INSEAD felt like the perfect next step in my career.
Ghassan Raad
Could you share something unexpected or a fun fact about you?
Whenever I visit a new city, I like to explore it without a map on my first outing. It has led me to some of the best-hidden spots, great conversations with locals, and occasionally getting completely lost, but that’s part of the experience.
Tell us about yourself and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Beirut, a city with its share of ups and downs, which shaped me into a resilient and adaptable person. Moving to the U.S. for my undergraduate studies in civil engineering was a big transition, but it pushed me to step out of my comfort zone.
During my time there, I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, which broadened my perspective and made me more adaptable to different cultures and ways of thinking.
After graduating, I spent over four years in construction management at Turner. I worked on large-scale projects that required meticulous planning, quick problem-solving, and managing diverse teams under pressure.
That experience made me a more structured and organised person, able to navigate complex challenges.
What motivated you to choose the INSEAD MBA, and how do you envision it aligning with your future goals?
INSEAD felt like the perfect next step in my career. After studying and working in the U.S. for a decade, I returned to the Middle East and explored opportunities beyond construction.
INSEAD’s global network, cultural diversity, and strong connections in various industries made it the ideal place for me to gain exposure and transition into new fields.
What are your impressions of campus life so far, and how did you navigate accommodation and admin? Any tips for incoming students?
Campus life in Singapore is fast-paced and dynamic. You're always engaging with new people between classes, coffee breaks, and group meetings. The area around campus also has plenty of great spots to eat, making it easy to spend full days there.
For accommodation, I’d recommend connecting with your cohort early. Finding flatmates at least a month before the programme starts makes the process much smoother. INSEAD also offers plenty of helpful info sessions on housing and logistics, so take advantage of those.
Could you share a little about your application process and securing financing?
For my application, I focused on being authentic and ensuring my story connected well. It’s helpful to get feedback from a few trusted people after your first draft.
The GMAT or GRE requires solid preparation, so plan at least a month full-time or two months part-time, depending on your strengths. I used personal savings and a family loan instead of a bank for financing.
You are starting your INSEAD MBA in Singapore. Are you planning any campus exchanges?
I started in Singapore mainly for the weather during P1 and P2, but I plan to move to Fontainebleau for the full experience, expand my network, and explore opportunities in Europe.
In your first few weeks, what aspects of the INSEAD MBA have stood out to you as unique or particularly appealing?
The diversity of the people here is incredible. Everyone comes from different backgrounds but shares a common drive.
One standout experience was the Personal Leadership Development Programme, where we worked in teams through challenging exercises while being filmed. Watching the footage later gave me valuable insights into my leadership and teamwork style, making it a great foundation for personal growth.
Aside from academics, what extracurricular activities are you exploring at INSEAD, and how do they enhance your experience?
Sports are a big part of my life, so I’ve made time for football and basketball at INSEAD. We just won the basketball Olympics, which was a great experience.
Beyond being a passion, sports help me stay active, de-stress, and build strong connections with classmates outside of academics.
Any parting words of wisdom, and are you open to being contacted by prospective students?
If you’re considering INSEAD, my advice be open, embrace the experience, and don’t overthink it. I can already tell that the MBA goes by super fast, so make the most of every opportunity.
