Itunnu Awogbade

Tell us about yourself, and how you got to where you are today both on a professional and personal level?

I have some rather diverse and conflicting interests and I grew up being encouraged to explore them all. I liked art a lot and I explored that for a long time, I really liked languages and my parents gave me the opportunity to explore those as well. 

Although my pre-MBA experience at PwC seems very cookie cutter, there are a lot of various things in the background that made me who I am today. I got to live in Burkina Faso for work because I grew up speaking French, I used to take some time off work to represent a gallery at an art fair, I make dumplings from scratch because I became obsessed with them after eating them everyday when I studied abroad in Shanghai. 

I think what got me to where I am today is really exploring my diverse interests and letting them mould me in different ways.

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

The INSEAD MBA is the only MBA I considered. I am deeply aligned with the INSEAD ethos, and being in a global environment that celebrates the strength of diversity is where the most growth has happened for me. 

INSEAD has broadened my horizons and that is how I intend on continuing my professional journey; by being increasingly exposed to the problems and solutions that are being adopted in different corners of the world. 

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

One of the biggest things is having clear desires and standards, I think. There are many options, know what you want and have a balanced view of the pros and cons. Current students are really helpful in helping navigate the choices as well but most importantly breathe, everything will be okay!

Could you share a little about your application process, securing financing, and making your way to Singapore/Fontainebleau?

I applied in Round three. It was a fairly quick process, I applied, interviewed the next month, got in the next month, and was here. My family's support was instrumental in making the dream a reality. 

The visa process I assume will look different for everyone, but the good news is that wherever you are from in the world, there is probably someone at INSEAD not far away!

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

The first few weeks are where you see people's preconceptions come out to play, but right off the bat, the day in the forest for "Leadership in Action" will make you drop your guard and make friends. 

The experience in the first couple of weeks is very high-energy, high-activity and high-excitement, not many places feel that way.

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?

I am trying to get involved with the Africa Club more concretely. It has really been fun to think about the ways we can make a difference in the school, and I anticipate it will make my experience more colourful.

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

Reach out to people, they don't bite. INSEAD is a transformative place to be, I 100% recommend it if you want to leave a changed person.