Yifei He

Why did you decide to do an MBA?

I wanted to switch my career from banking to luxury goods and retail industry. And I thought an MBA would make me more rounded and provide me exposure to fields such as brand management, marketing and supply chains, which I didn’t know much about. I also wanted a strong international network.

And why did you choose INSEAD?

I’d heard about INSEAD many, many times from colleagues over the years. And it was all good. Plus it was the highest-ranked one-year MBA programme and not too far from my partner, who stayed in Hong Kong. It was the only school I applied to, as it made perfect sense for me on both a professional and a personal level.

What is your impression of your fellow students? And the faculty?

The students who come here are diverse… yet like-minded and open-minded. I’m comfortable hanging out with all of them. There are no cliques. The faculty also match this overall culture. They’re not just academically excellent; they have global exposure and they bring it into the classroom. And they’re used to an international life, juggling their work between two or three campuses.

How is the career change going? And how has INSEAD helped?

The specialist careers advisor for luxury goods and retail helped from day one. She pointed out that it was an industry where you have to be proactive, patient and persistent. You have to use the alumni network and the student club. And that’s what I’ve done. I was the co-president of the Retail, Consumer and Luxury Goods Club.

What is the benefit of joining an industry-focused student club?

For me, the club has been a platform to make contacts in the industry and to meet other students with the same interests. We also helped organise an INSEAD Career Trek to Hong Kong, where most luxury goods companies have their Asia-Pacific base. We were there for two days and it was amazing to see the amount of attention we got from senior executives.

What is the key skill you’ll take from INSEAD into your new career?

I think it’s a new level of open-mindedness. I had exposure to diversity before, but INSEAD has made me even more mindful of other perspectives and savvy in my people skills. But it’s not just about skills, networks and knowledge. To be honest, friendship is my main take-away. Our study group of five is still very close – so much so that I’m going to Fontainebleau to graduate with the rest of them.  

What do you think INSEAD gives you that others schools don’t?

INSEAD gives you access to a network that multiplies the amazing diversity of your class many times over. The campus exchange is unique too. Even though I’m a Singapore “lifer”, I didn’t miss out as I got to meet new people as they arrived. But most of all INSEAD gives you time. You get so much out of the programme in just ten months.

What advice would you give to future INSEAD MBA students?

It’s all about open-mindedness again. I’d say: be appreciative of people around you and don’t make quick judgements. You’ll gain more… and it will be even more fun.