The diversity! We often talk about it, and I sort of expected it, but INSEAD exceeded my expectations!
Ainur Kubasheva
Could you share something unexpected or a fun fact about you?
I have four younger siblings, and the youngest ones are twin boys, eight years old. I used to work at a farm in Kazakhstan with my grandma every summer till I moved to Hong Kong.
Tell us about yourself, and how you got to where you are today.
Born and raised in Kazakhstan, I was very fortunate to receive a scholarship to study in Hong Kong when I was 17 years old. I moved alone and eventually stayed there to work for AlphaSights. I spent a year and a half in New York, helping AlphaSights set up a new business unit there.
Looking back, I always had people who showed up for me and supported me - it is never just about me. I stand on the shoulders of people who made this possible.
What motivated you to choose the INSEAD MBA, and how do you envision it aligning with your future goals?
Pursuing an MBA was my childhood dream. I had a few friends who went to INSEAD, and hearing how it was such a transformational experience for them, I could not help but apply! In the longer term, I wish to return to my home country to lead or join a startup, and INSEAD has vast resources when it comes to entrepreneurship.
What are your impressions of campus life so far, and how did you navigate accommodation and sorting out all the admin? Any tips for incoming students?
Planning early is probably the best advice out there. I was able to travel a bit in Asia before coming to campus, and ended up meeting most classmates based in Japan and Korea, and eventually ended up accidentally finding a flatmate! Another tip that might be hard to follow is… please do not fall into FOMO. An MBA programme like this is often a test of your values and priorities.
Could you share a little about your application process?
It was very smooth! I loved both of my interviews with alumni. With one of them, we ended up speaking for two hours!
How did receiving a scholarship influence your decision to join INSEAD, and what does this recognition mean to you beyond the financial aspect?
Financial support was crucial for me, and I was beyond excited to receive such support from INSEAD and alumni who contributed to the scholarship.
I was pleasantly surprised by the financial assistance INSEAD had provided to others and me.
You are starting your INSEAD MBA in Fontainebleau. Are you planning any campus exchanges?
Yes, that’s right! The campus bidding process starts soon, and I’m hoping to exchange to the Abu Dhabi campus in P3 to explore a career in the Middle East.
In your first few weeks, what aspects of the INSEAD MBA have stood out to you as unique or particularly appealing?
The diversity! We often talk about it, and I sort of expected it, but INSEAD exceeded my expectations! My groupmates are from Brazil, Brunei, Spain and India.
Aside from your academic pursuits, what extracurricular interests or activities are you exploring at INSEAD, and how do you see them enhancing your overall MBA experience?
We just had the ultimate INSEAD experience last week - DASH! It was so fun to see your classmates dressed up in the most unexpected costumes.
Any parting words of wisdom, and are you willing to be contacted for more information by prospective students?
Of course! Please feel free to either send me a message on LinkedIn or follow my journey on IG: iascendk.
