Kirsten Spittel, INSEAD MBA Class of 2019 J
Age: 29
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA, USA, but I’ve lived in Washington, DC, since 2007
Undergraduate Institution and Major: George Washington University, international affairs
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Seven years in marketing for various non-profits and startups
Why business school? Why now? The MBA had always been a goal of mine, and I wanted to complete it before I turn 30. Plus, I had reached a natural juncture in my career: I realized I didn’t want to pursue the CMO route but to instead pivot my focus to consulting.
Why INSEAD? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? I wanted to do a top-ranked, one-year MBA program and to study outside of the United States. INSEAD’s reputation globally and the diversity of the student population definitely set it apart from other schools. I was fortunate to visit the Fontainebleau campus and experience the diversity and culture firsthand. Additionally, every alum I talked to during the application process truly embodied the INSEAD values of openness and curiosity.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019 J? Prior to joining INSEAD, my side gig was coaching rowing teams. As a result, I’m comfortable leading groups and motivating others. I hope to serve in a leadership role within one of INSEAD’s clubs this year.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? I worked a brief stint in college as a pastry chef.
Post-MBA career interests? 
My goal is to shift from marketing into consulting. I’m fascinated by human capital and how companies can better organize themselves in the digital age.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Network with as many alums as possible. Through phone calls and coffee chats, I was able to get a clear picture of the INSEAD experience, both as a student and as an alum.
–One thing you would change or do differently? Don’t stress so much over the video interview. I must have practiced for two hours before completing this step (which only takes five minutes, btw). The videos are a chance for you to show your personality to the admissions committee in a less formal way than the essays.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? The GMAT. Studying for it helped me get into the right mindset to go back to school, but I’m just as happy to not see those problem sets again.
What is your initial impression of INSEAD’s students/culture/community? INSEAD’s community was a primary motivator for my decision to apply, and it has certainly lived up to my expectations. In my first weeks here, I’ve met people from all reaches of the globe. While in many ways we are different, we’re all at INSEAD right now pursuing our MBAs; there’s something truly unique about this experience. 
One thing you have learned about INSEAD that has surprised you? I was surprised by the number of American students in my cohort. In the United States, INSEAD is not yet a well-known program; however, Americans are one of the largest nationality groups in our class.
Thing you are most anxious about in the year ahead? Finding time to do everything I want to accomplish. The opportunities to learn and explore are endless, and FOMO is a real factor, so I’m taking it one day at a time.
Thing you are most excited about in your time at INSEAD? Diversity is one of the primary reasons why I’m attending INSEAD. My classmates are from all over the world, and I look forward to getting to know them and learn from them.
