INSEAD conducts two interviews and mostly these are by alumni. My interviewers had not got my essays; all they had is the interview form I was asked by the adcom to send to them.
First Interview – Junior Alumnus, early 30s. Duration 45 mins
The interview was very relaxed, in a café. It started by the interviewer telling me that she was mainly interested to know what I had done so far, what my career goals are and why INSEAD. I started with my life story and how I had come to become the person I am today. We found a few things in common and talked a bit about those. Then, I went on to describe my motivations and reasons for going to INSEAD. It ended with the interviewer giving me info about INSEAD and how to choose courses etc. To list the questions I was asked.
• Tell me about yourself
• Why MBA? Why INSEAD?
• More questions about my strategy for my business venture
• Did you apply to any other schools? How would you prioritize your decision if admitted to two or more?
• I was specifically asked about the application essay 5 – Have you ever experienced culture shock? What insights did you gain?
Second interview – Senior Alumnus, mid 50s. Duration 45 mins
My second interview was also at a café. This was a bit more serious than the first one, but not harsh in any way.
• Why MBA? Why INSEAD?
• I was asked some challenging questions about my long term goals and how an MBA would help me achieve my goals as opposed some other courses.
• What is your current role and some technical clarifications related to my job as my job is not something people can easily understand from the job description
• Did you apply to any other schools? How would you prioritize your decision if admitted to two or more?
• Tell me about your international experience. How do you manage cultural differences?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses and what are you looking to get from the MBA. Follow on questions regarding my weaknesses.
