INSEAD Application Essays & Questions 2023-2024
- How would you describe yourself? (Maximum 200 words) *
- Describe all types of extracurricular activities in which you have been or are still involved for a significant amount of time (clubs, sports, music, arts, etc.). How are you enriched by these activities? (Maximum 200 words) *
- Tell us what you have been doing since graduating from secondary education and what motivated your choices? (Maximum 200 words) *
- Please give us all the information about your activities and occupation from now until the start of programme. (Maximum 40 words) *
- Share your short and long-term career aspirations with a MIM from INSEAD. (Maximum 100 words) *
- Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (Maximum 300 words)
INSEAD Winning Sample Essays – 1
1. How would you describe yourself? (Maximum 200 words) *
I am an ambitious and driven Business Development Professional with over three years of experience in pioneering roles within high-growth startups. With a proven track record of building corporate relationships and developing strategic partnerships, I have significantly contributed to the business expansion and success of educational tech companies. My role as Senior Manager of Corporate Relations at Master’s Union highlights my capability to lead teams, manage budgets effectively, and forge strong connections with industry leaders to facilitate meaningful career opportunities for graduates.
Passionate about sustainable development, I actively engage with initiatives aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly focusing on quality education. This engagement is demonstrated through my volunteer work with organizations like Teach For India and AIESEC.
I thrive in multicultural environments, evidenced by my leadership in international projects and my extensive travel history, which has enhanced my adaptability and global perspective. I am keen on continuing to develop these skills in a dynamic and challenging educational setting like INSEAD, where I can further my expertise in management and strategy to achieve my career aspirations of becoming a transformative leader in business development.
2. Describe all types of extracurricular activities in which you have been or are still involved for a significant amount of time (clubs, sports, music, arts, etc.). How are you enriched by these activities? (Maximum 200 words) *
My engagement with extracurricular activities spans sports, volunteering, and community service, each enriching my life and professional pursuits in distinct ways. As a fervent football player, I captained my school and university teams, participating in various tournaments. This sport has not only been a source of physical fitness but has also instilled in me the values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience. My leadership on the field has translated into effective team management skills in professional settings, enhancing my ability to motivate and lead diverse groups towards common goals.
Volunteering with organizations like Teach For India and the Rotary Club has been instrumental in fostering my commitment to social causes, particularly education and community welfare. These experiences have deepened my understanding of societal challenges and underscored the impact of collective effort in driving social change.
Additionally, as an active member of the Manchester City Official Supporters Club, I engage with a community of fans that shares my passion for football. This has broadened my network and provided a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. These activities have profoundly shaped my character, providing a balanced perspective between individual achievement and community contribution.
3. Tell us what you have been doing since graduating from secondary education and what motivated your choices? (Maximum 200 words) *
Since graduating from secondary education, I pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration at Symbiosis International University, where I deepened my knowledge in business fundamentals and participated in extracurricular activities that honed my leadership and organizational skills. Motivated by a desire to impact the educational sector, I represented India as an international volunteer in Czech schools through AIESEC, leading a team of 20 from various nations. This experience was pivotal in developing my global outlook and understanding of diverse cultural dynamics.
Professionally, I embarked on a career in business development, starting at BYJU’s, an ed-tech startup, where I quickly ascended to a leadership role due to my strategic acumen and ability to exceed sales targets consistently. Seeking to leverage my skills further, I transitioned to Masters’ Union as a Senior Manager of Corporate Relations, focusing on building robust industry partnerships and enhancing employment opportunities for students and alumni.
Each career move was motivated by my commitment to educational excellence and business innovation, aiming to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, while continually seeking roles that challenged me to grow and make a substantial impact.
4. Please give us all the information about your activities and occupation from now until the start of the programme. (Maximum 40 words) *
Currently, I am the Senior Category Manager at Urban Company, overseeing operations and strategy for the Salon Category in Mumbai and Pune, focusing on maximizing revenue and enhancing partner performance metrics.
5. Share your short and long-term career aspirations with a MIM from INSEAD. (Maximum 100 words) *
Short-term, I aspire to leverage the MIM from INSEAD to advance into strategic roles within tech-focused startups, enhancing my skills in business strategy and operational management. Long-term, my goal is to ascend to a Chief Operating Officer position, where I can lead companies through transformative growth phases. I aim to combine my passion for technology and business to drive innovations that significantly impact the industry and community.
6. Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (Maximum 300 words)
I would like to highlight my dedication to sustainable development, particularly through my volunteer work with Teach For India and involvement with AIESEC’s global initiatives. These experiences have deeply influenced my approach to business, fostering a commitment to integrate ethical practices and sustainable strategies within the core operations of organizations I work with.
