Markus Tokvam

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m Markus, 18 years old, and still in high school. I’m one of the few people here who hasn’t started university yet. I’m from a small town in Norway called Jøvik, about an hour and a half north of Oslo. When I’m not studying or working, I play a bit of golf.

When will you graduate from high school, and what are your plans after that?

I will graduate in 2026. After that, I’m planning to study economics. I’m hoping to study in London, but I’m open to other places too. I’m not too picky about the country.

Why did you decide to apply for the INSEAD Summer School?

I find business really interesting, and we don’t study much of it in the Norwegian school system. I wanted to explore the subject more and see if it’s something I want to pursue long term, possibly even with an MBA one day.

 It also felt like a great opportunity to build a network, and it definitely has been. I’ve met so many people here, and I know those connections will be valuable in the future.  

How did you hear about the programme?

My economics teacher suggested I do something extra to stand out. Internships are difficult to get in high school, so I started looking into Summer Schools. I came across INSEAD, saw how well regarded it was, and read some really positive reviews from past participants. That convinced me to apply, and I haven’t regretted it for a second.

Have you learned a lot so far?

Definitely. I’ve learned things I hadn’t even thought about before. The professors are really impressive, and their backgrounds bring a lot of depth to the sessions. I’ve taken so much from their experiences, even in just one week.

Was there a particular class or idea that stood out?

Yes, the session on communication and decision-making. We learned about anchoring, which I’d heard of but never really thought about in practice. It has a big impact, not just in pricing but also in meetings and negotiations. That was a real eye-opener.

Do you think you’ll be able to use what you’ve learned?

Absolutely. A lot of what we’ve covered can be applied right away in both business situations and everyday life. The lessons are useful in more ways than I expected.

What has it been like connecting with other students as one of the youngest here?

It’s been great. There’s a wide range of ages, from 18 to 24, and I’ve made an effort to talk to older students. I’ve learned a lot from them, especially around university choices and internships. That’s been one of the most valuable parts of the experience for me.

Do you think you’ll stay in touch with the people you’ve met?

I hope so, and I think I will. I’ve met some great people, and we’ve had a really good time together.

Was there a group activity that stood out for you?

Yes, the Give and Take exercise. We shared something we needed help with, and others in the group offered advice, contacts or suggestions. People even wrote things down so we could follow up later. It really showed the power of the network we’ve built here.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying?

Definitely go for it. You’ll meet amazing people, learn things you won’t get in school, and come away with experiences that will help you in the future.