MBA PROGRAMME

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Table of Contents

Structure and Curriculum ..................................................................................... 2

Admission Requirements and Selection Criteria ....................................................... 4

General requirements.................................................................................................................................. 4
Academic requirements .............................................................................................................................. 5
GMAT............................................................................................................................................................... 5

Language Policy.................................................................................................. 7

Admissions Process ............................................................................................. 9

General ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Deadlines & rounds ....................................................................................................................................10
Supporting documents ...............................................................................................................................11
Interview and Decisions ............................................................................................................................12

Programme Fees and Financing............................................................................ 13

Careers............................................................................................................. 15
Post-graduation Career opportunities ....................................................................................................15
Internship ......................................................................................................................................................17
INSEAD Career Development Centre ....................................................................................................18
Alumni network ...........................................................................................................................................18

Structure and Curriculum

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

What are the differences between the September and January intakes?
What is a typical day of an INSEAD student?
Does INSEAD accept transfer credits from other schools?
Can I tailor my INSEAD MBA?
How will I be graded at INSEAD?
Will INSEAD disclose my grades?
What are the benefits of the one-year format?
What is the relationship between INSEAD and the CFA institute?

1.

What are the differences between the September and January intakes?
The curriculum, course structure, class size and composition, and campus exchange
opportunities are identical for the September and January intakes. The primary difference is
that if you choose to begin in September, you will complete the MBA in ten consecutive
months. If you choose to begin in January you will have a two-month summer break during
which you can pursue an internship or other endeavours.

2.

What is a typical day of an INSEAD student?

There is no typical day as the schedule will change every day throughout the year. During
the first two periods when students take their core courses, they often have 2 to 3 classes a
day of 90 minutes each, Monday to Friday, starting at the earliest at 8.30am and finishing at
the latest by 7.00pm. Students also have assignments and group projects, career counselling
sessions and extra-curriculum activities. For the last three periods, each student has their
own academic schedule depending on the electives he or she has chosen, with the same
amount of assignments and group work, and typically increasing time spent on career
related activities.

3.

Does INSEAD accept transfer credits from other schools?

No, we do not accept transfer credits from other schools.

4.

Can I tailor my INSEAD MBA?

INSEAD offers more than 75 electives across both campuses, giving you the chance to
construct a tailor-made MBA Programme that fits your personal and career goals. We do not
have specialisations or majors. You are free to pursue a generalist path towards
management or specialise in a particular area such as finance or entrepreneurship.
However, regardless of the path you decide to take during your elective period, everybody
graduates with the same general MBA degree diploma

5.

How will I be graded at INSEAD?

Final course grades for most classes will be determined by a mix of class participation,
projects and exams. For exams, INSEAD grades on a Standard Normal Curve, also called a
Z-Curve, with a mean of 3.0. There are no forced fails. To graduate, participants must
maintain a mean grade of 2.1 in core courses and electives.

6.

Will INSEAD disclose my grades?

No. INSEAD adheres to a strict non-disclosure policy. Your grades will never be shared with
recruiters, classmates, or anyone outside of the INSEAD community. During on-campus
interviews, recruiters are not permitted to ask about your grades, and you are not permitted
to volunteer them. This policy allows you the freedom to challenge yourself and enhance the
breadth of your knowledge by taking electives in unfamiliar subject areas without worrying
that your grades will influence your job prospects.

7.

What are the benefits of the one-year format?

The INSEAD MBA curriculum is designed to quickly and thoroughly prepare you for a career
in international business. Taking on the challenge of our accelerated programme, you will
see a considerably faster and greater return on your MBA investment. Our recruiters tell us
that the one-year format helps students to manage their time efficiently and effectively.
Setting priorities and making choices about learning, socialising and personal time from the
very beginning of the programme, you will become an expert at decision making which is
one of the most valued qualities in a business leader.

8.

What is the relationship between INSEAD and the CFA Institute?

