Duru Irkdas

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

Change has been a constant in my life, whether moving between countries, exploring different industries, or launching my own venture. Each transition has shaped the way I think about adaptability, creativity, and impact, and it is this mindset that continues to guide my journey.

I studied Economics and Management for Arts, Culture and Communication at Bocconi University. While I enjoyed the academic environment, I consistently sought opportunities to push myself beyond the classroom. I worked nearly every summer, beginning with an internship at We Soda in London, where I joined the Finance and Risk Strategy team during their IPO preparations. 

Later, as a Finance and Risk Strategy Analyst at We Soda, I deepened my expertise by conducting financial modelling and risk assessments, and by using rating systems to support strategic decision-making. These experiences taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience in balancing financial performance with sustainable practices in volatile environments.

I then sought to complement this financial foundation with a more data-oriented role. At L’Oréal Italia, I worked in the Luxury Division, supporting its portfolio of global brands. In this role, I developed technical skills in CRM and dashboard platforms, using data to identify patterns and design targeted engagement strategies. I also contributed to the creation of personalised digital interactions, which reinforced my understanding of how analytics can drive strategic decisions and customer loyalty.

As a young entrepreneur, during my time in Saint Joseph High School, I also founded Hope for Scoliosis, a charity startup producing sustainable undershirts for scoliosis brace wearers, motivated by my personal experience with the condition. This project gave me early exposure to the challenges of innovation and taught me the value of resilience, creativity, and purpose-driven leadership.
Currently, I am pursuing my Master's in Management here, where I am discovering new perspectives, refining my strategic skills, and building a global mindset that prepares me to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.

Why did you choose the INSEAD MIM?

What stands out the most to me about the INSEAD MIM programme is its integrated blend of fundamental learning in core courses and firsthand experience. It will strengthen both my business skills and personal growth throughout my college career. For example, we just had our negotiations course right after our core courses. INSEAD not only gives us theoretical knowledge but also shows us how to apply it to the business world. 

During Period 3, one of the most exciting parts of the curriculum is the entrepreneurship module at Silicon Valley. Since I am a young entrepreneur, being surrounded by the bold, innovative thinking of the many startups that Silicon Valley is known for, and being in a place so connected to entrepreneurial people, would be an experience unlike anything else.

Also, the global aspect was key. Other schools in France are excellent, but often two or three years long and less diverse.  At INSEAD, the one-year intensity and the international community stood out immediately.  

The admissions process also made a difference. It felt personal, not bureaucratic. And receiving a scholarship reinforced my belief that INSEAD truly values diversity and recognises potential.

With a background that has strengthened both my quantitative thinking and my ability to communicate effectively, I am eager to pursue a career path that allows me to work at the intersection of strategy, technology, and innovation. I am particularly drawn to opportunities where analytical decision-making and human-centred approaches come together to create solutions that are impactful, sustainable, and forward-looking. My aspiration is to contribute to shaping strategies that not only drive growth but also reflect a broader responsibility toward society and the future.

How have your first weeks at INSEAD been?

Intense, in the best possible way!  I’m very goal-oriented, and here the pace pushes me every single day. The Career Development Centre is incredibly proactive, sending tailored invitations and reminders for career events. For example, each time a company visits campus, we receive emails with registration details for networking sessions. On top of that, our Telegram groups are constantly buzzing with opportunities, which makes the whole journey dynamic and engaging. Instead of competition, I feel genuine support—it’s a family atmosphere where everyone pushes each other forward.

Fontainebleau itself adds a special dimension to the experience. It’s a small town, which means you’re always running into classmates, whether in the library’s study cubes, at local cafés, or even while jogging together in the forest. These shared experiences create a closeness and a sense of resilience that make the programme unique.

What has stood out in the classroom so far?

The learning experience at INSEAD is highly interactive and deeply connected to real-world applications. Each lesson is supported by case studies, making concepts immediately relevant and engaging.

In Data Analysis, for example, our professor handed out Smarties and asked us to calculate the probability of drawing a blue one from a package. What seemed like a playful exercise quickly became a memorable introduction to the foundations of probability theory, simple in form but unforgettable in impact. 

In Financial Accounting, we are not only studying balance sheets but also linking them to marketing and strategic decisions, which brings the numbers to life and reveals their broader business implications.

