Fatoumata

My objective is to eventually go back to Senegal and contribute to its development as an entrepreneur. I understand that if I want to have an impact on the development of my country I need to gather a network Europeans, Africans and others interested in the development of Senegal and it isn’t easy to have any access to decision-makers and leaders when you have only a minor degree and work for Deloitte. I needed a degree that would give me access and help me build the network which will help me build my company to become a global CEO and contribute to the development of Africa.

I already had a Master of Science and Management from EM Lyon and felt that a one year program would be enough for my purposes. I also got accepted to Wharton and Harvard but decided that INSEAD was financially a good investment, practically more do-able and also in line with my career aspirations.

The most difficult part of the application was the GMAT. It was quite surprising as I am quite good at English (I had an Exchange Program while at EM Lyon and I learned English completely for the Program). I believe it was more because the format and duration were not something I was used to and I needed a long time to adapt, learn and practice and I am very thankful to Dr. Hubert Silly that he was patient and spent time with me to help me gain confidence and also interest in the test.

Ranked number one by the Financial Times, INSEAD is definitely one of the best in terms of its curriculum and its teaching methodology. However, my aim for going to INSEAD was not just the curriculum. Being very ambitious, the INSEAD program appealed to me as I could attend classes in Singapore and Fontainebleau and also have an exchange program with Wharton. In short, I managed to build networks on three different continents at the same time. This was one of INSEAD’s biggest draw-ins for me and I have been very happy with my experience here.

First of all, find the right fit. I am a good example of someone who was accepted to three top MBA programs and probably took the least prestigious of the three schools, but I chose INSEAD because I felt that INSEAD corresponds more to what I need today.

Be realistic, at least as far as your finances are concerned. It is a huge investment and you need to be sure about the program.

Be patient. I first met Dr. Hubert silly in 2013. After that, I was ill and got hospitalized and could not work to continue preparing for the GMAT due to health problems. I came to see him three years later. This MBA was a long term goal and it was quite difficult too. I believe that this MBA contributed to my healing too as it gave me an objective to overcome my illness and start a new life.

Finally, you should work with people who are experts in the field. There are a lot of names in the market today but the MBA Center has been in business for almost 25 years and they have endured because of the quality education that they offer. I have several friends who worked with Dr. Hubert Silly and got accepted to Wharton, Harvard, etc. I can see that my friends and contacts have been able to reach their dream school thanks to the expertise, dedication and hard work of the leader of the MBA Center.