CFA Institute partners with a limited number of globally diverse, select institutions that are
recognized leaders and serve as role models for other institutions. These universities cover
a significant portion of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge, including its ethical
and professional standards, in their degree programmes. The INSEAD MBA Programme is
recognized as CFA partner, because of the large number of finance core and electives in its
program. As part of the partnership, INSEAD students are entitled to apply for scholarships,
have access to CFA Institute curricula, journals, webcasts, and other educational resources.
Each student will have access to a specially prepared online Level I sample exam.

Admission Requirements and Selection Criteria

General requirements
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

How many years work experience do I need to be admitted?

Is there an age limit for entry?
I dont have a business background. Will this impact my chances for admission?
Will my campus preference influence my chances for admission?
What is the typical students profile at INSEAD?

1.

How many years work experience do I need to be admitted?

INSEAD does not have an absolute requirement for years of work experience, although at
least two years is strongly encouraged. Participants in our current class have an average of
5.5 years work experience, with the range being between two and ten. However, applicants
with less experience who demonstrate exceptional maturity and outstanding leadership
through their professional and personal experiences will also be considered.

2.

Is there an age limit for entry?

There is no age limit for entry. However, the MBA is aimed at those who are at an early stage
in their career. INSEAD participants in the current class have a range of between two and
ten years of post-graduate work experience. If you have more than ten years of work
experience, we encourage you to consider one of INSEAD's Executive MBA Programmes,
where you will have the opportunity to learn with a more experienced and mature peer
group.

3.

I dont have a business background. Will this impact my chances for admission?
At INSEAD, we value diversity at every level. We welcome applications from people with a
variety of professional and academic backgrounds, including the arts, law, medicine,
military, non-profit, etc. As with all candidates, we will be looking for you to demonstrate
your potential as a leader, and we will consider your professional experience and past
performance when assessing your application.

4.

Will my campus preference influence my chances of admission?

Your campus selection has no impact on the admissions decision. In fact, the Admissions
Committee, which makes all final admission decisions, does not have access to information
about candidates' campus preferences.

5.

What is the typical students profile at INSEAD?

There is no typical profile at INSEAD. We have an extremely diverse student body in terms
of age, professional experience, education and culture. Check the latest class profile.

Academic requirements
1.
2.

I dont have an undergraduate degree. Can I still be considered for admission?

Whats the minimum qualifying GPA?

1.

I dont have an undergraduate degree. Can I still be considered for admission?

Yes. While the vast majority of our participants have undergraduate and/or advanced
degrees, this is not compulsory for admission. Candidates who do not hold an
undergraduate degree, but who have an excellent career record and GMAT score are also
welcome to apply.

2.

Whats the minimum qualifying GPA?

INSEAD does not have a minimum GPA requirement as the GPA system is not a globally
used grading methodology. We primarily look at the courses taken and the grades received
in each course, in addition to the overall academic performance.

GMAT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

What is the code for reporting my GMAT score to INSEAD?

What GMAT score do I need to apply?
I have taken the GMAT more than once. Which score will you consider?
How long is my GMAT score valid for?
Can I apply before taking the GMAT?
How does INSEAD evaluate the IR section and what score is required for admissions?
Will INSEAD still accept GMAT scores from the old version of the GMAT exam?
Does this change impact the admissions process?
Where can I learn more about this new section of the test?
Do you accept GRE scores instead of GMAT?

1.

What is the code for reporting my GMAT score to INSEAD?

Our GMAT reporting code (through Pearson Vue) is INSEAD: DL3-S8-89 MBA, Full Time.

2.

What GMAT score do I need to apply?

INSEAD does not have a minimum required GMAT score. Rather than focusing on your
overall score, we assess your individual results in the quantitative and verbal sections of the
exam. We need you to demonstrate your strengths in both. In order to be competitive, you
should aim to achieve a score at or above the 70 - 75 percentiles in both the quantitative and
verbal sections. Please keep in mind, however, that the GMAT is just one of several
admission criteria. A high score does not guarantee admission, and a below average score
does not eliminate a candidate.

