Marie-Renée B-Lajoie

Is INSEAD what you had expected so far?

I expected INSEAD to be an intense academic programme but I have found it to be much more then that – quite transformative, actually. By pushing my beliefs to their limits, I have come to learn tremendously about myself. INSEAD is a transformational experience professionally and personally, if you are willing to take this leap of faith.

What are your thoughts on the faculty?

The faculty focuses a lot on the development of our “business intuition” rather than specific knowledge. They spend time understanding our objectives, designing interactive classes and challenging our opinions. As the year evolves and interests become more precise, bonds are formed with the faculty, which is fantastic.

This period alone, Professor Nathan Furr took us through an innovation design exercise where, within one hour, we had built prototypes out of paper and tapes. Professor Henning Piezunka also had us present our own business venture idea in front of an angel investor. These types of experiences make up what I call value-added!

Can you describe your INSEAD group experience?

Unless one has lived through it, finding the exact words to convey the full extent of this intense experience is challenging. Working day-to-day with my group has been a tremendous growth opportunity – personally and professionally. For four months, I worked daily alongside a Japanese, a German, an Egyptian and a Pakistani. They had to deal with my wordy French influence and direct North American approach.

I learned tolerance, understanding, and above all, curiosity for divergent point of views. This brought us closer and created much deeper understanding. Our ability to adapt to our learning styles and become effective as a team was a true learning experience.

What activities are you involved outside classes?

I had the pleasure to connect with an inspiring group through my co-presidency of the healthcare club. Through the club, I organised in collaboration with INDEVOR (our social impact group) a trek to Geneva to explore social impact consulting.  I did an independent study with the consulting firm Accenture, working on the digital transformation of industries, which led me to participate at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

In parallel, with an incredible team, we won second place at the Net Impact Competition in Boulder, USA. Beyond school, I explored the Fontainebleau forest with my multiple weekly runs and got to climb in one of the best bouldering spot in the world.

What are your long-term plans after the MBA?

My dream is to run my own social impact enterprise, and eventually move into policy.

What advice will you give to potential prospects who are interested in taking the INSEAD MBA?

Life is made of choices. Every day, we create the person we want to become. I needed the space to reflect and explore sides of myself that I had not seen. If you choose to come to INSEAD, because you want a MBA, a career change, an international experience, whatever the reason, embrace your decision and capitalise on the opportunities that truly energise you. The options are tremendous for growth – don’t get me wrong, it can be painful and quite uncomfortable at times – but modern life provides very little space for that and crafting that space is a privilege. The added value goes beyond the academic curriculum – it is shaping my life vision.