Hamish Roberts

Could you tell us a little about yourself, personally and professionally, and how you have gotten to where you are today?

I was born in Brisbane, Australia, but I have moved around and lived in all major cities along the east coast of Australia. I am a huge sports tragic, especially when Australia is playing, and depending on the outcome it can seriously affect my mood, often against my better judgment. 

I studied Economics in Sydney and following my degree, I secured a position with Fulton Market Group (FMG), which manages McDonald's global beef supply. With a family background in and personal love of agribusiness, this role allowed me to stay connected to local farmers while engaging directly with the industry. 

At FMG, I worked in the buy team, forming valuable friendships and gaining my first exposure to international business. During my time with the company, I was seconded to McDonald's Australia, where I managed the condiments category for Australia and New Zealand, oversaw cost reporting, and supported beef procurement. 

This role enhanced my understanding of supplier management, cost optimisation, and product quality across two countries. Eventually, I sought broader international exposure and pursued a business master’s degree to advance my skills.

Any fun or quirky facts about yourself you’d like to share?

One quirky fact about me is my unusual talent for bird whistling, especially mimicking Australian native birds. It's not something I would typically do at random, but whenever I do, it seems to give people a surprise and a laugh.

Could you tell us what led you to pursue an INSEAD Master in Management programme?

My journey toward INSEAD was influenced by two key mentors. Firstly, my aunt, who had participated in an executive training programme here, spoke highly of her experience and encouraged me to consider INSEAD. 

One of my university professors recommended the programme, emphasising INSEAD’s global outlook and diverse network. These endorsements, combined with my own career aspirations, set the course for me to pursue the INSEAD Master in Management. 

I was particularly motivated by the opportunity to shift my career geographically, aiming to work in Europe or Singapore while exploring different career paths within a global context. INSEAD’s strong international presence and reputation for fostering diverse, cross-industry connections made it the ideal place for me to take that next step.

Why did you choose INSEAD? Were there any other business schools you considered?

When choosing a business school, I did explore other options across Europe and the UK, but what really stood out about INSEAD was the opportunity to study in two different countries while being part of such a globally diverse student body. The range of perspectives within the classroom makes it feel like I’m attending a session at the UN. This international immersion and INSEAD’s strong reputation ultimately made my decision clear.

How has your experience on the programme been so far? Can you describe your interactions with the professors, your fellow classmates, and how life has been treating you on the Fontainebleau campus?

My experience so far has been incredible. The world-class professors here bring unique insights from different corners of the business world. My classmates are equally impressive, making every discussion fresh and enlightening. Coming all the way from Australia, I was initially anxious about the big move, but I’ve felt incredibly welcomed here. 

The cohort has organised amazing events, from Belgian beer tastings to Italian carbonara nights, which have made it easy to connect with people and feel part of the community. I am also fortunate to live in a shared house that includes a mix of both MBA and MIM students, and from the day I moved in, I’ve made some great friends. My MBA housemates are always willing to share career advice or simply have a chat, adding an extra layer of school camaraderie to my experience.

So, what does a typical day look like for you currently?

I usually start my day at Freddies, which has become my go-to spot for a flat white and a croissant. It’s a nice start to the day before my schedule gets busy. Then, I head off to class for lectures. At some point, I’ll meet with my assigned study group to work on assignments; I consider them all friends, and we have such a good dynamic, which makes teamwork much more enjoyable. 

After classes, I often like to go for a run in the nearby forest – it’s a peaceful escape, although less so when I get lost. In the evenings, I love having dinner with friends. My house has a great kitchen, so it’s perfect for hosting dinner parties. Plus, it’s always easy to find lots of INSEAD students around Fonty to grab a bite or catch up at the pub.

Before you know it, you’ll be making your way to Singapore. Is this something you will be looking forward to?

Absolutely! I’m really looking forward to Singapore (I may have already started my bucket list of places to visit with friends).  Being a little closer to home and in a similar time zone will make staying connected with family and friends easier. I’m also eager for a warmer climate, which is more in line with what I’m used to. 

Although I've only had brief visits to Singapore, I've always wanted to live there, and as Southeast Asia's economic hub, I'm excited for the new experiences and opportunities it offers.

What has been your favourite part of the MIM so far?

One of my favourite activities so far has been joining the touch rugby club. It’s such a fantastic mix of skill levels, ranging from people who’ve played professionally to those who are absolute beginners. The club is super welcoming and has helped me build connections outside of the classroom. 

On Thursdays, we participate in the long-standing INSEAD rugby club tradition of pizza at Mimi’s after our training. This is always a lot of fun. For me, the extracurriculars offered at INSEAD are a great way to make new friends and learn from my peers.

Any advice for incoming students?

My main advice is something you’ve probably heard before, get started early on your application and testing. It’s easy to underestimate how much time it all takes, so the sooner you begin, the less stressful it will be. 

Also, surround yourself with a support system of people who back you, whether it’s friends, mentors, or family. I was lucky to have some amazing references who provided me with recommendations and cheered me on throughout the process. I also think connecting with current students is super helpful to get an authentic perspective on the program and their application experience.