INSEAD Executive MBA Application Essays 2024-25
1) why the INSEAD EMBA is a good fit for you?
2) why this is the best time to do an EMBA?
3) What are the benefits to do an EMBA from INSEAD?
4) How will you contribute to INSEAD?
INSEAD Executive MBA Winning Sample Essay-1
Essay 1
My career journey began in Lima, Peru, where I started as a Business Intelligence Project Manager at Gora Consulting. My role involved optimizing data extraction processes, improving data accuracy, and implementing interactive dashboards for better decision-making. This position ignited my passion for leveraging data to drive business insights and marked the beginning of my career in technology and marketing.
I moved on to work for Movistar, where I increased revenue by 15% through identifying new market opportunities based on data-driven insights. This experience underscored the power of analytics in shaping business strategy and solidified my commitment to pursuing a career that combined technology with strategic marketing.
In 2015, I joined Lideratis as a Marketing Project Manager. Here, I led initiatives that increased social media engagement by 75% and improved email open rates by 20% through segmentation and personalized email marketing campaigns. My success at Lideratis led to subsequent roles at COSAPI and MDP Consulting, where I continued to drive significant improvements in lead generation, website traffic, and customer satisfaction.
My career took a significant turn when I moved to New Zealand and joined Vodafone as a Senior Marketing Automation Specialist. Despite initial challenges, including language barriers and cultural adjustments, I increased lead generation by 30% and improved email open rates by 20%. My perseverance and adaptability were critical to these achievements, demonstrating my ability to thrive in diverse and challenging environments.
Currently, as the Digital Marketing Lead at Speakdata, I have evolved the strategic direction for enterprise customer data platforms and improved conversion rates by 40%. My role involves developing and executing data-driven marketing strategies, growing social media engagement, and increasing lead generation through targeted campaigns.
Essay 2
My motivation for pursuing an Executive MBA at INSEAD is driven by my aspiration to transition from tactical marketing roles to strategic leadership positions within the global technology sector. The INSEAD EMBA program offers a unique opportunity to develop a holistic understanding of business dynamics, enhance my leadership skills, and build a global network of peers and mentors.
Over the next three to five years, my goal is to become a Strategic Marketing Manager in a leading global tech company. In this role, I aim to leverage my technical background and strategic insights to drive innovative marketing strategies that enhance brand growth and customer engagement. The INSEAD EMBA program’s rigorous curriculum, with its emphasis on global business, strategy, and leadership, will provide me with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve these goals.
Long-term, I aspire to rise to the position of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) or Vice President of Marketing in a top-tier technology firm. My vision is to lead global marketing strategies, foster innovation, and drive business transformation. INSEAD’s focus on entrepreneurship and innovation aligns perfectly with my career aspirations, as it will equip me with the tools to navigate complex business environments and drive impactful changes.
The diverse and collaborative community at INSEAD will offer invaluable opportunities to learn from and contribute to a network of accomplished professionals. Engaging with peers and faculty from diverse backgrounds will broaden my perspectives and enhance my ability to lead multicultural teams effectively.
Essay 3
One of the most transformative experiences in my life was my decision to immigrate to New Zealand. Leaving Peru was a daunting decision, compounded by language barriers and cultural adjustments. During my initial months in New Zealand, I worked various jobs, from housekeeping to laborer, to support myself while learning English and navigating the job market. Despite sending over 500 job applications and facing numerous rejections, my determination to break into the marketing and technology sector remained unwavering.
My perseverance paid off when I secured a temporary position at Vodafone. Through hard work and dedication, I proved my capabilities, leading to a full-time role as a Senior Marketing Automation Specialist. This opportunity allowed me to leverage my skills and drive impactful marketing strategies, significantly improving lead generation and engagement rates. This experience highlighted my resilience, adaptability, and commitment to achieving my goals, no matter the obstacles.
Inspired by my journey, I co-founded the NGO “La Quinta de la Felicidad” to mentor and support underprivileged youth in Peru. Through this initiative, we have helped over 200 students gain admission to universities with scholarships, providing them with opportunities for a better future. My commitment to education and mentorship continues to drive me, as I believe in the transformative power of education and the importance of giving back to the community.
Pursuing an EMBA at INSEAD represents the next step in my journey. The program’s emphasis on global perspectives, leadership development, and innovation aligns with my aspirations to drive strategic marketing initiatives and lead transformative projects in the technology sector. The diverse and collaborative community at INSEAD will provide me with invaluable opportunities to learn from and contribute to a network of accomplished professionals.
In conclusion, my career path, accomplishments, and personal experiences have shaped me into a resilient, adaptable, and driven individual. The INSEAD EMBA program will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and network needed to achieve my professional goals and make a significant impact in the technology and marketing sectors. I am excited about the opportunity to further my education at INSEAD and contribute to the vibrant community, leveraging my experiences to inspire and support my peers. Thank you for considering my application.