3.

I have taken the GMAT more than once. Which score will you consider?
If you have reported more than one score to INSEAD, the Admissions Committee will still
consider the full history of your GMAT attempts, but will place the greatest weight on the
highest score you achieved. Also, if you have obtained a satisfactory percentile in one
section of the test but a lower percentile in the other, and vice versa in a second test, the
Admissions Committee may consider that you have reached a sufficient level overall,
provided the second test does not show too significant a drop in the lower element.

4.

How long is my GMAT score valid for?

Your GMAT score is valid for five years.

5.

Can I apply before taking the GMAT?

No. We will review your application only when all elements of the application package have
been received, including your GMAT score. You can take the GMAT up until the day of the
Admissions deadline but you would need to provide us with a copy of your 'Unofficial Score
Report' (to be uploaded as part of the supporting documents).

6.

How does INSEAD evaluate the IR section and what score is required for admissions?
As of June 2012, the GMAT includes an Integrated Reasoning (IR) section which is designed
to measure a test takers ability to evaluate information presented in new formats and from
multiple sources. Until there is more benchmarking data available, we will not be using the
IR section to review a candidates performance in the GMAT; we will continue to focus on the
quantitative and verbal scores until further notice. However, over time, the Admissions
Committee aims to incorporate this section into the overall assessment of a candidate and
therefore we expect you to complete the IR section as well.

7.

Will INSEAD still accept GMAT scores from the old version of the GMAT exam?
Yes, assuming your test results are still valid (five years from the date of test to time of
application), INSEAD will accept them.

8.

Does this change impact the admissions process?

Not at this stage. The MBA admissions process will continue as outlined on our website and
the admissions criteria remain unchanged. As soon as we have a clear benchmark, we will
publicize this on our website and will communicate with our current and prospective
applicants.

9.

Where can I learn more about this new section of the test?
You can visit http://www.MBA.com/ for more detailed information on the exam.

10. Do you accept GRE scores instead of GMAT?

Yes, we accept GRE scores as well. The ETS code to report the score to INSEAD is 0970 and
the score is valid for five years. In order to be competitive, you should aim to achieve a
score at or above the 80th percentiles in both the quantitative and verbal sections. Please
keep in mind, however, that the GRE is just one of several admission criteria. A high score
does not guarantee admission, and a below average score does not eliminate a candidate.
6

Language Policy
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

What is the language of instruction?

Why does INSEAD have a language policy?
Do I need to speak French?
How do I provide proof of fluency in English?
English is not my native language, but I have lived and worked in English speaking
country for many years. Do I still need to provide additional proof of fluency in
English?
6. How many languages must I speak in addition to English in order to be admitted?
7. English is my native language. When and how do I certify my entry/2nd language?
8. What is meant by exit language and how do I provide proof if it?
9. Are there any restrictions on the choice of entry and exit languages?
10. What does fluent, practical and basic knowledge mean, exactly?
1.

What is the language of instruction?

English is the language of instruction at INSEAD. You need to be fluent in English to apply to
the programme. See our language policy for more details.

2.

Why does INSEAD have a language policy?

At INSEAD, we believe strongly in the importance of an international outlook. The ability to
communicate in more than one language will give you a competitive advantage in the global
marketplace and enable you to work effectively across multiple cultures. Check our
language policy for more details.

3.

Do I need to speak French?

No. English is the language of instruction on both campuses.

4.

How do I provide proof of fluency in English?

