Giulia Margherita Pugliesi

Tell us a bit about yourself—how did you get to where you are today? Any highlights, personal or professional? 

I was born in Switzerland, but because of my dual citizenship and the fact that we are very close to Italy, I have always lived between the two countries, with two cultures and situations that are certainly similar, but not identical. 

Switzerland has influenced a certain interest in economics and finance, but it is to Italy that I owe my passion for fashion and luxury goods. In my study, and in the future in my professional life, I hope to reconcile these two souls.

What motivated you to choose the INSEAD Summer School, and how do you think it will align with your future goals, even at this early stage?

Since I was a little girl, I have heard about INSEAD from my dad. That is why I decided to apply upon learning about the possibility of attending a summer programme. I think it will also help me in my future choice of a master’s degree.

How was your experience at ISS? What did a typical day look like?

My experience at ISS was incredibly positive. I had the opportunity to deal with a different reality than I am used to. I got to know people from various parts of the world, which deepened my understanding of their cultures. 

Days passed by very quickly, but very pleasantly. On the first day, to allow us to get to know each other better, teambuilding activities were organised, among the best memories of these two weeks. 

On the following days, we took morning and afternoon classes and several interesting and often fun social activities.

Any memorable moments you’ll carry with you?

Indeed, there are many, but I would emphasise the teambuilding exercise, which was unique.

What were your impressions of campus life, your classmates, and the professors? How did you find living in Fontainebleau for two weeks?

My impression regarding campus life was wonderful. I liked it right away. Making friends with my fellow students was not difficult as I felt comfortable right away. 

I really enjoyed working in groups, which is not usual at my university. 

Doing it for the first time made me realise how there are diverse ways of learning and how stimulating it can be to collaborate with others who see things differently. 

Having the opportunity to live for two weeks in Fontainebleau was also genuinely nice, getting to know a new city and its neighbourhoods (not to mention visiting Paris).

Could you share a little about your application process and getting to Fontainebleau?

Applying was easy, as I provided basic information and confirmed the application. Once I received confirmation of the correctness of the application, I had to take a simple test for INSEAD to get to know me better. Shortly after, I got confirmation about my application. 

My dad accompanied me to Fontainebleau, so that he could show me where to go (as he already knew the city). However, I believe that even arriving alone, there would have been no difficulties. It is, in fact, easy to get to Fontainebleau and (perhaps by booking a cab) to directly get to the INSEAD campus.

Any advice or words of wisdom for someone thinking about joining ISS?

It is a wonderful experience. So, I strongly recommend that those who consider it do it. It allows you to experience a different reality than what many are used to and to also attend very interesting lessons, taught by excellent professors.