Additionally, my role at Masters’ Union involved substantial strategic planning and implementation of new initiatives that led to significant organizational achievements such as increasing corporate connections by 30% within three months. These outcomes not only demonstrate my capability in strategic roles but also my potential to lead transformative changes in dynamic environments.
Lastly, while my resume details my professional achievements and educational background, it may not fully convey my resilience and adaptability, traits honed by overcoming personal and professional challenges through a steadfast commitment to growth and learning. My journey reflects a continuous pursuit of excellence, driven by a desire to make a lasting impact in the business world.
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INSEAD Winning Sample Essays – 2
1. How would you describe yourself? (Maximum 200 words) *
I am a determined and compassionate software engineer with a passion for using technology to solve real-world problems. My professional journey at LinkedIn and Microsoft has honed my technical skills and leadership abilities, allowing me to lead impactful projects that merge AI with practical applications to enhance user experiences.
Beyond my technical pursuits, I am deeply committed to community service, notably through my volunteer work with the American Cancer Society. This role not only reflects my dedication to health advocacy but also underscores my ability to empathize and lead in challenging situations. I approach both my professional and volunteer roles with a mindset that values innovation, collaboration, and proactive problem-solving. As I aspire to transition into product management and entrepreneurship, I continuously seek opportunities to grow by embracing challenges and learning from diverse experiences.
2. Describe all types of extracurricular activities in which you have been or are still involved for a significant amount of time (clubs, sports, music, arts, etc.). How are you enriched by these activities? (Maximum 200 words) *
I am actively involved in several extracurricular activities that enrich my life and broaden my perspectives. My significant involvement with the American Cancer Society as a volunteer allows me to give back to the community by supporting cancer awareness and fundraising efforts. This role has deepened my empathy and leadership skills, teaching me the value of resilience and proactive health management.
Additionally, I contribute to the Museum of The San Ramon Valley, where I assist in marketing efforts. This opportunity allows me to merge my passion for storytelling and history with practical marketing skills, enhancing my creative and strategic thinking.
I also engage in creative writing, which not only serves as a personal outlet for expression but also honed my communication skills, crucial for my professional and volunteer roles. Each of these activities brings me joy and a sense of fulfillment, enhancing my personal and professional growth.
3. Tell us what you have been doing since graduating from secondary education and what motivated your choices? (Maximum 200 words) *
Since graduating from secondary education, I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My decision was driven by a fascination with technology and its potential to address complex problems. This educational path allowed me to develop a robust foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of technology.
Upon completing my degree, I joined Microsoft and later LinkedIn as a software engineer, where I have led projects that integrate AI technologies to enhance user experiences. My choices have been motivated by a desire to leverage my technical skills in a way that creates meaningful impact, bridging the gap between complex data solutions and user-friendly applications. Alongside my professional career, I have been committed to volunteer work, particularly with the American Cancer Society, reflecting my dedication to community service and health advocacy.
4. Please give us all the information about your activities and occupation from now until the start of the programme. (Maximum 40 words) *
I am currently working as a Software Engineer at LinkedIn, focusing on storage infrastructure projects. Alongside my job, I volunteer with the American Cancer Society, leading initiatives to raise awareness and funds.
5. Share your short and long-term career aspirations with a MIM from INSEAD. (Maximum 100 words) *
Short-term, I aim to transition into a product management role, leveraging the INSEAD MIM to bridge gaps in my understanding of global business strategies, marketing, and financial management.
Long-term, I aspire to entrepreneurship, focusing on innovative AI solutions to transform industries. The MIM program’s diverse, global perspective and rigorous curriculum will equip me with the necessary skills and networks to lead cross-functional teams and launch successful, tech-driven businesses, contributing significantly to the technological landscape and fostering innovation in my home country and beyond.
6. Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (Maximum 300 words)
I would like to highlight my proactive engagement in leading projects that incorporate new technologies to streamline operations and enhance user experiences. At LinkedIn, I spearheaded the integration of AI in our services, significantly reducing latency and boosting system reliability. This experience underscored my technical proficiency and innovative mindset, qualities I am eager to expand through the MIM program.
Additionally, my volunteer work extends beyond the American Cancer Society. I participate in mentoring programs, guiding university students in their career paths and encouraging them to explore opportunities in technology. These mentoring sessions not only reinforce my commitment to community service but also enrich my leadership skills, as I learn from the diverse perspectives and aspirations of the mentees. My personal journey has also been shaped by overcoming significant health challenges, which has instilled in me a passion for healthcare technology. My experience navigating these challenges motivates me to develop solutions that improve access to medical resources, ensuring that technological advancements reach all segments of society.