If English is not your native language, you can demonstrate fluency either by a university
degree or taking an English language test. If you possess a full university degree
(undergraduate or postgraduate) where all courses were taught exclusively in English, we
will accept your degree as proof of your fluency in English. Your transcripts should clearly
indicate that the entire curriculum was solely taught in English. Otherwise, you may take one
of the following English language tests (required minimum score in brackets): TOEFL
(iTOEFL: 105, Computer-Based: 260, Paper-Based: 620; IELTS: 7.5; CPE: B and PTE
Academic: 72, TOEIC Listening and Reading: 950; TOEIC Writing: 170; TOEIC Speaking:
190. For TOEIC and IELTS, you need to submit score results for all parts: Listening, Reading,
Speaking, and Writing. More details can be found in our language policy.

11. English is not my native language, but I have lived and worked in an English speaking
country for many years. Do I still need to provide additional proof of fluency in
English?
Yes. Living and working in an English-speaking environment is not accepted as proof of
fluency in English. If you possess a full university degree (undergraduate or postgraduate)
where all courses were taught exclusively in English, we will accept your degree as proof of
your fluency in English. Your transcripts should clearly indicate that the curriculum was
entirely taught in English. Otherwise, you may take one of the following English language
tests (the required minimum score is in brackets): TOEFL (iTOEFL: 105, Computer-Based:
260, Paper-Based: 620; IELTS: 7.5; CPE: B and PTE Academic: 72, TOEIC Listening and
Reading: 950; TOEIC Writing: 170; TOEIC Speaking: 190. For TOEIC and IELTS, you need to
submit score results for all parts: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. More details
can be found in our language policy.
5.

How many languages must I speak in addition to English in order to be admitted?

If English is your native language, you have to demonstrate at least a practical knowledge of a
second language (referred to as 'entry' language) before the start of the programme by
passing one of our accepted language tests for your chosen second language. If you are a nonnative English speaker, your native language will fulfill this requirement (no test required).

6.

English is my native language. When and how do I certify my entry/2nd language?

If you are joining the programme in September, you will need to provide certification of
your second language no later than 1 June. If you are joining the programme in January, you
will need to provide certification of your second language no later than 1 November.
Accepted certifications are listed in the language policy.

7.

What is meant by exit language and how do I provide proof of it?

In addition to the two entry languages, all students will need to demonstrate at least basic
knowledge of a third language (referred to as 'exit language') in order to graduate. If you
already possess basic knowledge of a third language, we recommend you certify your exit
language either before the start of the programme or during Orientation Week. If you need
to learn a third language, you can do so during the programme and pass the language test
before graduation. Language instruction is available on both campuses.

8.

Are there any restrictions on the choice of entry and exit languages?
Yes. Both entry and exit languages must be officially recognised by the government of a
country. Entry and exit languages must also be sufficiently different from each other. More
details are available in the language policy.

9.

What does fluent, practical and basic knowledge mean, exactly?

o 'Fluent' knowledge is defined as the ability to communicate precisely and effectively in
complex situations.
o 'Practical' knowledge is defined as the ability to communicate about familiar matters
regularly encountered at work, school, and in leisure activities.
o 'Basic' knowledge is defined as the ability to communicate in a direct exchange of
information in the simple present, future and past tenses.

Admissions Process
General
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

How can I check if my online application has been received?

What should I do if I experience technical problems submitting my application?
Can I print out the PDF application and send in a hard copy, rather than submitting it
online?
Will you provide feedback on an unsuccessful application?
If my application has been unsuccessful, may I reapply in the next round?
I have been admitted, but my preferred starting campus is already full. What happens
now?
Can I defer admission?

1.

How can I check if my online application has been received?

You can find out whether the online components of your application have been received by
visiting the Dashboard of the online application centre. This page will indicate the status of
your application. An email notification will also be sent to you within two weeks of
submitting your application (or earlier if your application is sent at least one week before
the application deadline). It will inform you as to whether your file is complete or if any
components of your application are missing. It is therefore important that you check your
email account regularly after the application deadline. Due to European Data Protection
laws and our own confidentiality policy, our MBA Office is regrettably unable to give out any
information over the phone about applications.

