Laras Sandra Sindora, IMD’s MBA Class of 2025
Age: 33
Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universitas Indonesia, Accounting
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Credit Risk Manager, PT Bank Mandiri (Persero), Tbk, 9 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Getting a master’s degree abroad has been a dream of mine since my undergraduate years. However, it felt out of reach, as I lacked the financial freedom to pursue it. I began working, enjoyed earning money, and eventually set the dream aside. Now, after 9 years in my banking career, I’ve realized that I need to learn more than what I can gain from my job. I want to grow. I can’t stay stagnant. Around the same time, my employer offered me a scholarship focused on business. It felt like the universe was speaking to me, and that’s when I made the decision to pursue an MBA.
Why did you choose IMD Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The most prominent factor in choosing IMD is its focus on leadership and sustainability. While technical skills can be learned anywhere, I feel that IMD offers the opportunity to unlock something within myself, making me a better person and leader. I am also very interested in sustainability, which is an emerging topic in my country. Since it is a relatively new concept in banking, I want to be among the few in Indonesia with expertise in sustainable financing and make an impact in this field.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the IMD MBA Class of 2025?
I’m a people person, and I see myself as the heart of the cohort. I connect with everyone, no matter where they come from, and I foster a personal approach to help create a safe space for the group. I’m also part of the DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) committee, which plays a significant role in ensuring inclusivity within the cohort.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
While working full-time at a bank, I’ve also pursued my interest in cooking. I enjoy learning about food, the ingredients, the various cultures behind it, and the stories of its origins. I also enjoy inviting my classmates over for home-cooked meals, where we can share different stories and get to know each other over dinner. For me, food is not just something to eat; it’s an interesting way to bring people together and appreciate diverse cultures.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am sponsored by my employer, and I will return to them after my MBA. However, I would love to try a different role within the company, as banking offers a variety of career paths. Ideally, I hope to gain a broader, more strategic perspective on the company, particularly in roles related to strategy and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I was very ambitious during the application process. Normally, I’m more laid-back and accepting of what comes my way. However, during this time, I pushed myself to the limit. I researched many business schools, downloaded brochures, and considered how each program would fit me—and how I would fit the program. I connected with alumni, attended online recruitment sessions, even waking up in the middle of the night due to time differences. This effort helped me narrow my focus to schools that truly suited my needs, allowing me to allocate my energy better. Now, as I pursue my MBA at IMD, I’m so glad I put in the extra work, as the school fits me perfectly and maximizes my growth potential.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have taken better care of my health during the application process. I was so focused and ambitious, while also working a full-time job, that I didn’t sleep well, ate unhealthy food, and neglected exercise. As a result, I got sick several times. I should have managed my health better so I wouldn’t lose time due to illness.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
To be honest, I would have loved to skip the GMAT preparation and test. It was an exhausting process, especially while working full-time. I felt depressed, and at times, I wanted to give up entirely. What kept me going was the scholarship opportunity from my company, which meant so much to me. I kept reminding myself that the struggle would be worth it, and that helped me persevere.
What is your initial impression of the IMD MBA students/culture/community?
The IMD culture is very people-focused, fostering deep relationships rather than transactional ones. The diverse student profiles, combined with the small class size, help us build strong bonds and work more effectively together.
What is one thing you have learned about IMD that has surprised you?
I was surprised that at IMD, I had the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. It feels like an upgrade for both the brain and the heart. While I knew leadership was a significant part of IMD’s program, I didn’t realize the breadth of the concept until I was in the program. Leadership here covers everything from managing emotions to building relationships—lessons that extend beyond the workplace.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
At the start of the program, I was anxious about keeping up with other MBA students from different backgrounds. Coming from a developing country, I sometimes felt inferior to classmates from other parts of the world, and this held me back from speaking up and sharing my ideas. However, as time passed, I realized that everyone was very supportive and appreciative of all contributions. This reduced my anxiety throughout the year, and now I feel much more comfortable speaking up and collaborating with my brilliant classmates.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Despite my initial anxiety, I’m also most excited about working with people from diverse backgrounds. I’m eager to learn from everyone, contribute to the group, and build lasting connections with colleagues from around the world.