I am confident that the holistic education provided by INSEAD, combined with my technical background and leadership experiences, will enable me to make substantial contributions to the program and my future endeavors. I am particularly excited about participating in INSEAD’s diverse and vibrant community, where I can share my insights and also learn from the experiences of my peers from around the world.
INSEAD Recommendation Letter – Key Questions
- In what capacity have you known the candidate? (No word limit)
- If this is a work-related reference, in what position is/was the candidate employed and for how long? (No word limit)
- What do you consider to be the candidate’s principal strengths/talents? (No word limit)
- What do you consider to be the candidate’s weaknesses or areas that need improvement? (No word limit)
MiM Recommendation Letters
(Free Samples & successful Examples)
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 1
Here is a quick PDF of a sample recommendation our client submitted for a successful admit.
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 2
How do you know the applicant? How long have you known them for?
I am the Dean and Professor at Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology in Rohini, India. I have known Pavani since her first semester, where she was in my “Fundamentals of Computing” class.
I have had multiple opportunities to interact with Pavani as she was leading the student activities for her batch and was also working on the “Automated Stock Trading algorithm” project as a part of the curriculum, under my guidance.
What would you say are the applicant’s key strengths and talents?
One of Pavani’s primary strengths is her ability to lead a team even in uncertain situations. In her final year, Pavani was the Organizing Committee Member of the International Conference. Since it was the first conference of its kind, there were no previous benchmarks, or processes in place. Right from marketing, outreach events, finding vendors for event management, to logistics – everything had to be figured out from scratch. The budget was also crunched which further did not help the situation.
Pavani went beyond her responsibilities and took the lead on the project. She worked with other team members, discussed with them and charted a plan. She delegated responsibilities to fellow peers, and also guided them on their tasks. There were also conflicts in the team, and unforeseen problems. One of the vendors cancelled the contract two days before the conference. Pavani immediately reached out to other vendors through personal contacts and engaged the team with a calm mind and got things done. Thanks to Pavani, the conference was a huge success with over 60 participants from multiple countries. As a result, 3 projects were selected and funded by our institution. The conference is now recognised internationally and is set to take place again next year in February.
Pavani also demonstrated her leadership capabilities while working on a project under my guidance. The project was focused on building automated stock trading algorithms that managed to maximize cumulative profit. Although she did not come from a finance background, Pavani quickly learnt the basic concepts. She also brought her team members onboard by coaching them and teaching how the stock market works. With the team’s support, Pavani was able to build a functioning algorithm that got published in a reputed Journal – “Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research”. I believe Pavani is the kind of candidate who can take ownership and deliver things with minimal guidance.
In which areas of development has the applicant progressed the most in the time you’ve known them?
Initially, when I met Pavani, she was a shy person who was not confident to lead a team. Even though she might have brilliant ideas, she used to keep it to herself and not put it forward. As a consequence of being shy, she even preferred to work alone rather than in teams. She needed a little encouragement to help break her out of her shell. Slowly, she started putting forth her ideas. As those ideas were adopted by her teammates, she started gaining confidence. She quickly learnt to plan, lead and delegate a team effectively.
Pavani grew to participate in competitions, representing the college on national level. Seeing her progress into an effective leader, I appointed Pavani as the organisational head of an international conference that took place in our campus in February 2020 as mentioned above.
Pavani also progressed tremendously in her academics from 7 CGPA in 1st semester to 9 CGPA in later semesters. Her performance has progressed not just in theory but practical as well. She was part of 2 research papers that were published in reputable journals.
Another area that Pavani needs to develop is to be open and listen to other’s opinions. Sometimes, Pavani is quite stubborn when it comes to her plans and would want to execute them the way she has planned them. Therefore, she is at times not open to new viewpoints or any suggestions to the plan she came up with. This arises from her own perceptions that changing plans will lead to chaos and hence poor performance. In one of our sessions, I coached her and made her understand that she alone cannot control all things and she alone cannot achieve great things. She understood the importance of teamwork and she has been trying to work it out. She is now a bit more open to new ideas and opinions. I believe she will learn these qualities over time and experience.
In what ways might the applicant contribute to the Masters in Management Program?
Pavani has always volunteered and stepped up to lead student activities. I have no doubt that she would continue to do the same at London Business School. With her experience in event management, she will be a great asset to lead student run activities and events.
