Philippa Farrington

Do share your with us your background.

Before INSEAD, I was working for a specialist insurance company in London as their Insight Manager. Prior to that, I worked in both asset management and insurance broking in project management and corporate development roles. As an undergraduate, I studied Economics and Management.

What made you decide to do an MBA? Why the INSEAD MBA?

I decided that I wanted to change my industry and doing an MBA seemed a good way to gain new experience and to give myself time to explore different industries. The INSEAD MBA was attractive to me because it is a shorter programme than most business schools. The diversity of the class was important to me as well. One of the other schools I applied to was proud to have 40% international students. To me, that showed that 60% of students came from the local country. At INSEAD, one nationality doesn’t make up more than 10% of the total student population. That diversity is very powerful.

Is INSEAD what you had expected so far?

INSEAD was what I expected in terms of the variety and pace of work. What was unexpected is how easy it is to find people you get along with really well and you form friendships that seem like they have been around for years rather than just a few months.

Do share with us your class experience

During your first two periods, you take all of your classes in the same amphitheatre with the same group of people, called your section. You really do bond with your section as you spend so much time together and you have a lot of fun in the classroom (and outside of it). Everyone is respectful of the comments you make in class and it is an environment where you feel confident to contribute. Within your section, you are also assigned to a group of four or five other people and you have a lot of assignments to do together. My group has an Angolan, a Spanish, a Bulgarian, a Canadian and a Chinese. Each of us brings a different perspective and it is a very powerful learning environment.

What are your immediate plans after the MBA?

After the MBA I’m looking to do a career switch. I’m still working through what industries I may like to work in but I’ve found the courses run by Career Development Centre and my Career Coach very useful in helping me narrow down and target where I apply for jobs.

What is one important takeaway you have gotten from your INSEAD experience so far?

You can’t do everything! There is always something going on so you really need to take the time to think what is important to you and what it is you want to get involved in.

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

I would definitely advise potential applicants to go to the MBA application events and meet some of the alumni. These really helped me decide which school would be right for me as I found that I got on best with the INSEAD alumni. Also, don’t feel like you have to know an INSEAD alumnus to apply. I didn’t know any when I first started looking at schools but met some through the different events I attended. They are a friendly bunch!