Théo Bouillé

Tell us a bit about yourself—how did you get to where you are today? Any highlights, personal or professional?

It was quite the journey! I’ve had the chance to study in both Switzerland and the UK before moving to France to finish high school and start my undergraduate degree in life sciences at the University of Strasbourg.

Any fun or quirky facts about you?

I celebrated my 22nd birthday during INSEAD Summer School 2024!

What motivated you to choose the INSEAD Summer School, and how do you think it will align with your future goals, even at this early stage?

During my bachelor's, I took a course on entrepreneurship and absolutely loved it! I’ve also always loved working in teams and learning about different cultures and the business world. 

When I applied, I strongly believed that the ISS would help me build valuable soft skills that I would then be able to use once I join the pharmaceutical industry. 

The INSEAD Summer School was also an extraordinary possibility for me to try out studying in Fontainebleau, especially as I aspire to pursue a Master's in Management (or an MBA) at INSEAD!

How was your experience at ISS? What did a typical day look like?

It was an extraordinary two weeks: I met so many incredible and inspiring people from all over the world! A typical day would start at 8:45 am with a word of introduction from Adrian Johnson, our Programme Director. We would then have class from 9 to 12:30. 

At INSEAD, they strongly believe in “learning by doing”: a lot of our classes were very hands-on, with practical exercises and real-life simulations. This was a completely new way of learning for me, and I loved it! 

Then, we would have lunch on campus until 13:30. The lectures would then continue until 17:00. We would have a special lecture and special guest from 18:00 to 19:30.

Any memorable moments you’ll carry with you?

I will continue to carry these two weeks with me for a long time. In 15 days, I’ve learned so much about myself, others and the business world. ISS is an extraordinary opportunity to learn and grow as an individual.  

What were your impressions of campus life, your classmates, and the professors? How did you find living in Fontainebleau for two weeks?

ISS is a unique occasion to meet people from all over the world. After two weeks, it felt like we all knew each other for years!
The campus offers all the essential facilities, including a small shop, a hotel, and a bar and cafeteria. Everything at INSEAD is done to make us feel at home.

Could you share a little about your application process and getting to Fontainebleau?

I had to send my university transcripts and answer some questions through recorded videos. The application process is very straightforward: INSEAD just wants to know your personality and who you are!

Any advice or words of wisdom for someone thinking about joining ISS?

Apply! As someone with no business background, ISS is an extraordinary place to start learning. In just two weeks, I learned how to run a business, how to negotiate, and how cross-cultural management works! 

ISS is the place for you, even if you haven’t studied business in high school or at university.

Would you be open to future students reaching out to you for more info?

Of course! Feel free to reach out on LinkedIn if you have any questions about my experience at INSEAD, the application process or studying at ISS and coming from a non-business background.