Luiza Carneiro Boechat

Could you share something unexpected about you?

Before working as a management consultant, I was a structural designer of football stadiums.

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

I have always been very curious, and this curiosity has led me to live a rather non-linear life. I have resided in nine different cities around the world and navigated between technical and managerial roles in my career journey.

I graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering through a double-degree programme between Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil and Ecole des Ponts in France. This double-degree programme opened a world of opportunities for me, and I eagerly embraced it. During this time, I completed internships in the UK and later in Germany.

Back in Brazil, and after a short period as a corporate trainee, I decided to pursue a technical career. I joined the São Paulo branch of a specialised structural engineering company where I participated in the design of world-class projects, including a stadium for the 2022 World Cup.

After four years in the technical field, I decided to broaden the scope of my work. I enrolled in a master’s focused on Innovation for Construction, and, after concluding it, I made a career transition into management consulting.

Today, I am confident that management consulting aligns with my career aspirations for the next few years. My next step in this field is to transition into a role as a project manager. Given my rather technical background, I believe that pursuing an MBA is the ideal path to prepare me for this upcoming challenge.

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

Firstly, I wanted to be in a place where I could be exposed to various global business perspectives. With 66 different nationalities in the 24'J class, I think INSEAD meets this goal quite well.

Secondly, I was attracted by INSEAD’s inclusivity toward partners. The school provides partners with access to various facilities and resources (e.g., clubs, library, gym). Since my husband moved to Fontainebleau with me, knowing that he could also have a nice experience played a significant role in my choice.

Lastly, INSEAD has a strong focus on sustainability. The Hoffmann Global Institute for Business and Society conducts impactful research in this area, and the recent curriculum renewal reflects a dedication to embedding sustainability principles throughout the educational experience.

I believe particularly the sustainability focus aligns perfectly with my future goals.

I intend to concentrate my electives and club engagement in this field and leverage the opportunities at INSEAD to further develop my expertise and prepare myself to work closer to this topic at BCG.

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?

Campus life at INSEAD can be incredibly intense, especially during the initial periods. There are always infinite interesting events to attend and it's essential to learn how to prioritise from the moment we arrive.

To better prepare for campus life, I would highly recommend talking to former students and reviewing all the information provided by the INSEAD Student Life team. Personally, before coming, I connected with Brazilians from past cohorts and engaged with the INSEAD Alumni association in Brazil. Moreover, I also found it really valuable to read the Student Life guides and watch their webinars.

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

My application process involved a significant amount of study, particularly for the GMAT, as well as a great deal of self-reflection.

I believe the self-reflection helped not only to write the essays but also to prepare for the MBA experience itself. It helped me gain clarity on the underlying motivations for my choices and a deeper understanding of my weaknesses and strengths.

I decided to start in Fontainebleau given various factors, including my family plans and financial considerations. Furthermore, I was fortunate to receive a sponsorship from my employer and counting with additional personal funds to contribute towards the cost of living.

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

The Personal Leadership Development Programme was a very positive surprise to me. Enhancing my leadership skills is among my highest priorities for pursuing an MBA, and the programme's kickoff during launch week provided particularly valuable insights.

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 currently exploring various clubs, and I am particularly interested in the Business & Environment Club. I believe actively involvement in this club will contribute to enhancing my knowledge and give me more experience in sustainability, a key factor that influenced my decision to choose INSEAD in the first place.

Any parting words of wisdom?

The application process can be challenging, yet it can also be fruitful. Approach it as an opportunity for self-reflection, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of how an MBA can align with and support your goals :)