Marc Baer

Could you share something unexpected about you?  

I am Swiss Vice Champion in rowing. During high school I used to be a very passionate rower and participated in several international competitions across Europe. 

Tell us a little about yourself, your personal and professional journey so far? 

I grew up in Zurich and during high school I discovered a strong passion for solving technical problems and building things by myself. After graduating from ETH with a degree in engineering and computation, I was keen to apply my technical skills to real-world problems and to understand and improve how companies leverage their data in order to optimise products and services.

During past projects I advised clients in financial services and the life science industry to become data-driven companies and to bring data science solutions into production.  

Besides my professional career, team sport has always been a strong motivator and driving force in my life. I used to participate in international competitions with my rowing team and since a few years I am playing for FC Seefeld Zurich in a local football league. 

And of course, as a Swiss guy I love skiing, snowboarding and hiking with my family and friends in the beautiful Alps! 

Can you share a little about why you decided to pursue the MBA, and in particular, the INSEAD MBA?  

Coming from a technical background, INSEAD fills the gap I was missing in my engineering studies and helps me to develop the business and leadership skills required to successfully lead teams and better understand my client’s needs.

Another very valuable aspect is the diverse backgrounds of my peers: there is no better place to learn from smart people and gain new perspectives and new ways of thinking.    

What are your thoughts about the class experience, professors, the curriculum so far? 

The teaching style at INSEAD is completely different from the one I experienced at engineering school, it’s much more interactive and group work focused. This brings me very close to my peers and I learn a lot about how I can improve my behaviour in a group and how we work together as a team. 

What is the student life like at INSEAD? 

The INSEAD MBA programme is a 10-month roller coaster and life gets very intense once you arrive on campus.

It can be challenging to find a balance between social events, university studies and recruiting so it’s critical to set your own priorities upfront to make the most out of your year.  

Are you looking forward to anything in particular during your time on the programme?  

As a European I spent most of my life on the same continent, I am really looking forward to the campus exchange in Singapore and to experience South-East Asia together with my MBA friends! 
 
Could you share a little about your application process, securing financing, and making your way to Singapore/Fontainebleau? 

For me it was particularly important to start the conversation with my family and close friends early in the process to get their support and help.

During the intensive programme it can be challenging to find time to keep regular contact and having their understanding and support was critical for me. 

If you could share an admissions or application tip to someone who is considering the programme, what would you say? 

An MBA is about bringing together people with different backgrounds and learning from each other. Think about what you can bring to the community and what makes you unique and emphasise on this in your application! 

Parting words of wisdom? 

Get ready to be challenged but most importantly, enjoy your time and have fun!