2.

What should I do if I experience technical problems submitting my application?

If you encounter technical difficulties when completing your application form, please contact
the IT Support Team.

3.

Can I print out the PDF application and send in a hard copy, rather than submitting it
online?
We only accept applications submitted electronically. This allows us to process your
application more quickly. It also allows you to stay informed of the status of your application
throughout the process by checking it online.

4.

Will you provide feedback on an unsuccessful application?

Due to the large number of applications we receive for each intake and the confidentiality of
the deliberations of the admissions committee, we are unable to provide individual detailed
feedback on rejected applications.

5.

If my application has been unsuccessful, may I reapply in the next round?

If your application has been unsuccessful, you must wait until the next intake to re-apply. In
general, we do not encourage reapplications unless there has been a significant
professional or personal development since the initial application was submitted.

10. I have been admitted, but my preferred starting campus is already full. What happens
now?
We will strive to accommodate your campus choice. However, if your preferred starting
campus is full, you will be offered the choice of either a place on the other campus or a
place on the wait-list for your preferred campus. In such cases, we encourage you to start
your MBA Programme on the campus that was not your initial preference, and then
participate in the campus exchange to experience the other campus.
6.

Can I defer admission?

In the large majority of cases, no. You should apply for the intake in which you intend to
enroll. In truly exceptional circumstances, the Admissions Committee may grant a deferral.
All requests should be made in writing and will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Deadlines & rounds

1.
2.
3.

How strict are the application deadlines?

Are any of the rounds more or less competitive than others?
Which intake is more competitive?

1.

How strict are the application deadlines?

To be included in a specific round, applications must be complete and submitted by 23:59
Central European Time (CET) on the day of deadline. A complete application includes the
online form, GMAT or GRE score, all supporting documents, two letters of reference and
Payment of the application fees.

2.

Are any of the rounds more or less competitive than others?

Each round is equally competitive as the ratio of acceptance is the same for all rounds. We
allocate more places in round 1, 2 and 3 than in round 4, but we also receive more
applications in round 1, 2 and 3 than in round 4. When choosing a round in which to apply,
the most important consideration is to dedicate enough time and thought to your application
so that it accurately represents your strengths and talents. However, we encourage you to
apply to round 1 or 2 if scholarships are a priority or if you need more time to relocate to
your starting campus.

3.

Which intake is more competitive?

The September and January intakes are equal in size and composition and are equally
competitive.

10

Supporting documents
1.
2.
3.

How do I submit my supporting documents?

Can I confirm that my supporting documents have been received?
When do I need to post my original transcripts of grades and degree certification?

1.

How do I submit my supporting documents?

You can submit your supporting documents via the online application. Your application will
only be evaluated once all required elements have been received:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Online form
Two letters of recommendation
Essays and job description essays
GMAT or GRE score
English certification (if applicable)
Transcripts and degree
Application fee of 250 Euros

If you submit your application or any of the supporting documents after the deadline, it will
be reviewed for the next round or for the following intake (for last round applicants).
2.

Can I confirm that my supporting documents have been received?

Given the large volume of applications received, we are unable to confirm whether your
supporting documents (e.g. transcripts, test scores) have been received. An email
notification will also be sent to you within two weeks of submitting your application (or
earlier if your application is sent at least one week before the application deadline). It will
inform you as to whether your file is complete or if any components of your application are
missing. It is therefore important to check your email account regularly after the application
deadline.
Due to European Data Protection laws and our own confidentiality policy, our MBA Office is
regrettably unable to give out any information over the phone about applications.

3.

When do I need to mail my original transcripts of grades and degree certification?

Should you be admitted to the MBA Programme, you will be asked to send originals or
certified copies of your transcripts of grades and university degree by mail to:
INSEAD
MBA Admissions office
Boulevard de Constance
77305 Fontainebleau
France

11

Interview and Decisions

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Is an interview required for admission?

