Claire Guilhot

What led you to decide to pursue an EMBA, and why did you choose INSEAD in particular?  

After 10 years in the business of public affairs and government relations, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and learn new things. I have an academic background in political science, and I wanted to develop more business-oriented skills. I found out about INSEAD through a friend of mine who had done the GEMBA a few years ago. He convinced me to go for it!

INSEAD's reputation in the United States is very strong, and since I work for an American company, it was important for me to choose a programme that my company recognises and values.  

Could you describe your experience so far? The classes, the curriculum, your fellow participants, the professors? 

It's been three months since I started the GEMBA programme and the campus experience. It is an extraordinary experience, on a human level as well as on a professional and intellectual level.

The professors are exceptional in every way, and take us on a unique learning experience. As for my fellow students, they are a true source of inspiration on a daily basis. The diversity of our cohort is the true value of this programme.

It is sometimes difficult to balance everything, between classes, networking events, campus life and our personal and professional lives. But the intensity of this experience makes us surpass ourselves and enjoy every moment. I am very grateful to all the people who support me in this journey, as it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Has the EMBA helped you in your career so far?  

It is a bit too early to tell but I have the feeling that I won’t be the same person by the end of this experience. But I will definitively be a better version of myself!

I can already see that I am applying some of the things I learned at INSEAD and that I feel much more confident to challenge myself and take on new professional challenges. 

Could you tell us more about the Leadership Development Programme (LDP) experience? 

It's an incredible experience and a real whirlwind! It shakes you a bit, but it certainly lifts you up! I am only at the beginning of the experience but the first coaching session with my group was a real moment of truth. The LDP has really opened my eyes to my potential, but also to the things that sometimes prevent me from moving forward.

I am determined to work on myself, to become a better person and a better co-worker.

This experience has reminded me that you don't get anywhere on your own. In life and in the workplace, we often have to work with others to achieve meaningful success. Life is a shared experience! And it is important to work on oneself and on one's own weaknesses, in order to then build a collective dynamic that will be successful.  

What advice would you give to someone who might be interested in pursuing an INSEAD Masters programme? 

First, I would tell them to go for it because it is an amazing professional and life experience. Then I would also tell him/her that it's a long application process and you have to put your heart into it!

I was very well accompanied and advised by the INSEAD teams, so I really recommend contacting one of the recruitment officers to get all the information and support that the school can offer at this first stage.

I also reached out to a few alumni to get their feedback and advice which was very valuable.  

Finally, and perhaps most importantly: this experience is fantastic but demanding. “You only get out of it what you put into it”.

So, my advice is to carefully measure the level of commitment it requires and to make sure that it is the right time in your professional and personal life. You have to be clear about your aspirations because it is a lot of work and it requires you to be agile and to sometimes make compromises between your different agendas (personal, professional, etc.).