming to INSEAD.But in reality, I didn’t.I thought it meant having 50+ nationalities in the same classroom.Turns out, it’s much more than that.It’s a French person working at Google taking the time to explain the company and how to make the most of your time at university.It’s a person of Pakistani origin working in consulting sharing honest advice on your CV and career choices.

The Little Things: How I Learned To Live Away From Home

I had never really lived outside my home.Not in another city, state, country. Let alone another continent.For 21 years, Delhi, India was home. I did my entire graduation here. I lived with my family. And honestly, I never really thought twice about it.Then, I moved to France. Almost everyone I’ve met here has had some version of the opposite experience. They’ve lived away from home for university, moved countries for work, gone on exchanges, or spent time in different parts of the world.Me? Nope.

Finding My Feet at INSEAD

Before joining INSEAD, I was excited about the prospect of studying at one of the best business schools in the world. I threw myself into preparing for it: connecting with future classmates, travelling, taking on projects and completing an internship. By the time I arrived, I felt ready to make the most of everything the MBA had to offer.

From China to an Unsettled World: A Mid-MBA Reflection on Identity, Distance, and the Courage To Stay

It was a Sunday afternoon. A friend and I sat on the grass by the river in Fontainebleau. The breeze felt like a crumpled veil, and the water sparkled like scattered diamonds. For a moment, it felt like a scene from a Woody Allen film. I caught myself thinking: How did I end up here?Honestly, of course, I came to INSEAD to polish my resume and escape reality.

Partner Life as a Bellifontaine

“Okay, but what’s it really like to be an INSEAD partner?” The question, conscious or not, certainly remained present in my brain prior to the move to France. While eager to support my husband’s MBA journey, I struggled to answer those voices (including my own) that asked what exactly I would be doing as a Bellifontaine (i.e., Fontainebleau resident and fun new vocab word).

5 Key Benefits of the INSEAD Summer School Programme

The INSEAD Summer School is a transformative experience designed to equip students with the skills, insights, and connections needed to thrive in the global business landscape. Whether you're seeking to advance your career, explore diverse cultures, or learn from world-class faculty, the programme offers unparalleled opportunities for growth. Moreover, it’s not just about academics—this programme fosters lasting friendships, enriching both your personal and professional life. Here are five key benefits of participating in the INSEAD Summer School.

P1 Recap

Time is officially flying way too fast. Last week brought the end of my first "period" at INSEAD. INSEAD divides the year into five two-month "periods", each with different classes. The first two periods we complete core business classes (finance, accounting, organisational behaviour, etc). After that, we take electives. From a scheduling perspective, periods 1 and 2 (P1 and P2 respectively) are the most intense periods. After P2, the schedule is a little lighter, so everyone has time to recruit for a job. 

Julia Linthicum

MBA Julia Linthicum
INSEAD evaluates candidates holistically and is looking for a wide variety of candidates and backgrounds. If you want to go to INSEAD, take the leap of faith and apply. You never know what may happen.
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