Lily Unell

Could you share something unexpected about you?

I used to row at a national competitive level, training six times a week and participating in regattas every two weeks during the season.

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

The enrichment from my competitive years built my resilience; training in the cold or under the pouring rain showed me that I am stronger than I thought and that we can always push the limits. I wanted to go beyond on other levels of my life such as my studies and professional career.

I knew that to reach my goals, I needed to level up my knowledge through experience followed by a top-tier Master.   

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

INSEAD is a unique school where we learn from outstanding teachers and motivated classmates in optimal conditions. The unparalleled programme offers me the knowledge to work toward becoming a senior consultant in a top firm, which will offer me the expertise and network for my long-term perspective where I aspire to be a leader and seek flexibility and innovation. 

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?

The quality of life on campus is incredible. We are well onboarded, have direct support if needed, great places to work, social activities, nature, and sports facilities.

This environment fuels my energy and motivation to come every day to study and fully engage in the activities.

The organisation since the acceptance day has been smooth due to the efficiency of sharing information at the right time and personalised help, if needed. INSEAD, the admins, and the community help and give us tools to find quickly what we need to answer any doubts. I would recommend to the incoming students to always be focused when reading the emails and documents: the information is always at hand!  

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

After some deep research on the different school options, I selected INSEAD as my favourite option due to its value fit. Without a doubt, I decided to apply for the first round, closing in early October. I prepared my application well before the deadline to be sure that it really represented me.

After filling out the platform with your personal data and validating the process, you have to answer some questions while filming yourself on the platform. All is well explained, so there is no added stress throughout the process.

Finally, the highlight of the application was the interview: I was interviewed by an MBA alumnus. It was a memorable conversation. It was interesting to meet someone who shared such similar values and is so passionate about his experience at INSEAD. After the call, I had stars in my eyes, wishing for a positive answer. I was able to pay most of my tuition with my savings, completed with my parents’ support. I got my apartment from Virtual Campus and reached Fontainebleau by car.  

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

I was mind-blown by the organisation of the launch weeks.

From day one, we work on our culture, teamwork, and values as INSEADers.

It is an empowering period that creates the best environment for starting ten months with your classmates. I had never experienced such a personalised academic onboarding. I appreciate how well-taught these two weeks are. We worked progressively on creating what we are as INSEAD’s MIM and how we will work throughout the programme by testing this knowledge in an intense outdoor seminar.

Aside from your academic pursuits, what extracurricular interests or activities are you exploring at INSEAD, and how do you see them enhancing your overall MIM experience?

When applying to INSEAD, I was aware of its vast choice of extracurricular activities. With a lot of excitement, I joined the Consulting Club, Family Business Club, and Healthcare Club. These activities give me the opportunity to learn with other students some industry specific knowledge, meet people from every background, reflect on my career and interest, and of course have a lot of fun.

Aside from clubs, we also have space to try and discover the activities on campus or go on adventures with friends. I can’t imagine how different I’ll be by the end of the programme, but I can assure you that already after three weeks in, my growth mindset has tripled. With this unique community, you never settle, but expand and challenge yourself in every area. 

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

This journey has no equal. This year is going to be a stepping stone for me. I’m ready to take on every occasion to make the best out of it. Feel free to contact me, I’ll be happy to share and hear about you!