Raahil Rai

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

After eight years of work, I wanted to be a student again — to take a step back and reflect on my experiences. Through my MBA, I wanted to find and decide on an authentic path forward and sharpen the skills to pursue it well.

INSEAD stood out because of how international its community is, its culture of openness and giving, and the fact that my peers would be at a similar career and life stage.

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

A number of courses have already shaped and sharpened my ways of thinking about and approaching situations at work and in life. Where I’ve leaned into courses, I’ve been met with openness from the professors — always up for 1:1s, collaborating, and helping me dive deeper. Plus, listening to my classmates’ radically diverse perspectives in discussions has been a significant part of my learning.

I’m particularly grateful for my study group and the Personal Leadership Development Programme (PLDP) for creating a space for vulnerable and authentic reflection, feedback, and coaching. Their support has helped me take a leap forward in my self-development.

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

Fontainebleau, or ‘Fonty’ as we call it. I chose to locate here for the whole programme.

I’m most looking forward to a genuine exploration of possibilities for my next chapter after the MBA, through coaching, clubs, and interactions with peers and professors.

And I’m excited to be building meaningful connections with my peers from around the world — over lunches and co-working sessions on campus, through jams at the music club, trips across Europe and everything in between.

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

So many. For example: over the course your career, soft skills matter much more than hard skills.

You could probably find this lesson online but it’s really cemented through sharing experiences among incredible peers with wildly different backgrounds and careers.

With this insight, I’ve chosen a path and courses that aid self-awareness and sharpen my soft skills. (Shout out to my Organisational Behaviour professors: Prof. Noah and Prof. Nadav).

Any tips for those who are considering an INSEAD MBA?

Test if it vibes with you.

Reach out to current students or alumni — those with similar pre-INSEAD backgrounds and career paths, or those currently building careers that you’re reaching for too.

Watch lectures by INSEAD Professors who explore fields that interest you. And if you have the privilege to visit the campus during term, there’s nothing like it.

Tap into more than just your rational mind and remember that rankings aren’t everything. Pay attention to how you feel when you have these experiences. If you’re authentically excited, INSEAD is most probably a good fit. Go for it.