Alexander Munter

Could you share a little why you decided to pursue the MBA, and in particular, the INSEAD MBA?

I applied to several business schools but accepted the offer from INSEAD immediately after having visited the school for an on-campus tour in Fontainebleau. I was amazed by the friendliness of students and professors, the high level of classroom discussions, and the dynamic atmosphere on campus. I didn’t appreciate the diversity of the faculty and student body until I experienced the atmosphere on campus in person. This turned out to be the deciding factor for me in choosing a business school.

My main reason for pursuing an MBA was to further develop my leadership and financial skills.

Moreover, I wanted to take some time off from work to reflect on my career. I really enjoyed working as a corporate lawyer and as a consultant in the fund management team of a private equity fund manager, but I realised that I was lacking a financial toolset and the high-paced nature of the jobs meant that it was difficult to assess whether I was on the right track in my career. My time at INSEAD has allowed me to take a step back and reflect on my career trajectory in an inspiring academic environment.

Can you share your thoughts about the class experience, professors, the curriculum so far?

The classroom experience at INSEAD has been one of the main highlights for me.

The class discussions are very lively and often continue after class. Students are highly motivated to learn from professors and fellow students. Although students are graded relative to each other on a Z-curve, everyone in class helps each other.

I believe an important reason for the inspiring learning environment is not only the careful selection of students but also the professors’ ability to create an inclusive and informal classroom atmosphere where all students feel like participating. My professors take a genuine interest in their students and are leaders in their respective fields of study, always interested in discussing academics outside of class.

Where are you located and what are you most looking forward to during your time on the programme?

I am located on the Fontainebleau campus south of Paris where I will stay for the entire duration of the programme. I am lucky to have been elected a co-president of the Private Equity & Venture Capital Club at INSEAD, and I am looking forward to spending time planning the club’s activities with a great team of new friends. We hope to organise some interesting events, treks and case competitions for our fellow students.

Have you learned any important lessons so far from MBA experience that have been especially useful?

I have learned the importance of prioritising activities and organising my time.

The MBA experience at INSEAD offers so many incredibly interesting opportunities – academics, social events, conferences, traveling, etc. – that it is not possible to do everything. A professor described the year at INSEAD as drinking out of a firehose, which is a very fitting metaphor for the MBA programme. It is important to set clear priorities in terms of what you want to experience and achieve during your year at INSEAD.

Any tips for those who are considering an INSEAD MBA?

If you are not sure whether an INSEAD MBA is the right programme for you, I suggest that you visit the school for an on-campus tour to experience the unique atmosphere, and to meet the diverse and inspiring students and professors.