Lara Kasperkovitz

Could you share something unexpected about you?

I have lived in nine countries so far and travelled to 44 countries and counting.

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

I was born in the US, but my family moved back to Austria when I was two years old. I attended high school in Austria, Chile and New Zealand and then went to university in the UK. I studied philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) in undergraduate and then did a master’s in international development and humanitarian emergencies before joining McKinsey full-time. 

I have worked for around two and half years before joining INSEAD, mainly on organisational topics, including talent strategy and operating model re-design. I am passionate about social impact, particularly education topics and want to focus more on the social sector after my MBA.  

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

INSEAD has the most diverse student body, especially in terms of nationalities, which I found very exciting. 

I think it is unique to be able to spend your time across two campuses – Fontainebleau and Singapore.

I think the network at INSEAD, including classmates and alumni, is unique. Talking to other students has already helped me to better understand what I want to do in the future and I think the network will be super valuable also after the MBA.

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?

I listened to an INSEAD webinar on housing and then looked through the INSEAD recommended housing providers. I wanted a shared housing and I love the experience, but there are also good options for studio apartments. I would recommend looking for housing early, especially if you want to be in a good location and have no car.

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

I applied in round 3 and had my interviews in person, which gave me a good feeling of what life at INSEAD would be like. I am sponsored so I did not need to secure financing. Since I last lived and worked in Austria, the move to Fontainebleau was relatively easy, I moved in two days before launch week started.

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

I enjoy how the lectures are always drawing on current news and relevant companies and think the content is taught in a very intuitive manner. I also think all the professors are very helpful and are super responsive when you reach out to them. Apart from academics, I love how supportive everyone is and how quickly everyone became friends.

INSEADERs are very social and there is always something fun going on, like trips, parties, dinners, you name it.  

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 have joined two clubs, INDEVOR (the social impact club) and the Women in Business Club. Additionally, I play squash with my housemates on campus and go to the gym, often trying out different classes that are offered such as yoga or Zumba.

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

Everyone at INSEAD is happy to help each other with assignments, applications, revising etc., make sure you also help where you can. Yes, I am happy to be contacted for more information.