A big lesson I have learned at INSEAD is that it's a humbling environment where you will always encounter more knowledgeable and exposed people than you.
Neha Singh Jadoun

Neha Singh Jadoun

Neha
Nationality/Passport: Indian Year of graduation: 2022 Current Role: Head of Design

What were you doing before you joined INSEAD? 

I come from a non-traditional background, having worked in the Fashion & Design industry for eight years before INSEAD and as "Head of Design” in the last role. I was leading a large team to produce clothing and home-furnishing collections for some of the world's leading Fashion & Luxury brands. 

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

Design is my passion, and I have always loved my work. However, when COVID struck, the entire Fashion & Textile industry suddenly came to a standstill. Many of our clients went insolvent, shipments got stuck, and industry-wide massive layoffs were announced. For the first time in my career, I felt helpless during as despite my best efforts, I didn't have much control over the situation.

That's when I decided to pursue an MBA to gain a broader understanding of business and learn from best practices across the world so that when I graduate, I'll be better prepared to handle difficult situations and can have a significant influence on management decision making.

After I identified the need to do an MBA, I prepared for GMAT and applied to five leading B-schools in different geographies.

INSEAD, right from the beginning, was my first choice due to multiple reasons like the shorter programme duration (10-12 months), diverse global cohort (95% international students from 80+ countries), incredible alumni support and network in almost every country in the world, and outstanding post-MBA career opportunities.

Apart from these, what resonated the most with me was the school's motto of "Business as a Force for Good," which perfectly aligns with my life aspirations as well, and I was overjoyed when I received the acceptance letter from the school.

Can you share your thoughts about the class experience, professors, the curriculum so far?

I have been in the programme for six weeks now and have already survived a few mid-term quizzes and tests, as well as numerous all-nighters.

I can confidently say that the INSEAD MBA is a fast-paced journey because there is so much going on (lectures, guest speakers, industry expert talks, case competitions, parties, social club mixers, etc.) that juggling competing priorities can be challenging. This setting, I believe, is preparing us all for leadership roles in our post-MBA careers, where there will always be several competing and enticing choices, and it will be critical for us to have the skillset to choose the best ones.

Where are you located and what are you most looking forward to during your time on the programme?

I am based out of the Fontainebleau campus, and I am really looking forward to the summer break (July-August) during when I am planning to travel all around Europe, meeting INSEAD alumni, industry experts, entrepreneurs and potential recruiters so that I can broaden my business understanding and develop a stronger network in the industry.

Have you learned any important lessons so far from the MBA experience that have been especially useful?

A big lesson I have learned at INSEAD is that it's a humbling environment where you will always encounter more knowledgeable and exposed people than you. As a result, there's always something to learn from your peers.

Any tips for those who are considering an INSEAD MBA?

INSEAD invests and cares a lot about its students' motivations to do an MBA rather than GMAT or other parameters, so please specify them honestly in your application essays and apply without hesitation if you have an international career aspiration.