Who conducts admissions interviews and where do they take place?
When will I hear if I have been selected for interview?
I was selected for interview. When will I hear if my application has been successful?
How will my admissions decision be communicated?

1.

Is an interview required for admission?

Yes. All applications go through a process of first selection, whereby a short-list of
interviewees is compiled. At this stage, only those selected for interview continue with the
application process. In most cases, two separate interviews are conducted.

2.

Who conducts admissions interviews and where do they take place?

Interviews are conducted in person by INSEAD alumni, normally in your country of
residence.

3.

When will I hear if I have been selected for interview?

You will be informed if you have been selected for interview within approximately six
weeks of receiving your acknowledgement of your completed application. For a full
overview of our interview and decision deadlines please visit Dates and Deadlines.

4.

I was selected for interview. When will I hear if my application has been successful?
You will be informed of your final decision approximately six weeks after you were
informed that you were selected for interview. For a full overview of our interview and
decision deadlines please visit Dates and Deadlines.

5.

How will my admissions decision be communicated?

You will be advised by e-mail of your final admissions decision.

12

Programme Fees and Financing

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

What are the costs involved?

What is the fee payment schedule?
What sources of funding are available to me?
Does INSEAD offer students loans?
Which INSEAD scholarships are available to me?
When may I begin to apply for INSEAD scholarships?
What are the deadlines for scholarship applications?
Can I be awarded more than one INSEAD scholarship?
When will I be informed of the scholarship decision?
How can I track the status of my scholarship application?

1.

What are the costs involved?

For updated information on programme fees and related expenses visit Fees and Expenses.

2.

What is the fee payment schedule?

If you are offered a place on the MBA Programme, you will be notified of a specific date by
which you must confirm acceptance and pay a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the total
academic fees (usually within four weeks). Approximately one month before you begin your
programme you will also need to pay a non-refundable tuition instalment equivalent to 60%
of total tuition (90% for company sponsored participants). The final tuition payment
(remaining 30% of total academic fees) is due approximately four months into the
programme. For more information visit Fees and Expenses.

3.

What sources of funding are available to me?

Each year, INSEAD awards over 2 million in scholarships to our participants. In addition, we
encourage you to explore all sources of financing which may be available to you in your
home country or country of residence. There are a variety of international and national
scholarship programmes, as well as attractive loans available through external sources.
Those which are known to INSEAD can be found on our Funding by Country page.

4.

Does INSEAD offer students loans?

All admitted MBA students are eligible to apply for an International Loan Programme from
Prodigy Finance, a loan programme funded by INSEAD and other top business school
alumni. For more details, visit www.prodigyfinance.com.

5.

What INSEAD scholarships are available to me?

Scholarships are granted according to various criteria depending on the sources. The two
basic categories of scholarships are 'Need-based' and 'Merit-based'. To view detailed
descriptions and eligibility criteria for all of our scholarships, visit the INSEAD Scholarships
page.

13

6.

When may I begin to apply for INSEAD scholarships?

Candidates in the first three rounds will apply for financial aid at interview stage. Round 3
candidates qualify to apply for the Need-based, LOreal and Louis Franck Scholarships only,
so if scholarships are a priority to you, you should apply within the first two rounds. Round 4
candidates will not have access to scholarship applications. However, funds will be reserved
to offer a number of merit scholarship awards upon admission. Awards will be based on the
quality of the admission application.

7.

What are the deadlines for scholarship applications?

Deadlines for scholarship applications can be found on our Scholarship Guide.

8.

Can I be awarded more than one INSEAD scholarship?

Yes, you may be awarded up to two INSEAD scholarships. However, we encourage you to
limit the number of scholarship applications to a maximum of five.

9.

When will I be informed of the scholarship decision?

Scholarship decisions are announced up to ten weeks before the start of the programme.

