Ingerid Eide

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

I’m very passionate about knitting, a skill that has been passed down through generations in my family. I just finished my first traditional Norwegian sweater, and I couldn’t be prouder! 

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

I’m a Norwegian-Austrian-American who grew up in Germany and have always been drawn to problem-solving. My love for math and physics, along with a fascination with the laws that shape our world, motivated me to study electrical engineering in Zurich. 

After graduating, I wanted to combine my technical expertise with my passion for working with people, which led me to pursue a technical sales role at Texas Instruments. Working with global clients in grid infrastructure and factory automation, I realised what excited me most wasn’t just the technical aspects but the bigger picture—developing account strategies, executing long-term plans, and driving business growth. 

That curiosity brought me to INSEAD. I wanted to build on my experience, deepen my understanding of business strategy, and broaden my global perspective. More than anything, I’m excited to learn from and collaborate with such a diverse and ambitious group of people. 

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

 INSEAD stood out for its global mindset, strong network, and intense yet collaborative environment.   With a highly diverse student body and a one-year format, it offers an immersive experience that pushes you to learn from different perspectives and adapt quickly. 

Given my technical background, I wanted a programme that would equip me with strategic thinking and leadership skills and challenge me to step outside my comfort zone. 

INSEAD’s emphasis on international business, sustainability, and innovation, along with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals across industries, made it the perfect fit. 

Beyond academics, the strong sense of community at INSEAD was a major reason for my choice. Every alum I spoke to emphasised how supportive and tight-knit the network is, and that was something I knew I wanted to be a part of. 

What are your impressions of campus life so far? How did you navigate accommodation and admin? Any tips for incoming students? 

I love life in Fonty—it offers way more than I expected! It has that perfect campus feel where you can’t step outside without running into someone you know. 

I explored several student accommodation options for housing and ultimately chose a shared house, which I would recommend to anyone. Being a Round 1 admit gave me plenty of flexibility, but I’d suggest starting your search early and paying close attention to locations. I live in the city centre, and it’s been a great choice. 

Could you share a little about your application process and securing financing? 

The application process felt a bit overwhelming at first, and it took me about nine months, including the GMAT, which was by far the longest part. 

Once that was out of the way, things moved quickly. Submitting my application and completing interviews took about a month, and I received my final decision another month later. 

For the essays, I’d recommend having different people read them and provide feedback, as it helps to get different perspectives. 

As for the interviews, my best advice is to stay calm and enjoy the conversations. It’s a great opportunity to connect with INSEAD alumni and hear about their experiences. For financing, I was fortunate to receive the INSEAD Women’s Scholarship, which helped support my MBA journey. 

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

I’m starting in France and plan to go to Singapore for P5. The ability to study across multiple campuses is one of the things that makes INSEAD so unique, and I’m excited to make the most of it. 

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

The student body, hands down.

From day one, I’ve been amazed by the diversity of perspectives and experiences in the classroom.

I’ve learned about Brazilian festivals, shared a traditional Filipino meal, and had fascinating conversations with people worldwide. 

What stands out most is how open, kind, and genuinely supportive everyone is, whether it’s classmates helping each other through challenging coursework, sharing career advice, or simply making sure no one feels left out. 

The inclusive culture at INSEAD truly makes it feel like a family, and that’s something really special. 

Aside from your academic pursuits, what extracurricular interests or activities are you exploring at INSEAD? 

I decided to join the Rugby Club, and even though I’d never played before, I ended up loving it. It’s been a great way to stay active and connect with classmates and other cohorts. 

I’m also part of Women in Business, which connects to my background in STEM and my ongoing efforts to support and advocate for women in leadership. 

Any parting words of wisdom? 

Joining INSEAD has been one of my best decisions, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else right now. If you’re considering INSEAD and want to hear more, I’d be happy to connect!