Guilherme Rauter

Could you share something unexpected or a fun fact about you?

I have always been interested in sports, such as tennis, cycling and swimming, even go-karting. But the most unexpected one? Ice hockey and ice skating! Growing up in tropical Brazil, few people believe me when I say I spent a couple of years gliding across an ice rink – not exactly your typical childhood activity in Brazil!

Tell us about yourself, and how you got to where you are today.

I was born and raised in São Paulo, where I studied at a British school that shaped my early international mindset. Drawn to economics-related subjects in high school, I decided to pursue my Economics degree in Brazil and enriched it with an exchange semester at Columbia University, where I deepened my global perspective.

After graduating, I began my career in finance but quickly realised I wanted to be closer to consumers and real market dynamics. That led me to Unilever, where over the last six years I grew from an entry-level analyst to a senior coordinator, overseeing multiple categories, leading strategic launches, channel strategy, and customer growth initiatives for the Home Care business.

I felt ready to expand from regional leadership to a truly international perspective – to learn how to drive impact across markets and cultures. Pursuing an MBA abroad had always been part of my plan, but I was intentional about building a solid professional foundation first. I wanted to arrive at business school with meaningful experiences to share and the maturity to make the most of the journey.

What motivated you to choose the INSEAD MBA, and how do you envision it aligning with your future goals?

I chose INSEAD because it uniquely combines global diversity, academic excellence, and a strong focus on leadership development – a place where diversity isn’t a buzzword or a slogan, but a lived reality.

Having almost 80 different nationalities with the most diverse backgrounds in class is phenomenal!  

For me now at INSEAD, I’m shifting gears: moving from operational execution to a broader, people-centred leadership path. The one-year format, intensity, and global exposure make it the perfect bridge to my next step, transitioning into a more strategic, international career. I'm confident this is the right moment and the right place to take that leap. In the long run, I hope to return to Brazil as a more holistic leader, combining global insight with local impact to help businesses grow with purpose and to inspire others, just as INSEAD has inspired me and continues to feed its reference.

On a more personal note, my connection to INSEAD runs deep: my father attended two Executive Education programmes here in 2008–09 (and has been talking non-stop about it ever since!), and when I visited the Fontainebleau campus during a study-abroad program in 2015, I promised myself I’d come back one day — and here I am!

What are your impressions of campus life so far, and how did you navigate accommodation and sorting out all the admin? Any tips for incoming students?

Fontainebleau truly feels like a campus in the backyard of Paris: close enough to the city yet surrounded by nature and community. The campus has the perfect size to make everyone feel connected, and after almost two months, I can say it already feels like home. There’s a vibrant energy here – I spend most of my days entirely on campus and constantly bump into classmates from all over the world.

In my case, I needed a lease contract to complete my student visa paperwork, so I started my housing search early and intensively. Within a week, I secured a flat in the heart of Fontainebleau – a decision I don’t regret for a second. Living close to campus and being in the city makes life much easier and allows you to fully experience the social and academic life.

My advice for incoming students: try to live in Fontainebleau rather than nearby towns to avoid commuting and missing out on spontaneous gatherings.  Join the WhatsApp and Telegram groups early, since they’re great for finding housing tips and meeting classmates, and don’t hesitate to reach out to current students or recent alumni for guidance.   Everyone is incredibly helpful and supportive!

Could you share a little about your application process?

It had been a while since I’d last studied for an exam, so preparing for the GMAT required real discipline, especially while balancing a full-time job and frequent business travel. My biggest tip is to start early and plan your study routine carefully to make consistent progress without burning out.

Once I finally got my GMAT score, I dove straight into the essay phase. I found it helpful to write, take a break, and revisit each draft with fresh eyes – it made a big difference in refining my story and making it more authentic. As for the interviews, I genuinely enjoyed them! Both alumni were warm and curious about my journey, and our conversations flowed naturally. It felt less like a formal interview and more like an inspiring exchange with people who had walked the same path I was about to begin.

You are starting your INSEAD MBA in Fontainebleau. Are you planning any campus exchanges?

I initially considered doing an exchange in Singapore, but I quickly fell in love with life in Fontainebleau, mainly the community and the campus atmosphere. So, I’ve decided to stay here full-time and make the most of the Fonty experience.

In your first few weeks, what aspects of the INSEAD MBA have stood out to you as unique or particularly appealing?

What has stood out most to me is the incredible diversity, not just in nationalities, but in professional and personal backgrounds. My classmates range from consultants and architects to neurosurgeons and naval officers, creating a truly rich exchange of perspectives and experiences.

Another highlight has been the PLDP programme, especially the outdoor exercises in the forest. They were moments of deep reflection that helped me better understand my own behaviour, strengthen teamwork and collaboration, and build meaningful connections with our learning groups.

Aside from your academic pursuits, what extracurricular interests or activities are you exploring at INSEAD, and how do you see them enhancing your overall MBA experience?

On a professional level, I joined the Consulting and RCLG Clubs, which offer fantastic networking opportunities and events for those pursuing consulting careers or coming from similar industries. For example, we decided to organise monthly informal dinners with peers who share the same professional background – a great way to exchange insights and experiences.

On a personal note, I couldn’t resist joining VINSEAD (after all, we’re in France!) and the Racket Club. Both have been wonderful ways to meet classmates from outside my section, connect through shared interests, and experience the vibrant community that makes INSEAD so unique.

Any parting words of wisdom, and are you willing to be contacted for more information by prospective students?

Be open to new experiences – that’s how you’ll create lifelong friendships and truly make the most of INSEAD. There’s always a lot happening, so choose what matters most to you and try not to worry too much about FOMO. Live fully in the moment, because this year will fly by faster than you imagine!

And absolutely, I’d be more than happy to connect with and share my experience with any prospective students!