William Eliezer-Vanerot

Could you share something unexpected about you?

I love traveling but I’m afraid of being on a plane.

Tell us about yourself, and how you go to where you are today both on a professional and personal level?

My resilience and my curiosity have drawn my path.

From a very young age, I practiced different sports for about ten hours on average every week, split between soccer, judo, and tennis training. My schedule was quite demanding, but I always liked being busy and having different hobbies.

This ability to manage a busy schedule helped me when I had to work during my studies to help my parents financially. Besides, I enjoyed combining my theoretical business knowledge at Panthéon-Sorbonne University and working part-time at Nike for two years as a sales advisor.

What motivated you to choose the INSEAD MIM, and how do you envision it aligning with your future goals, even at this early stage?

INSEAD was my dream school because of its practical lessons, international experience, and consulting expertise.

First, I’m way more interested in a subject when it is a business-related topic. For instance, the “practicals” were designed to be the closest to what we could expect in a consulting company. Thus, I felt all the lessons would be helpful in a business environment.

Second, the international experience. I wanted to be immersed with people that I could never meet elsewhere, and meeting so many people with different nationalities is a life-changing experience!

Third, for the consulting expertise of INSEAD. Following my two previous internships in consulting, I knew I would follow this path. Therefore, joining INSEAD, which is known to train the best consultants, was a logical choice for me.

What were your impressions of campus life so far and how did you navigate accommodation, and sorting out all the admin? Any tips for incoming students?

My first step at INSEAD was a dream becoming reality because a few years ago, I couldn’t have imagined myself there. Then, I was amazed by the modern campus and the facilities.

Concerning accommodation, as soon as I got accepted, I started to look for a flat. INSEAD provides many resources to help us. Besides, as a French speaker, I could call rental agencies and so on. I finally found my flat on an INSEAD Facebook group. I’m thrilled with this accommodation that I’m sharing with two of my classmates.

Could you share a little about your application process, securing financing, and making your way to Fontainebleau?

I started my GMAT preparation very early because I knew it would be a challenge as a non-native English speaker.

Moreover, I wanted to have the best piece of every part of my application. Therefore, I took each step seriously: GMAT, TOEFL, essays etc. 

Writing the essays, seen by many as the easy part, took me over months to complete. I wanted to reach a version that was aligned with who I am 100%. Thus, I got advice from people who know me the best, such as my friends, professors, or colleagues, which was super insightful. At some point, I also took a break week that helped me to take a step back by deepening my reflection.

After being accepted, I thought the most difficult part was over, but the financing question was also a challenge. Thanks to the INSEAD financing team, I was able to find a solution. I cannot thank them enough.

My last piece of advice would be: there is no "better" round to apply; just apply when you feel 100% satisfied with your application.

In your first few weeks, what aspects of the INSEAD MIM have stood out to you as unique or particularly appealing?

The diversity stood out as appealing by seeing all those nationalities on our yellow name card. For example, there are more than 35 nationalities in the programme. However, seeing several classmates with more than three passports was surprising because I had never seen that before.

The INSEAD atmosphere is unique as well; from the very beginning, I felt that everyone on the MIM programme was willing to help. 

For instance, students organised many initiatives like introductions to consulting or French classes.

Aside from your academic pursuits, what extracurricular interests or activities are you exploring at INSEAD, and how do you see them enhancing your overall MIM experience?

At INSEAD, we can explore many extracurricular activities with more than 40 clubs in common with MBAs.
I joined the INSEAD MIM football team, which helped me link again with a passion I hadn’t played competitively for a while. I met many of my friends there and some MBAs by playing (winning) against them. ;)

I also attended an event organised by INSEAD Africa Club where I met many kind people.

To conclude, INSEAD is a journey enhanced by each person you meet.

Any parting words of wisdom, and are you willing to be contacted for more information by prospective students?

At INSEAD, everyone is genuinely willing to help and the INSEAD tagline “give, give, get” makes more sense than anywhere else. Therefore, start helping as many people as possible, and you will see everything will go smoothly.

I would be more than happy to help you too. Don’t hesitate to hit me up on LinkedIn!