Vay Luy Jetzer

Coming from the public sector, why did you choose to pursue an MBA?

I had worked on numerous trade negotiations in my career and came to the conclusion that in times of global budget deficits, value creation is essential to the world’s development. In addition, management science is key to organising the world’s economy more efficiently. So, I decided to pursue an MBA from a top-tier business school to enhance my general business and management expertise.

Why did you choose INSEAD in particular?

Having lived in three continents as diverse as North America, Asia and Europe for work and study, I made INSEAD my top choice because I felt its programme was a perfect fit for my objectives. Also, being a little bit older than most MBA students, I liked the fact that the average age here is higher than most of the other top schools.

How would you describe the INSEAD learning experience?

I had studied in Switzerland, Canada and China, but this was by far the best learning experience I have ever had! Moreover, I became interested in subjects that I knew nothing about before, in particular, Managerial Accounting. It was intriguing and inspiring because we had an awesome teacher. The INSEAD faculty really knew how to motivate us.

What else is special about INSEAD?

I have led an international lifestyle. I speak German, French, English, Cantonese and Mandarin and have visited over 45 countries across five continents. Surprisingly, I have found other people like me here! There is something special about speaking in different languages with the same person, and the campus exchange makes INSEAD stand out too.

What advice would you give to students in the next class?

It will be an intensive year, and your time is very precious. You need to learn how to set priorities and not be distracted by everything. There will be so much going on that you will feel like wanting to grow some extra heads and arms! At the same time, you must "mine" this enriching year for maximum learning. Do spend time with people you would not have otherwise met.

Will you go back to the public sector in terms of where and what you're doing now?

I returned to work on a law project for my former employer in the public sector as I had been given unpaid leave to pursue my self-sponsored MBA. Thanks to the INSEAD CV book, different corporations from the private sector reached out to me with career opportunities while I was pursuing my MBA.

Although I wasn’t looking for a job at that time, I had entertained some ideas on what it would be like to work in the private sector. After some thought, I decided to embrace a new professional challenge in the private sector in the healthcare industry. In fact, I applied to Roche and after a very intense recruitment process, accepted their offer to start in October 2014.

I knew that whatever career choice I made, there was one thing that I was certain of: I wanted to be a value creator. It doesn't matter to me whether it's in the private or public sector. I'll go where I can make a difference.