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INSEAD Executive MBA Winning Sample Essay-2
Essay A:
For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you. What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives?
Two childhood instances that have left an indelible mark on my personality were when my teacher ostracized me for not adhering to strict school rules, and when the government took away my grandparents’ house. These experiences have shaped my character and values, leading me to advocate for personal development and sustainable growth.
One day, at the age of ten, I was playing with my newly-made best friend in the school playground when our teacher approached us. She sternly told my friend, “I had told you and the others not to speak to or befriend Chloe, had I not?” She made sure my friend left me alone, leaving me shocked and humiliated. I realized I was being punished for leaving school early and not following the rigid rules of focusing solely on academics.
In the Chinese education system, parents and teachers are obsessed with academic grades, often neglecting personal development activities. My parents, however, always encouraged me to develop my personality outside of class. Although I excelled academically, I challenged the norm by promoting extracurricular activities. I started the school’s first radio station to encourage learning English in a fun way and founded the school’s first student-run journal, “Sound of Eagle,” to give introverted students a voice. As the president of the Student Association in high school, I initiated community services and organized Project “Pairing,” which paired top-scoring students with those struggling in subjects for one-on-one tutoring.
The second instance occurred after China adopted the “open door” policy for its economy, leading to massive construction and development. My grandparents’ house, a historic building in central Shanghai, was demolished overnight by the government to make way for a new highway. With their home gone, my grandparents lost everything, and we had to move out. This experience instilled in me a determination to ensure that growth and changes are achieved sustainably and that no one loses their home unfairly.
Over the past decade in private equity, I have worked with driven entrepreneurs and CEOs to help their businesses achieve sustainable growth. At Morgan Stanley, I focused on sustainable investments, helping a private flooring company in China transition to environmentally friendly products. I used my valuation expertise to help the founder acquire strategic forest assets, securing sustainable timber for production. The company is now a leading player in its sector, using 100% sustainable timber.
At my current firm, I led a growth investment in an optic fiber communication network company in Myanmar and Cambodia. Understanding the founder’s past experience with government confiscation, I worked extensively with the management team to ensure compliance with local regulations and fair compensation for local farmers affected by construction. Today, our investee company is the largest nationwide optic fiber service provider in both countries.
These experiences have shaped my commitment to holistic personal development and sustainable investment. I believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals and making impactful, ethical investments. I look forward to sharing my experiences with a diverse community at Columbia Business School and leveraging my learning to make a broader impact.
Essay B:
I have 13 years of experience in investment banking and private equity. I have grown to the role of Director in my firm, but I am acutely aware that this field is dominated by men. According to data from Preqin, only 9% of senior roles in private equity are held by women. My short-term goal is to break through this glass ceiling and rise to a leadership position within my firm.
I first learned about Columbia’s business program six years ago while working at TPG Capital in Hong Kong. Jim Coulter, the firm’s Founding Partner and a Columbia GSB alumnus, shared the transformative experiences and unique community the program offers, which imbibe lifelong leadership and networking skills.
I aim to expand my business knowledge beyond Asia, broaden my leadership perspectives, and strengthen my networking skills. Columbia’s EMBA program offers the flexibility to pursue interdisciplinary topics, with elective courses like Paths to Power, Interpersonal Dynamics, and Negotiations, which will refine my soft skills, enhance my management knowledge, and improve my strategic thinking.
Additionally, I want to use this period for personal development. The small class size will allow me to connect with classmates on a personal level, building a diverse network. The program’s study trips, TALK experiences, and mentorship opportunities from world-class leaders are valuable resources for developing my personality and skills.
My long-term aspiration is to start my own impact investing platform. Columbia’s extensive network, career development resources, and location in New York City provide the ideal environment to explore opportunities in impact investing, which is still nascent in Asia. Columbia’s focus on entrepreneurship will equip me with the necessary skills and knowledge to venture out on my own.
In conclusion, Columbia’s EMBA program offers both professional and personal development opportunities that align perfectly with my career aspirations. I believe the program will empower me to achieve my short-term career goals and long-term aspirations, making it the best choice for my future.
INSEAD Executive MBA Letter of Recommendation Questions 2023-24
Two professional recommendation letters are required, providing insights about your demonstrated leadership and management potential. As such, at least one recommendation should come from your workplace; your current supervisor or manager is usually a good choice. The other recommendation may be from someone who has had the opportunity to evaluate you in a professional setting (ie. a client, a former supervisor, or a colleague from a non-work activity). Should you wish, you will also be able to upload an optional third letter of recommendation as part of the supporting documents.
Your recommenders can submit their letters prior to submission of the application, but please note that your application will not be evaluated until all letters of recommendation are submitted.
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