Philippe Proulx-Rocray, INSEAD’s MBA Class of 2024
Philippe Proulx-Rocray, INSEAD’s MBA Class of 2024Age: 26
Hometown: Montreal
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Management consultant, McKinsey, 3 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now? As I’ve only completed an undergraduate degree before joining McKinsey, I wanted to acquire further academic experience and expand my knowledge before taking the next step. I also wish to take a temporary step back from McKinsey to reflect on my experience and what I’ve learned.
Why did you choose INSEAD? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I only applied to two Universities and was convinced early on that INSEAD would be my first choice. I have met and worked with several INSEAD alumni that all have had a transformative experience here. I was very quickly convinced that my journey at INSEAD would be as enriching as theirs and decided that it would be the right program for me. Also, I want to continue my career in Europe and was keen to follow an accelerated MBA program, so a 1-year European MBA was a good fit for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I have had a very wide range of professional experiences through my three years in Management Consulting. I have worked on engagements in over ten countries and in various industries (e.g., Manufacturing, pharma, aerospace, etc.). Pulling from my knowledge of various industries, I will hopefully be able to bring real-life insights and a global perspective to class discussion.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have just completed an 8-month backpacking trip in Asia that took my partner and I to China, Mongolia and most of Asia’s Southeastern countries.
Post-MBA career interests:
Continuing in Management Consulting for a few years. Currently assessing career path for the mid-term to long-term.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Speak to many alumni from each school you’re interested in. This will enable you to make an informed decision on which school to select and help you in interviews.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have my application essays reviewed by more peers, long before the application deadline. Peer reviews give a much-needed independent perspective on your essay and help address gaps you would likely not detect.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT. Obviously, an important part of the process that required a significant time commitment. My advice would be to skim the “theory” very quickly and reserve as much time as possible to practice questions and exams.
What is your initial impression of the INSEAD students/culture/community?
I was expecting a very diverse cohort, but I didn’t quite grasp the extent to which it would enrich class discussion and everyday interaction.
What is one thing you have learned about INSEAD that has surprised you?
The University was founded not that long ago, in 1957. It is a fairly young institution that has already achieved world-class standards and trained some of the world’s most prominent leaders.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Not carving out enough time for individual reflection. With the abundance of classes, student clubs, social events, networking events and others, it’s easy to see how the very busy schedule of the MBA could lead oneself to be absorbed in the frenzy of the program and have limited individual time to reflect.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Meeting people from various backgrounds, both from a geographical and professional experience standpoint. I am very keen on learning from people that have grown up with different norms/values and that have different work experience than me. I am eager to understand how these differences will impact and enrich the group collaboration throughout the program.
