Real Humans of the IMD MBA Class of 2023

Marie-Amélie Gléron, IMD’s MBA Class of 2023

Age: 29 years old
Hometown: Hard question for someone who grew up as an expat across Paris (France), Vevey (Switzerland), Warsaw (Poland) and Bucharest (Romania)
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Biotechnological engineering from Sup’Biotech and Master’s in Management of Technology and Innovation from Dauphine/Les Mines ParisTech
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Senior Innovation Specialist, Nestlé Research, 2020-2022; Innovation Associate Specialist, Nestlé Research, 2019-2020; Clinical Supply Specialist & Clinical Operations Mobile Health Trainee, Nestlé Research, 2017-2018

Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to attend business school because I reached a pivotal moment in my career. I needed to choose between a research-focused path and a more commercial path. An MBA appeared as the ideal way to gain the skills and knowledge for the latter. As for the timing, I applied somewhat impulsively when I saw the scholarship opportunities at IMD, piquing my curiosity about the possibilities an MBA could offer at this stage in my career.

Why did you choose IMD? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose IMD primarily for its strong emphasis on leadership development, which was my top priority when selecting a business school. The school’s renowned leadership programs and coaching stood out as exceptional opportunities to enhance my leadership skills. Additionally, the recognition and reputation that IMD holds in today’s business world were significant factors. The school’s global recognition and alumni network offered a compelling advantage, making it an excellent fit for my career aspirations.

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I believe my most valuable and differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024 is my multicultural background and openness. Growing up across multiple countries and being exposed to various nationalities has given me a unique perspective and an innate ability to understand and appreciate diverse viewpoints. This background has shaped my approach to problem-solving, collaboration, and communication, allowing me to bridge cultural gaps and foster a more inclusive and global mindset within the class. I am excited to share my experiences and learn from the rich tapestry of backgrounds represented in our cohort, contributing to a more diverse and globally aware learning environment.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I absolutely love eating and discovering new culinary experiences. In fact, I often choose my travel destinations based on the culinary diversity of the country. Exploring local cuisines and savoring unique dishes from around the world is something that I always look forward to.

Post-MBA career interests:
I am currently investigating commercial positions within both the pharmaceutical and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industries.

Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again as part of my application process is to enjoy the journey. The recruitment team has designed an incredible process that, with the right mindset, can be a genuinely enjoyable experience. My advice is to be yourself, embrace the process, and savor the ride. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your abilities and aspirations, so make the most of it and relish every step. Additionally, don’t forget that you will meet some truly amazing people along the way, so be sure to keep in contact with them. Building and maintaining those connections can be as valuable as the application itself.

–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Looking back on my application process, I wouldn’t change a thing. The IMD team has created a recruitment process that is so well-tailored and effective that there’s little room for improvement. Trust the process and engage with it wholeheartedly.

–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Definitely the GMAT! But apart from that I can honestly say that I enjoyed every part of it, and there is nothing I would have skipped. Each stage had its own value and contributed to the overall experience. The well-structured process and the support of the IMD team made every step manageable and fulfilling.

What is your initial impression of the IMD students/culture/community?
What stands out most is the genuine care and support that is consistently demonstrated among students, faculty, and alumni. From the very beginning, I’ve witnessed a strong sense of camaraderie and a deep bond that forms within this community. It’s a unique and welcoming environment that fosters collaboration and personal growth, making me feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of it.

What is one thing you have learned about IMD that has surprised you?
One thing that has pleasantly surprised me about IMD is the enduring bond that people maintain years after graduating. When they say you make friends for life, I could genuinely see that firsthand at the various alumni events organized throughout the year. The strong connections and relationships that IMD fosters truly extend beyond the classroom and continue to thrive in the professional world.

What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
One thing that made me a bit anxious in the first part of the year was the fear of falling behind in some subjects that were not core to my previous studies, such as finance and accounting. However, IMD had a fantastic onboarding program that helped ease me into these unfamiliar areas.

What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Being constantly challenged, both through the people I met throughout the year and the IMD faculty. This environment is designed to help me grow personally and professionally, and that prospect was highly motivating for me.