Apart from that, I think Pavani is a fast learner who is always enthusiastic to teach her fellow batchmates. She has held multiple tutor sessions for juniors and fellow batchmates on tough courses. She will contribute to the class by bringing her technical expertise during discussions and also coaching them on relatively tough concepts.
Is MiM Program a right fit for the candidate right now?
This course would be the natural academic evolution for her. On multiple occasions, Pavani has expressed her interest in taking up roles that are in the intersection of business and technology. Engineering gave her a strong foundation in technology and analytical skills. But she needs the academic experience and learning about the business world. More importantly MiM will also groom her leadership abilities and impart holistic thinking capabilities. Pavani has a great potential to learn and succeed. And I believe MiM will be a step in the right direction towards achieving her goals.
Internship Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 1
Here is a quick PDF of a sample recommendation our client submitted for a successful admit.
Internship Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 2
ESCP
Master in Management Program
Paris, France
Date: 12-07-2022
To whomever it concerns
I am writing this letter of recommendation on Behalf of Payal Saxena for her admissions into the MiM Program at your prestigious university. I have observed Payal in the capacity of a mentor and guide for about 8 months, during which she, along with her two peers, developed an algorithm for fully automated stock trading.
Payal approached me for guidance to work on a project, which they aimed to showcase in a project challenge. This project carries a lot of value and adds towards the credits for their final degree. Initially, when the team brainstormed on the ideas, Payal raised her interest to solve some real problem using technology. The team did not want to do robotics or bot building rather create a value using their technical skills. So we decided to build an automatic stock trading algorithm.
Payal’s willingness to learn and creative problem solving abilities was evident throughout the project. When we started the project, Payal had a very basic understanding of stocks, but she was determined to learn. She took the initial few weeks to study up and research. I was surprised how quickly she ramped up her knowledge on the subject. She was studying trends on money control websites, mainly high performing stocks over different time periods. She always used to come up with new ideas, parameters to identify some patterns. True that Payal needed guidance on the subject and a little push from my end. Nonetheless, she used to contemplate and brainstorm with the team with utmost enthusiasm and result-oriented mindset.
Another strength of Payal is her team leading capabilities. As this topic is entirely new for engineering students, she helped her fellow team members understand the topics by coaching them. She was also helping the team by translating the business problem into a technical language that is easy for the team to grasp and understand. I could clearly see Payal taking a lead on the project, guiding her members, provoking them to think differently, and motivating the team with a “can-do” attitude. Finally the team applied different indicators with different timelines and devised a mathematical equation which could be coded upon. And the team succeeded in building an algorithm with the use of a golden crossover indicator with moving averages of 9 minutes and 21 minutes.
One thing that I have noticed during my time with her is that she is very stubborn. If she wants to try a new model, she wants to try it. Even if I guide her that this model may not actually work, she will still try her hands and then realise on her own when the results come out. She makes this plan in her mind and she wants to follow it through, and she is not very receptive to any changes or updates to that plan. I understand that this stems from her passion to solve problems and experiment on her own. However, she may not have the luxury of time and resources to do this in the real business world. I have advised Payal on the same and she listened to me carefully. I believe she will overcome this weakness over time and experience.
Payal is at the right inflection point in her career transition. She has strong technical skills, and she has always expressed interest to solve business problems using her skill set. I believe a MiM will help her gain that business understanding and also groom her leadership skills early in her career. I would definitely recommend Payal as a strong candidate for the MIM program
I hope the admissions committee sees the potential in Payal as I do, and I wish Payal all the best in her future endeavours.
Regards
XXXXXX
Manager, XXXXXXX
Do's & Don'ts - of a Recommendation Letter
Based on the Letters of Recommendation Guide, here are five tailored do’s and don’ts for writing recommendation letters for candidates applying to a Master’s in Management (MiM) program:
Do’s:
1. Choose a Recommender Who Knows You Well:
– Do: Select a recommender who has worked closely with you and can provide specific examples of your management skills, leadership potential, and professional achievements. This person should be able to speak to your capabilities and character in a detailed and nuanced manner.
– Reason: Admissions committees value depth and specificity in recommendations over the recommender’s title or prestige .
2. Highlight Relevant Skills:
– Do: Ensure the recommender highlights skills relevant to an MiM program, such as leadership, strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Examples of how you managed projects, led teams, or solved complex problems should be included.
– Reason: Relevant skills demonstrate your preparedness for the rigorous demands of a management program .
3. Provide Specific Examples:
– Do: Encourage your recommender to provide detailed examples of your accomplishments. Anecdotes that illustrate your leadership in action or your ability to strategize effectively add credibility to the letter.
