Real Humans of the INSEAD MBA Class of 2024

Celina Sarkis, INSEAD’s MBA Class of 2024

Age:  26 years old 
Hometown: Mtayleb, Lebanon
Undergraduate Institution and Major: American University of Beirut, Bachelor in Chemical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): 4 years in management consulting (Roland Berger and Kearney). After graduating from AUB, I joined Roland Berger in September 2019 as a full-time consultant in their Dubai office. I spent 3.5 years with them, working on projects across different functions and industries. My projects were focused in the GCC, namely UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. After that, I took on a 6-month freelance stint with Kearney in 2023 before joining INSEAD in August. 

Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Throughout my four years in consulting, I had the chance to develop comprehensive expertise and gain exposure to different industries. Out of all the industries that I have worked in, healthcare is the one that resonated with me the most, driven by my Type 1 diabetes. The main reason behind pursuing my MBA was to shift into the healthcare sector and, more specifically, into the diabetes field. Living and managing this disease first-hand for the past 11 years ignited my passion for healthcare, and instilled in me a profound appreciation for the vital role pharmaceutical and MedTech companies play in saving lives. 

Why did you choose INSEAD? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was drawn to INSEAD’s highly international and accelerated 1-year MBA program. In addition, my older sister and my partner have attended the INSEAD MBA program. When my partner was at Fontainebleau, I visited him several times at the university on each visit. I was truly immersed in student life, and had a chance to work in the library, use the facilities on campus, and network with diverse students. I witnessed the caliber of community and education, as well as the career opportunities which the university unlocks. As such, this made me even more excited and eager to pursue my MBA here. 

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
My contribution to the Class of 2024 lies in my blend of a diverse background as a female engineer who worked as a management consultant in the Middle East. I have been working on righting the wrong image people generally have of the Middle East (often assumed to be a very enclosed region), and sadly but fortunately, being a female gives me more of credibility. Moreover, I aim to offer insights into healthcare and wellness topics, especially about topics related to type 1 diabetes. I realize the importance of raising awareness about the disease, and I do not shy away from speaking openly about it.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a huge fan of all types of music. I spend numerous hours everyday day listening to playlists I have created and discovering new music. Going to concerts or musical festivals brings me joy.  I attended Roger Waters’ concert in Budapest last March, which left a huge mark on me as I have been a Pink Floyd fan ever since I was young. I am excited to be currently located in Fontainebleau, which is just a train away from Paris, where there are plenty of events ongoing weekly.

Post-MBA career interests:
My goal is to transition into the healthcare industry after my MBA. I am quite flexible about the area of healthcare, and would be open to joining a pharma company, medtech company, biotech, etc. 

Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would do again as part of my application process is focus on my international experience both professionally and personally. INSEAD’s goal is to attract a highly diverse cohort where every person contributes to the learning experience from a different perspective. Make sure you shed light on how you can offer that.

–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I was lucky enough to be offered the Women’s Scholarship without applying to it. However, make sure to apply to relevant Scholarships offered by the program, without writing yourself off. There are plenty of scholarships built for different purposes. Find one that resonates with you the most and apply to it.

–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
One part I would skip about the application process is taking too much advice from friends and family on the essays. You just need 1 or 2 reliable people who can help with your story and proofread your essays. Every person has a different style, and taking too much advice can make the essays lose authenticity. Despite seeking input from several people initially (which was time-consuming and stressful), I ended up sticking to what I thought was right in the first place. 

What is your initial impression of the INSEAD students/culture/community?
Being on campus for more than a month now, I am impressed with the collaborative environment which INSEAD fosters. Students are encouraged to work together and learn from each other’s experience. Teamwork is an integral part of the curriculum. As for teachers and staff on campus, they are really welcoming and inclusive. You truly feel that you are in safe hands.

What is one thing you have learned about INSEAD that has surprised you?
I am surprised about how different, yet how similar everyone really is. Despite students having very different backgrounds, including nationalities, work experience, and lifestyle, you can always find plenty of ways to bond with everyone you talk to.

What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am anxious about finding the right balance between recruitment, social life and academics. Days are already getting very busy, and managing time based on personal priorities is not always easy. It is also hard to find some personal time to just relax and disconnect.

What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited about meeting new people and getting to form strong bonds with them through traveling and engaging in fun activities.