I chose INSEAD because of its strong brand in Africa and the school’s focus on emerging markets strategy and technology entrepreneurship.
Shalom Akinboboye

Shalom Akinboboye

shalom
Nationality/Passport: Ghanaian Year of graduation: 2020 Current Role: Consultant

What made you decide to do an MBA, and why INSEAD?

My long-term ambition is to launch Africa’s first technology-focused consulting firm and assist African entrepreneurs to become profitable and scale up. Although I had built technical expertise through my work in telecommunications, I knew an MBA will provide the resources and opportunities to transition from technology to strategy consulting.

I chose INSEAD because of its strong brand in Africa and the school’s focus on emerging markets strategy and technology entrepreneurship. I felt the school had the best balance of educational resources on technology and strategy execution needed to excel in my long-term goals.

Do share with us your class experience over the past few months.

I have loved my INSEAD class experience. Although I chose INSEAD for its strategy and tech focus, I was impressed by the depth of cross-subject electives on campus. INSEAD has been an impressive take on management education. I particularly enjoyed every finance course I have taken thus far, and I have signed up for advanced finance courses for the next few periods.

How did the Pot Family scholarship helped you?

Because I received the Pot Family scholarship, I could afford to go on a few treks and campus exchanges and take my education further outside of class.

Could you describe your scholarship application journey?

After applying and getting through the first few interviews for INSEAD, pre-admitted students can apply for any of the many merit and need-based INSEAD scholarships through the submission of a few essays on fit and finances. I sent my scholarship application to the committee and I got a feedback within 10 days. It is a pretty straightforward process.

What is one useful tip for admitted students and prospects out there who are interested in applying for an INSEAD scholarship?

My advice would be to be honest about your finances, spend significant time on your scholarship essays and focus your applications on the specific scholarships you are a good fit for. Case in point: I only applied for one scholarship!

Please tell us more about the Personal Leadership Development Programme (PLDP) – how has it benefited you?

My study group was extremely diverse – five different industries, backgrounds and cultures. PLDP helped us leverage our complimentary skill sets and become not only a well-functioning group but also great friends.

What is your experience with our Career Development Centre (CDC) like and how has it helped your post-graduation goals?

Although I knew what industries I was interested in recruiting for, I was extremely geography-agnostic and the CDC team helped streamline my choice of post-MBA locations, and helped me solidify my pitch and fit for these locations.

What is one important lesson that you learnt from your MBA experience that was especially useful?

It would be difficult to pick just one. The ethos of an INSEAD MBA is holistic decision-making. We are taught to think of management decisions as the present value of all future returns possible of that project. I think that is a widely transferable skillset – every decision you make has long-term repercussions, so make sure to evaluate them.

Any tips for those who are considering an INSEAD MBA?

Fit is important in a school of 80+ nationalities and an INSEADer is three things: friendly, smart and different. As a result, let your individuality and personality shine through your essays and your interactions with the school. We look forward to meeting you in Fontainebleau or Singapore!