– Reason: Specific examples make the recommendation more credible and compelling, showing concrete evidence of your potential .
4. Meet with Your Recommender:
– Do: Arrange a meeting with your recommender to discuss your achievements, career goals, and reasons for pursuing an MiM. Provide them with a résumé and a list of your key accomplishments to help them write a comprehensive letter.
– Reason: This ensures that your recommender has all the necessary information to write a strong, personalized recommendation .
5. Ensure Timely Submission:
– Do: Set a personal deadline for your recommender that is well ahead of the application deadline. Follow up periodically to ensure they are on track.
– Reason: This helps avoid last-minute issues and ensures that your application is complete on time .
Don’ts:
1. Don’t Write Your Own Recommendation:
– Don’t: Never write your own recommendation letter, even if asked to do so by a recommender. Politely decline and offer to provide detailed information instead.
– Reason: Self-written letters lack objectivity and can be easily spotted by admissions committees, potentially harming your application .
2. Don’t Choose Recommenders Based on Title Alone:
– Don’t: Avoid selecting recommenders solely based on their impressive titles if they do not know you well. A generic letter from a high-ranking official is less effective than a detailed letter from someone who knows your work intimately.
– Reason: Admissions committees value insight and detail over prestige. A superficial letter can undermine your application .
3. Don’t Ignore the Instructions:
– Don’t: Ensure your recommenders follow the specific instructions and format required by each school. Avoid generic letters that do not address the school’s particular questions or criteria.
– Reason: Different programs may have unique requirements, and adherence to these shows attention to detail and respect for the application process .
4. Don’t Overuse Superlatives:
– Don’t: Instruct your recommender to avoid excessive use of superlatives without backing them up with specific examples. Phrases like “the best” or “outstanding” should be supported by detailed evidence.
– Reason: Over-the-top praise can seem insincere unless substantiated with concrete examples. Balanced, realistic assessments are more credible .
5. Don’t Choose Recommenders Who Are Unfamiliar with Your Recent Work:
– Don’t: Avoid selecting recommenders who have not worked with you in the past few years, unless absolutely necessary. Their insight may be outdated or less relevant.
– Reason: Current supervisors or colleagues are better positioned to speak about your recent achievements and current potential .
These do’s and don’ts will help ensure that the recommendation letters for candidates applying to a Master’s in Management program are strong, detailed, and effective in supporting their application.
Free Sample Template - for you to use
Free Recommendation letter template specifically tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Management (MiM) program, with a distinct structure and instructions to highlight relevant skills.
Admissions Committee
[Master’s in Management Program Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Date:
Subject: Recommendation letter for —-“
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Master’s in Management program] at [University Name]. I have been [Candidate’s Name]’s [supervisor/manager/colleague] at [Company Name] for [duration], and during this time, I have closely observed [his/her/their] professional growth and achievements.
Key strenghts and Competencies
[Candidate’s Name] has demonstrated a strong aptitude for management, particularly in the areas of [relevant skills, e.g., leadership, strategic thinking, team collaboration]. In [specific project/task], [he/she/they] [specific action taken], resulting in [quantifiable result/outcome]. This project exemplifies [his/her/their] ability to manage complex initiatives and drive significant results.
Initiative and Problem-Solving
A notable example of [Candidate’s Name]’s initiative was during [specific situation]. [He/She/They] identified a critical issue in [context] and took proactive steps to [specific action taken], which led to [positive outcome]. This instance highlights [his/her/their] problem-solving capabilities and proactive approach.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
[Candidate’s Name] excels in leading teams and fostering a collaborative environment. During [specific team project], [he/she/they] [specific actions taken to lead the team], ensuring that all team members were aligned and motivated. The project’s success, marked by [specific achievements], is a testament to [his/her/their] effective leadership and team management skills.
Areas of improvement and Growth
[Candidate’s Name] is highly adaptable and continuously seeks to improve. After receiving feedback on [specific area for improvement], [he/she/they] [specific actions taken to improve], resulting in [positive development]. This commitment to personal and professional growth is a key attribute that will serve [him/her/them] well in the [Master’s in Management program].
Overall Recommendation
In conclusion, [Candidate’s Name] is an outstanding candidate for the [Master’s in Management program] at [University Name]. [His/Her/Their] combination of management skills, leadership qualities, and dedication to continuous improvement make [him/her/them] well-suited for your program. I am confident that [he/she/they] will make significant contributions and excel in this academically rigorous and dynamic environment.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Company Name]
This template is structured to highlight the candidate’s management expertise, leadership abilities, and dedication to continuous improvement, making it suitable for applications to a Master’s in Management program.