Jira Jadekittichoke

Could you share something unexpected about you?

I am an IDPA shooter and I am aiming to create a fundraising and non-profit shooting club in Thailand.

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

I am from Bangkok, Thailand, but I went to study high school in Singapore for four years before I started my Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at KMUTT, Thailand’s leading engineering school. Now, I am doing management consulting at Gallup.

Raised by self-made entrepreneurs such as my father and my mother, I set my goal to enterprise my own company - the kind that is going to be revolutionising the business world, starting in Thailand. With such a goal in mind, I seek and seize every opportunity to qualify myself to create such a company. This drove me to the INSEAD Summer School.

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

I was feeling stuck in my comfort zone of everyday work and in the familiar environment, and I started to feel dull. I needed to be stretched and challenged, putting myself to test. 

So, I started searching for opportunities, as soon as I read the ISS brochure and did some research, I started working on my application.

Secondly, I am planning to apply for my Master’s in Management (MIM) or MBA, and I wasn’t sure if it is the right decision for me. ISS provided me, I would say, the “test drive” of what a MIM or an MBA would be like.

During your time in INSEAD Summer School, your character will be challenged, including your soft skills as well as your core identity. 

Your leadership and fellowship capabilities will be strengthened, and so much more. You would be amazed by how much impact this will have on you over two weeks. ISS also helps you to get to know yourself more. What do you stand for? What kind of leader do you want to be? Not to mention the amazing people you are going to meet there.

Tell us about your experience on the ISS – what was a typical day like?

You should choose to stay at the Ermitage, the hotel on the INSEAD campus. Your day will start with a nice breakfast on the third floor, eating and chatting with your classmates. 

Then you will make your way to the classroom. During the class you will be engaged in a dynamic discussion, where you will be learning from your professors and your friends, as well as they will be learning from you. With every point raised, you will either be unlocking a new approach/solution, or you will get to discuss more about your approach, bettering the idea(s). You will be solving the unsolvable and the "no-right-answer" cases. Off-class hours, there will be different activities waiting for you every day.

Facilities wise, you literally do not have to worry about anything else at all except learning, discovering, and networking.

Any memorable moments that you will take back with you?

The whole two weeks - I would love to do all of it again. But if I really must pick, it would be the “Give Give Get” and “Your First Hundred Days” case. These two activities are priceless. If you are curious, come to ISS to find out. The experience will not disappoint you.

What were your impressions of campus life?

It was very accommodating, cosy, and very peaceful. During my time on the campus, I did not have to worry about literally any basic needs at all. It allows you to fully focus on your classes/lessons, the amazing people around you, and your own personal growth. They have it all. Peaceful co-working space, study desk, amazing food, good residential space, coffee, etc.

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

The application process was very smooth. When I was working on my ISS application, I focused most of my time toward the essays, as it’s the only way we can show our authentic self and character to the admission committees. The rest is straight forward.

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

The two weeks at INSEAD will literally change your life. Mine did.

Learning with 60+ students from all over the world in one of the best business schools - I don’t think such opportunities come often. The people you are going to meet are inspiring - your classmates, your mentors, your professors, the INSEAD staff, and more. You will get to know more about yourself and ultimately get to move closer to your goal.