Equally transformative is the collaborative nature of the programme. Every course integrates group projects, pushing us to combine technical knowledge with teamwork. 

The diversity of the classroom makes this even more enriching: classmates come from different cultures, educational systems, and academic backgrounds, so every discussion brings new insights and perspectives. This exchange not only deepens our understanding of the material but also broadens the way we think about business and problem-solving.

What extracurriculars have you been involved in so far?

I was selected for the London Trek, where 19 students from the cohort were chosen. I was proud to be among the few women selected, especially in a field like finance that remains male-dominated. Over two days, we visited financial institutions such as EBRD, Lexington Partners, DC Advisory (infra team), and Moelis. We met with HR teams, engaged directly with professionals, and even tackled a live case study. It was a unique opportunity to represent the INSEAD MIM on the ground while gaining first-hand exposure to the industry.

Outside of academics and career treks, campus life has been equally enriching. With a wide range of sports activities, there are countless opportunities to connect beyond the classroom. And since the campus is surrounded by nature, it’s always a good idea to enjoy a coffee with friends at Freddy’s. 

These moments go beyond leisure; they are where genuine friendships form and diverse perspectives come together. What makes INSEAD truly special is how these experiences foster both personal connections and a global network that will last well beyond the program.

You mentioned the CDC. How has that support shaped your experience so far?

The Career Development Centre has been super supportive. After our welcome speeches in the first week, I was particularly inspired by Zeynep Flouret’s talk, and I immediately knocked on her door to continue the conversation. I was amazed at how approachable she was; there is truly no sense of hierarchy here, only genuine care for our goals.

Since then, I’ve benefited from coaching sessions, networking events, and connections with MBAs who share similar career interests. These conversations have given me both guidance and confidence as I prepare applications for asset management and strategy roles in my upcoming career steps.

What skills do you hope to build during the MIM?

We constantly develop soft skills, pitching ourselves, networking with senior professionals, and negotiating, through workshops and real-world simulations that demand clarity, confidence, and tact.

The pace of the programme builds adaptability and time management. Each day brings classes, deadlines, group work, and community events, so you learn to prioritise, switch contexts quickly, and still show up fully prepared for the 8 a.m. session.

Equally important is collaboration. Team spirit is embedded in the structure: our home groups sit together, meet almost daily, and complete group projects as a unit. Working this closely with peers from diverse backgrounds strengthens communication, accountability, and decision-making.

I believe that these capabilities, effective communication, disciplined prioritisation, and high-functioning teamwork are essential in the business world.

You’ll soon head to Singapore. What are you looking forward to?

Although I have moved and adapted to different countries many times, I have never lived in Asia. Singapore will therefore be my first experience in the region, and I look forward to it not only as a cultural adventure but also as a professional opportunity.

Beyond being a global hub for finance and consulting, Singapore is at the crossroads of East and West, offering exposure to fast-growing Asian markets while maintaining strong global ties. It is also a leader in areas such as digital innovation, sustainability, and urban development fields that are increasingly shaping the future of business.

Living and studying in such an environment will give me the chance to see how global challenges are approached from a different perspective and to learn directly from the region’s unique way of doing business. I’m also excited about the flexibility that electives offer, as they will help me explore my interests more deeply and shape a clearer direction for the next steps in my career.

Any advice for applicants considering the MIM?

Apply early if you can. Round one or two is best, especially if you want to be considered for scholarships. Prepare your application during the summer before your final year of university, because once classes begin, it’s hard to focus.

And don’t self-select out. Too many people think, “I’m from an arts or non-business background, I don’t belong in a top MIM.” But in our cohort, we have not just economists and engineers, but even a chef and an actor. Diversity is the programme’s strength.

What would you tell your future self when you graduate in 2027?

“Build your future now.” That’s my motto. Don’t wait! Use every resource and every tool INSEAD offers, because they are all here for us if we choose to seize them. The friendships, the shared moments, and the everyday conversations are just as important as the classes themselves, because they shape the way we see the world and the kind of leaders we become. 

INSEAD is not only about preparing for the next career step, but also about learning how to balance ambition with reflection, and success with purpose. Enjoy the journey fully, but never lose sight of the goal: to leave here ready to shape the future with clarity and conviction.