10. How can I track the status of my scholarship application?

Throughout the period that the online scholarship application is open, you can modify or
withdraw your scholarship applications as you please. In addition, you can track the status of
your application with the help of your personal link.

14

Careers
Post-graduation Career opportunities
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

How can I find out which companies recruit at INSEAD?

What types of salary and benefits packages are typically offered to graduates?
How easily can I make a career change after INSEAD?
What are my chances of securing a job outside of my home country?
What are my chances of working in Asia if I am based on the Europe campus? What
are my chances of finding a job in Europe/U.S. if I am based on the Asia campus?
How and when do financial institutions and investment banks recruit from INSEAD?
What should I do if I am graduating in July?
How difficult is it to obtain a working visa?
Is it worth approaching recruiting companies before starting the MBA Programme?
I want to change careers. Which intake would be better for me?

1.

How can I find out which companies recruit at INSEAD?

You can find a list of companies recruiting at INSEAD in the latest Employment Statistics,
which is also available online. The majority of these companies are regular recruiters on
campus or companies at which INSEAD Career Development Centre have established
relationships.

2.

What types of salary and benefits packages are typically offered to graduates?
Salary and benefits packages vary widely across industries, companies and regions. Please
refer to our latest Employment Statistics for detailed salary information of the last two
graduating classes.

3.

How easily can I make a career change after INSEAD?

You will find detailed insight into our graduates career, function and location changes in our
latest Employment Statistics. Naturally, some career changes can be made more easily than
others and are influenced by previous professional experiences, knowledge of the market,
languages, etc. For those who are interested in making a career switch to banking
specifically, it is recommended that you secure a summer internship with a financial
institution or investment bank. For other sector or functional moves, graduates need to
identify these career goals early on and work in conjunction with Career Development staff
to prepare for these transitions.

4.

What are my chances of securing a job outside of my home country?

Some recruiters see an intrinsic value in hiring international graduates and are used to
securing work permits for employees. For other recruiters, it depends on whether the skills
you have are in demand in that specific geography (language abilities, experience in
certain markets, etc.) to justify the extra burden of obtaining working papers. The delay in
obtaining a work visa can vary considerably, and is impacted by both the applicants own
nationality and the country in which the applicant wishes to work. There are some countries
for which working papers may be more easily obtained for INSEAD graduates. You will have
an opportunity to receive more information on work permits when on campus.
15

11. What are my chances of working in Asia if I am based on the Europe campus? What
are my chances of finding a job in Europe/U.S. if I am based on the Asia campus?
Your chances of finding a job have more to do with your skills, experience and potential
than your campus location. The Career Development team is well integrated across both
locations and provides the same tools, coaching, and resources, irrespective of whether you
are studying in Fontainebleau or Singapore. Career Development strongly recommends
that you start networking in your target region early on and choose your campus for the
peak recruiting season accordingly. On-campus recruiting is not generally impacted by
location, as all companies recruiting from INSEAD must include students from both
campuses in their recruitment campaign. Of course there may be exceptions where
recruiters in the different regions have separate processes but they can also use the video
and telephone conference facilities located on both campuses, to conduct interviews with
students, regardless of location. Being based in the region where you ultimately want to
work does obviously increase opportunities for networking, which can translate into a
higher likelihood of securing the job you want.
5.

How and when do financial institutions and investment banks recruit from INSEAD?
What should I do if I am graduating in July?
Most financial institutions, including investment banks, recruit on campus twice a year.
Some may come only once and conduct both full-time and summer internship recruitment at
the same time. Whatever the case, the two classes are considered. In case a financial
institution recruits through summer internships only, the July MBA may be given the option
to do his/her internship after graduation. We strongly advise students interested in
investment banking careers, from both classes, to attend the investment banking training
workshops offered in the first few weeks upon arrival on campus.

6.

How difficult is it to obtain a working visa?

