During the interview process, I was amazed at the sense of belonging and collaboration within the INSEAD alumni community.
Silvia Mata Nestares
Do share with us your background – which industry you were working in, field of study etc.
I hold a Master of Science in Civil Engineering by the Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussees (France) and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (Spain). During my studies, I did internships as Revenue Management analyst (SNCF) and as Civil Engineer (VINCI Autoroutes). Prior to joining INSEAD, I was a consultant at BCG’s Barcelona office.
What made you decide to do an MBA? Why the INSEAD MBA?
I decided to do an MBA to complement my engineering studies and management consulting experience with solid business academic foundations. INSEAD was my first choice because of its one-year format and its international perspective (campuses in Europe, Middle East and Asia). During the interview process, I was amazed at the sense of belonging and collaboration within the INSEAD alumni community. This positive experience reinforced my initial choice.
Is INSEAD what you had expected so far?
INSEAD has exceeded my expectations by far. I expected and have experienced excellent academic and career services. What I did not expect was to be part of such a diverse class. Diversity in terms of culture, experiences and backgrounds (e.g. doctors, economists, engineers and designers). Through such intense academic and social experiences, I have made not just colleagues but friends for life.
Do share with us your class experience!
By being part of such a diverse community, I have learned to analyse problems from numerous points of view, challenged my perspectives, identified unconscious biases and influenced others. I enjoy the lectures, case discussions and especially the business simulations that we do, for example, in our Organisational Behaviour class.
What is one important takeaway you have gotten from your INSEAD experience so far?
If we want to be part of the next generation of business leaders, we need to be aware of the high responsibility of such positions. It is not only a matter of financial profits anymore. Sustainability (e.g. impact on society and environment) is a relevant factor to consider when making business decisions. As INSEAD graduates, we are responsible for spreading this mindset within our future organisations.
What advice will you give to potential prospects who are interested in taking the INSEAD MBA?
Join us! Own your own destiny. You should take advantage of INSEAD’s MBA experience to pursue your dreams. As Helène Ploix (one of the two first female INSEAD MBA students) said in 1967, she could not change the fact that she was a woman but she could get an excellent business education to pursue her professional ambitions.
In one word, how would you describe your INSEAD MBA experience overall?
Legendary.
