A good way to determine whether the MBA path is right for you, as well as how to go about it, is to hear from graduates who were in your shoes a few years ago. This is what Grad Interviews is about, bringing you tips and insights from graduates of various business schools and industry backgrounds. Our current interviewee is management consultant, ex-CPG marketer and INSEAD MBA 21′, Maya Tenenbaum.
Q: Tell us about your current job.
A: I currently work in management consulting, and am particularly interested in the marketing, sales, and organizational space.
Q: Tell us about your pre-MBA background.
A: Most of my pre-MBA experience was in a multinational CPG company, where I led the marketing initiatives of a new innovative brand. My focus was on customer acquisition and growth of the product in the market, along with sales training to all employees.
Q: What made you decide to pursue an MBA?
A: INSEAD was always my dream. I was excited about taking part in an international program that could help me navigate a career switch beyond marketing.
Q: Why have you chosen your particular school?
A: The international nature of INSEAD, paired with its global ranking and focus on management excited me. The single year program was the right fit for my needs at the time of picking schools.
Q: What was the actual MBA experience like? How does it compare to what you expected?
A: INSEAD was what I expected and more. The MBA experience was very focused on navigating the post-MBA world. The curriculum was focused on general knowledge that every business leader should have, and the networking opportunities were the highlight. Besides that, the INSEAD community has a charm like no other school which is why it exceeded my expectations.
Q: Every MBA program is different. How do you view your program’s strengths?
A: Beyond providing a strong general curriculum in business leadership, I believe the main strengths of INSEAD are the diversity of class and the dual campus experience. It changes the MBA in a sense that it gives not only more international network opportunities, but also more fun memories with your peers.
Q: How would you describe the school’s culture and atmosphere?
A: The school’s culture from its staff to its students is very laid back but fast paced. Everyone is always on the go, and there are always multiple events happening on and off campus – it’s hard to choose what to participate in! There is no sense of competition between peers but rather support and encouragement. The highlight of the culture is the spontaneous nature on campus – from interactive classroom discussions to trips on weekends.
Q: How was your experience outside of school, living in the area?
A: Fontainebleau – or Fonty – is everything you imagine in a small French town. It takes a few days to get used to the slow service, the unusual store hours (everything in town closes from 1pm-4pm!), and the language, but the town people are (mostly) very friendly. You walk down the streets at any hour and will meet someone from your peers, and you can always enjoy fresh bread and wine from the bakeries and little bars. If you like restaurants though – not many options! But it is a great little hub for beautiful trips on the weekend in the area, and of course a very short train ride to Paris.
Singapore – or Singy – buzzing city, lots going on. Someone always has a reservation for some glitzy rooftop bar, a beach bar, or chef restaurants, and there will always be a group planning some hike, bike trip, or a day on the beach. There is very easy public transportation in Singapore which makes commuting great. It is very different from Fonty!
Q: It is common for schools to carry an image, which can sometimes breed misconceptions. Can you debunk any myths about your school?
A: 10 month is too short to change careers – not the case. From day 1 we hear about the “magic 3”: location, function, industry. We are told to focus on changing one, and in our second post-MBA job change the second and third. I know multiple people who have changed all three coming out of our program – you just got to work for it!
Q: What advice would you give to applicants to your school?
A: Talk to alumni. Be open to exploring industries from day 1 because the program is short and passes by so quickly Make it your “yes” year – go to all events, to the trips, take the extra classes. You wont regret it!
Q: How has your MBA experience influenced your career, so far?
A: I changed the “magic 3” – function, industry, and geography post MBA. Networking has become a part of my week and I enjoy it because of my MBA. I also now have friends and peers in so many different industries that I am able to ring them up for any question, and get advice for any topic you could think of.
Maya Tenenbaum is an Associate at McKinsey & Company. Before entering management consulting, she served as Corporate Strategy Consultant at Amdocs, a multinational telecommunications company, and as Commercial Capabilities Lead at Philip Morris. She resides in Canada.