The delay in obtaining a visa can vary considerably, and is impacted by both the applicants
own nationality and the country in which the applicant wishes to work. There are some
countries for which working papers may be more easily obtained for INSEAD graduates.
You will have an opportunity to receive more information on work permits when on campus.

7.

Is it worth approaching recruiting companies before starting the MBA Programme?

Companies recruiting at INSEAD prefer that you wait and go through the process when oncampus. By that time, you will have more information through company presentations,
speaking with alumni who work at these companies or in the industry, and through your
classmates who may be able to give you additional insights.

8.

I want to change careers. Which intake would be better for me?

Our career opportunities are identical across both intakes. Whether you join in September
or January, you will begin working with the Career Development team early on to prepare
for the next step in your career. Those interested in a career in investment banking are
strongly encouraged to consider the January intake, as investment banks hire full-time
positions primarily through their summer associate programmes

16

Internship
1.
2.
3.

Is there a difference between the January promotion and the September promotion in
terms of job search?
The internship period at INSEAD is only 6 weeks. Are companies interested in hiring
someone for 6 weeks? How easy is it to find a summer internship position?
I am a company-sponsored student but would be interested in participating in an
internship at another company? Is that possible?

1.

Is there a difference between the January promotion and the September promotion for
the job search?
Opportunities for the two intakes are comparable, with one notable exception - major
investment banks currently recruit primarily for their summer associate programme as an
entry point for full-time positions. This is more conducive to the January intake which offers
the opportunity for a summer internship.

2.

The internship period at INSEAD is only 6 weeks. Are companies interested in hiring
someone for 6 weeks? How easy is it to find a summer internship position?
Recruiters who are interested in hiring INSEAD MBAs follow this timeline and arrange
special projects to accommodate our students schedule. INSEAD has a number of
companies recruiting on campus for summer internships, additionally, a significant number
of internship opportunities are listed on our job posting platform. For the full list of all
companies that hired for summer internships in the last two classes please refer to the
Employment Statistics. However, it is important to note that working permits/visas can be an
impediment to securing an internship with a company, given the short duration of the
internship.

3.

I am a company-sponsored student but would be interested in participating in an

internship at another company? Is that possible?
INSEAD does not restrict students in their choice of company for their summer internship.
However, Career Development would recommend that you speak first with your sponsoring
company to discuss this option.

17

INSEAD Career Development Centre

1.
2.
3.

Can I arrange a meeting with the MBA Career Development Centre before starting the
programme?
When do I receive counselling sessions on CV preparation?
Can I be in the CV Book if I am sponsored by my company?

1.

Can I arrange a meeting with the MBA Career Development Centre before starting the
programme?
We regret that Career Development staff is unable to meet with candidates before the start
of the programme. However, once on campus, MBA Career Development Centre offers a
wide range of training and several opportunities for counselling sessions.

2.

When do I receive counselling sessions on CV preparation?

Once you are admitted, you will have immediate access to the CV formats used at INSEAD
and are encouraged to begin thinking about your rsum prior to coming on campus.
During your first few months on campus, there are specific workshops to help you prepare
and update your CVs; after these events, you may also receive one-on-one counselling
sessions with Career Development staff to enhance your CV further.

3.

Can I be in the CV Book if I am sponsored by my company?

Yes, but we recommend you discuss this first with your sponsoring company.

Alumni network
1.
2.

What is the size of the INSEAD Alumni network?

How can I get in touch with INSEAD alumni to discuss their MBA experience?

3.

What is the size of the INSEAD Alumni network?

The INSEAD Alumni network currently consists of more than 47,000 INSEAD Alumni
including MBA and Executive degree Alumni, living and working in over 170 countries.
For more information, visit our MBA Alumni pages.

4.

How can I get in touch with INSEAD alumni to discuss their MBA experience?
Attending one of our events is a good way to meet and network with MBA Alumni. In
addition, we suggest tapping into your own networks (LinkedIn, Facebook etc.). You can
also contact our National Alumni Association network.

18