Bianca Boranda, INSEAD’s MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: Targoviste, Romania
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Bryn Mawr College, Mathematics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Six years at a global financial risk management advisory firm. I spent my first four years in Philadelphia region as a quant analyst and the latter two years in Singapore as a derivatives consultant for private equity and real estate funds.
Why business school? Why now?
My background is predominantly in mathematics and quantitative sciences, but I was looking to understand the finance sector from other angles as well. After carefully considering PhD, MSc, and B-school, I came to the conclusion that the latter offered the environment which could provide such exposure.
I find 6 years of pre-MBA work experience the sweet spot, as it gives you enough confidence to feel comfortable with your work and become expert in a few areas. It’s also the time when you want to discover what else is out there in the industry and you feel empowered to take the next step forward to your dream career.
Personally, I wanted to learn other areas of business that I haven’t been exposed to and to broaden my network. I also wanted a launching pad for a career in impact investing or sustainable finance, which INSEAD, due to its focus on business as a force for good, is able to provide.
Why INSEAD? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
INSEAD was the only business school I applied to, primarily because of factors such as:
- Strong international culture
- Strong focus on social impact
- One-year programme with locations that suit my personal needs (i.e. Singapore and Fontainebleau – France)
- Tight-knit global alumni network
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
As mentioned earlier, I have a strong background in mathematics (national math Olympiads in middle and high school and major in math during college) and I have worked in a niche sector on a derivatives advisory. This, coupled with my interest in impact investing, will hopefully lead to lively group and classroom discussions on using finance for good.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I love music more than the average Jane, which makes me really good at immediately recognising most hit songs from the last few decades of pop culture. On top of that, my dream side-project is to open a smoothie/wellness café by day which during happy hour converts into a hip bar with healthy cocktails (yes, that’s possible) and a nice playlist that I had curated beforehand.
Post-MBA career interests?
Impact investing, development, and/or sustainable finance.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I hope this doesn’t sound weird, but I thoroughly enjoyed my interviews with alumni. I love how INSEAD uses alumni rather than Admissions Office staff to screen the applicants for the final round.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I wouldn’t plan a vacation the few weeks prior to the deadline. It’s better to keep a focussed mind the weeks leading up to the round deadline.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The first essay of the application can make you feel very vulnerable as you have to write candidly about yourself – it was very helpful discussing about it with admitted students and having it proofread by several people who gave me honest opinions about its content and structure.
What is your initial impression of INSEAD’s students/culture/community?
I’m pleasantly surprised to see how strong the community is even before starting the programme. I met some of my future classmates shortly after getting admitted. Furthermore, staff will be open to support you in your initiatives – whether that involves the setup of a new student club or organising a conference.
One thing you have learned about INSEAD that has surprised you?
How incredibly proactive the career centre is in preparing you for the year ahead in the weeks leading up to your arrival on campus. Besides this, I am amazed at the breadth of opportunities that students get access to through a multitude of channels.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Work-life balance is important to me, so I hope to find time for wellness as well as friends and family who are not sharing the same experience as me. I learned that the first two months into the programme are super-intense and packed, which can create a bit of anxiety.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
All the amazing people I will meet, get to work and share ideas with, but who will also challenge my views! I am also excited about co-founding the Emerging Markets student club and organising a global conference focused on tech and investing for impact in emerging markets.
