INSEAD’s split with time in Singapore and its very international cohort were the two big drivers, alongside its reputation.
Marie-Charlotte Baubigeat
Tell us about yourself — who you are, and how you got here.
I’m French, but I’ve never lived in France until last year. I grew up in Geneva, then moved to Portugal when I was 12 and switched to a fully British schooling system. That’s when all my lessons started being in English. I later chose to go to a boarding school in Edinburgh to do the IB. It was a tough transition from Portugal to Scotland, but it shaped me: I’ve always been independent and living away so young reinforced that.
I stayed in the UK for university, three years at the University of Warwick, where I studied History of Art. I’ve always loved art. During my second year, I lived in Venice for a while as part of a university exchange for us to see the Biennale and interact with art outside of the classroom. This all really cemented my degree choice and passion.
After graduating, I wanted “a real world” experience, so I took a year off and did two internships. The first was at Sotheby’s, where I assisted with cataloguing and helped prepare for the auction sales, seeing end-to-end how a piece comes in, is assessed, matched with clients, promoted, and sold. It was exciting, but the structure was big and hectic; the auction rhythm is repetitive, and after six months, I wanted a smaller atmosphere and something more varied. I then moved to Perrotin, a large international contemporary gallery. I loved my six months there, where every day was different. After gaining experience on both the auction house and gallery sides, I realised I was missing the business dimension.
To build on my art background and advance further, I thought that pursuing a business degree would be essential.
I sat the GRE and applied to business schools. Given my international upbringing, I wanted the excellent business school French reputation, whilst also having a genuinely global cohort. INSEAD felt like the best of both.
Why INSEAD over other business schools?
I wanted to be in France, yet keep a truly international setting. INSEAD’s split with time in Singapore and its very international cohort were the two big drivers, alongside its reputation.
In Fontainebleau, we’re closely linked because it’s a smaller town; not everything happens by itself, so we make things happen together, exactly the kind of community I wanted.
How have the first weeks on the MIM been?
Really good! A bit hectic and fast. It’s hard to believe it’s already been a month and that the first exams are in ten days. I like the period system: exams roughly every eight weeks, three modules per period that you go into deeply, with a clear focus each time. That intensity suits my learning style: do something hard for a while, then move on. The teachers are excellent, classes feel dynamic, and the daily experience reflects INSEAD’s “business school of the world” ethos: very international and open-minded.
Any standout moments or group experiences so far?
The LEAD week camping trip was a highlight: early bonding at the start of the journey. I also like how INSEAD assigns and rotates groups: you work closely with people you might not naturally gravitate towards, which keeps the cohort diverse in practice, not just on paper. Friends at other schools (my best friend is at LBS) don’t necessarily get that same enforced mixing.
What have you joined outside class?
I’m enjoying Thursday touch rugby — it’s inclusive, teams change weekly, and there’s a social run of games afterwards. Bonding through sport is so natural and spontaneous. I also noticed that a Business, Art & Culture society used to exist but seems dormant; I’d like to revive it. I'm going to speak with the programme management and others who’ve said they’d join. I’ve attended Women in Business events too. One thing we’re discussing among MIMs is having a few more MIM-led clubs, so we can hold larger roles rather than always fitting around MBA-run structures.
Are you looking forward to the Singapore module?
Very. I like that it’s just four months and comes later on in the programme — almost like a “reward” towards the end, while still working hard. It was definitely part of why I chose INSEAD. I love travelling and have moved around before, but I probably wouldn’t have uprooted to Singapore on my own.
Going with INSEAD is the perfect way to spend extended time there and really get to know a new country, but not on your own.
What skills do you want to build during the MIM?
I want to develop the entrepreneurial thread I’ve always had. Getting the grip of business management fundamentals: I’m enjoying finance and marketing so far, and I want to understand business models deeply so I can combine them with my art background and build something.
How are you finding the wider INSEAD community?
I’ve not engaged much with alumni yet, though I spotted an alumna who ran an art fair in Laos and plan to reach out, but I’m prioritising settling into Period 1 first. Time moves quickly, so my plan is: integrate well now, then widen the lens in Period 2.
How has the Career Development Centre (CDC) supported you?
It’s been very positive. There are plenty of touchpoints, and they’re accessible. I’ve had CV sessions and an intro meeting. Elena is my coach: kind, understanding, and open. I worried my non-business profile might not fit a CDC geared to M&A/consulting, but they’re making it work for me. Target-wise, I’m keen to start at an investment fund focused on art. The CDC is helping me identify relevant firms and tailor my CV to that niche.
Advice for non-business applicants considering the MIM?
Be professional, truthful, and yourself. My process was smooth and genuinely enjoyable. My final interviewer and I had different passions, but it was still a great conversation. INSEAD is open to diverse profiles; present yourself clearly with a sensible future plan, and it comes through.
A message to your four-weeks-ago self
It’s all going to be okay. Enjoy those first two weeks! That’s when many strong friendships start. Don’t get overwhelmed; things will fall into place. Stay present.
