INSEAD MBA – Essays Tips and Deadlines for 2024-25 

INSEAD MBA – Essay Writing Tips 

Navigating the MBA application process for INSEAD requires crafting essays that showcase your unique story, aspirations, and fit with the school’s culture. INSEAD values leadership, innovation, and a global perspective. Here are essential tips to help you create standout essays for your INSEAD MBA application.

From showcasing your personal and professional journey to highlighting your fit with INSEAD’s unique culture, these insights will guide you in creating essays that resonate with the admissions committee. Dive in to discover how to effectively convey your experiences, goals, and the impact you aim to make, ensuring your application stands out in the competitive field.

Essay 1: Briefly summarize your current (or most recent) job, including the nature of work, major responsibilities, and where relevant, employees under your supervision, size of budget, clients/products and results achieved.

1. Structure Your Response:

• Clearly summarize your current or most recent job role.
• Mention key responsibilities, significant projects, clients, or products.

Example: As a Senior Marketing Manager at ABC Corporation, I oversee the digital marketing strategy for our flagship product line. My responsibilities include managing a budget of $1.5 million, leading a team of five marketers, and executing campaigns that have resulted in a 25% increase in sales over the past year.

2. Highlight Achievements:

• Focus on significant achievements and the impact of your work.
• Mention leadership roles and responsibilities.

Example: Under my leadership, the team successfully launched a new social media campaign that generated over 10 million impressions and increased our online engagement by 30%. I also implemented a data-driven approach to optimize our marketing efforts, resulting in a 15% reduction in customer acquisition costs.

Essay 2: What would be your next step in terms of position if you were to remain in the same company instead of going to business school?

1. Describe Your Career Path:

• Clearly define the next position you would aim for within your company.
• Highlight the responsibilities and expectations of this role.

Example: If I were to remain at ABC Corporation, my next step would be to advance to the role of Director of Marketing. This position would involve overseeing the entire marketing department, managing a larger budget, and developing comprehensive marketing strategies to drive company growth.

2. Explain the Rationale for an MBA:

• Discuss why you are choosing to pursue an MBA instead.
• Highlight how an MBA will help you achieve your career goals.

Example: While the role of Director of Marketing is appealing, I believe an MBA from INSEAD will provide me with the broader business knowledge and global perspective needed to excel in a senior leadership position. The program’s focus on leadership development and international exposure aligns perfectly with my career aspirations.

Essay 3: Please give a full description of your career since graduating from university. Describe your career path with the rationale behind your choices.

1. Summarize Your Career Path:

• Provide an overview of your career progression since graduating.
• Highlight key roles and responsibilities.

Example: After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, I joined XYZ Consulting as an Analyst. I quickly progressed to the role of Associate Consultant, where I led project teams and provided strategic advice to clients across various industries. Seeking to deepen my expertise in marketing, I transitioned to ABC Corporation, where I have held several roles, culminating in my current position as Senior Marketing Manager.

2. Explain the Rationale:

• Discuss the reasons behind your career choices and any significant shifts.
• Highlight how each role has contributed to your professional growth.

Example: My decision to transition from consulting to marketing was driven by a desire to apply my strategic skills in a more dynamic and creative environment. Each role has provided me with valuable insights and experiences, from understanding client needs to developing and executing marketing strategies. These experiences have shaped my career path and prepared me for the next step in my journey.

Essay 4: Discuss your short and long-term career aspirations with an MBA from INSEAD.

1. Clearly Define Your Goals:

• Clearly articulate your short-term and long-term career goals.
• Explain how an MBA from INSEAD will help you achieve these goals.

Example: In the short-term, I aim to transition into a senior marketing role at a global technology firm, leveraging the skills and network gained from the INSEAD MBA to drive impactful marketing strategies. In the long-term, I aspire to become the Chief Marketing Officer, leading a global team and shaping the company’s marketing vision. INSEAD’s rigorous curriculum, diverse community, and strong focus on leadership will equip me with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve these aspirations.

Optional Job Essay: If you are currently not working or if you plan to leave your current employer more than 2 months before the programme starts, please explain your activities and occupations between leaving your job and the start of the programme.

1.Explain Your Plans:

• Clearly state your current employment status and future plans.
• Describe any planned activities and how they will contribute to your development.

Example: I plan to leave my current position three months before the start of the INSEAD MBA program. During this time, I intend to travel and engage in volunteer work with a non-profit organization focused on sustainable development. This experience will provide me with valuable insights into social impact initiatives and broaden my understanding of global issues.

2. Highlight Preparation for MBA:

• Discuss how you are preparing for the MBA program.
• Mention any specific skills or experiences you aim to gain.

Example: In addition to volunteer work, I will be taking online courses in finance and leadership to strengthen my foundational knowledge. I also plan to attend industry conferences and network with professionals in my field to gain insights and build connections that will be valuable during my MBA journey.

General Tips for INSEAD Essays:

1. Be Authentic:

• Write in your own voice and be genuine in sharing your story.
• Avoid using overly technical jargon or industry-specific language that may be off-putting to a broad audience.

2. Show Impact:

• Emphasize the impact of your experiences and achievements.
• Use specific examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your potential for success at INSEAD.

3. Tailor Your Essays:

• Customize each essay to highlight why INSEAD is the perfect fit for your aspirations.
• Mention specific programs, professors, or aspects of the INSEAD culture that resonate with you.

Things to avoid in your INSEAD Essays

• Avoid Overly Technical Jargon: While INSEAD appreciates analytical and technical skills, filling your essays with too much industry-specific jargon can be off-putting. Ensure your essays are accessible to a broad audience, including those without your specific technical background.

• Don’t Underestimate the Personal Touch: INSEAD values unique personal stories. Avoid focusing solely on professional achievements. Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your character, resilience, and passion. Personal stories can often be more memorable and impactful.

• Steer Clear of a One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Using the same essays for multiple schools can lead to a lack of specificity. Tailor each essay to highlight why INSEAD is the perfect fit for your aspirations. Mention specific programs, professors, or aspects of the INSEAD culture that resonate with you.

• Avoid Lack of Evidence for Leadership and Collaboration: INSEAD places a high value on leadership and teamwork. Don’t just claim you have these qualities; provide concrete examples. Avoid vague statements and show real instances where you led a team, collaborated on a project, or contributed to a community.

• Don’t Ignore the Global Focus: INSEAD has a strong global focus. Avoid essays that don’t touch on your global experiences or perspectives. If you lack international experience, discuss how you plan to gain global insights at INSEAD or why this global perspective is important to you.