Orgil Nyamaa, INSEAD’s MBA Class of 2021
Age: 28
Hometown: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: National University of Mongolia, B.A. International Economic Relations
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7.5 years in Metals & Mining
Why business school? Why now?
Over the last 7.5 years, I had the opportunity to work in multiple functions and learn how large corporates operate. I felt that now is a good time to work on my leadership and management skills, which can be honed during my MBA in a safe environment with support from world-class faculty.
Why INSEAD? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
First of all, the diversity of the school: there is no one dominant culture and every nationality is a minority. I believe this environment will help me to understand other perspectives and to become a better leader. Another very important factor was the school’s response to COVID-19. INSEAD is one of the very few schools that is offering in-person teaching and all students and faculty get tested on a weekly basis. Then I looked at the school’s alumni network to find which schools had the most alumni in Asia, the region I eventually want to go back to post my MBA. Lastly, the geographical location. Having lived and traveled extensively around Asia and North America, I wanted to study in Europe, especially in the Schengen area.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
Our class is quite special since we are the first class to start during the global pandemic. Prior to the start of the program, all of us, admits, got together to plan several scenarios and coordinated a COVID-19 response with the school.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
During lockdown earlier this year I learned how to handstand in 2 weeks!
Post-MBA career interests?
Entrepreneurship, Tech
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Start early and plan ahead
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I could have spent more time on self-reflection prior to the application.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The period between submitting the application and hearing your results. Meeting my friends and traveling helped me to not think about my application.
What is your initial impression of INSEAD’s students/culture/community?
Everyone is super capable and very supportive. The smaller size of our class helps to form even deeper bonds.
One thing you have learned about INSEAD that has surprised you?
I was surprised by the sheer number of students, who are passionate about sustainability, climate change, and making the world a better place. It definitely resonates with the INSEAD campaign ‘business as a force for good’ beyond just profits. I too will seek to incorporate this value into everything I do.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
There are so many activities happening on top of the already intense curriculum and sadly I can’t attend every one of them. FOMO is a real concern, just wish I had more time.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Meeting people from all over the world!
