When you decide to go for an Executive Master’s degree in your forties, you go in with tempered expectations. After all, after a dozen or more training programmes, and 20 years of professional experience, you’ve learned a lot of what there is to know about your field. Your goal will probably be to build on that experience with some of the latest knowledge and research that a university like INSEAD can provide.

• Read more about A Mid-life Breakthrough

A few months ago, I had a level of stability that I was grateful for and ‘knew’ that it would remain so. I felt that I had a certain amount of agency over my life and career. My coaching and training work in Hong Kong (after our move from Mainland China) was not just showing a pulse: it looked as if it was on its way to thriving into a successful business. My first book had been published, and the next couple were written and ready as well.  Anxiety, helplessness and worry

• Read more about Leaving This Moment Better

We are living in the midst of the deepest recession in human history. The International Monetary Fund expects a 3% decline in global GDP this year, the European Union’s economy will contract by 7.4% and perhaps most pessimistically, the International Labour Organisation expects an equivalent of 305 million full-time jobs to be have been lost by the end of June. In every direction, there is a new story of doom and gloom.

• Read more about 5 Things I Did to Land Five Job Offers During a Recession

The “Circuit Breaker” song project came together as the result of several experiences that I believe are characteristic of an MBA year at INSEAD:

• Read more about Circuit Breaker

I am looking forward to learning from my colleagues and working with the careers team at INSEAD!

• Read more about MIM Admit Viewpoints: Andrei Dogaru

A lot is being said about how to be successful with your job search during uncertain times. However, I don’t see job search as some mystical creature that needs demystification. It’s a matter of common sense with a good dose of being clear about your career goals, being realistic, being committed and being in the right mindset. Being clear about your career goals.

• Read more about Four Simple "Ingredients" To Successfully Meet Your Career Goals

It might be strange to imagine the MBA as a place for failures when it’s usually associated with success. After all, many of us are hoping that forgoing a year of work experience, paying not only a tuition fee but the opportunity cost of lost wages, will be worth the career growth that results from earning an MBA.

• Read more about When Things Don’t Go the Way You Want

I have been fascinated by the spectrum of backgrounds, functions, and countries that my peers have come from.

• Read more about MBA Student Viewpoints: Henna Kamdar

I chose INSEAD for the impeccable reputation, excellent curriculum, and diverse student body (over 90 nationalities) which gives one the ability to learn from and have lasting relationships with people from across the world.

• Read more about MBA Student Viewpoints: Bruh Terfie

Our cohort is a special one, which makes for an unforgettable and meaningful MBA experience. Although we are in lockdown, we are getting so much support from the school, professors, and students who are continuously committed to alleviating the negative impact on the learning experience at INSEAD.

• Read more about The Capstone Simulation: A Project with Non-simulated Leadership