INSEAD MBA Essays

The INSEAD MBA program is one of the most sought-after business programs globally, known for its diversity and accelerated curriculum. The program has two intakes each year, in January and August, allowing candidates flexibility in choosing their preferred start date. The application process is structured around four rounds for each intake, providing multiple opportunities for applicants to submit their materials and gain admission. The INSEAD MBA essays are for those who are capable of thriving in multicultural environments and leading organizations globally.

INSEAD MBA Application Deadlines

The latest application deadlines for the INSEAD MBA program are as follows:

August 2025 Intake (Class of July 2026)

Round	Application Deadline	Final Decision Notification
Round 1	10 September 2024	15 November 2024
Round 2	05 November 2024	10 January 2025
Round 3	14 January 2025	21 March 2025
Round 4	04 March 2025	02 May 2025

Tips for Writing Effective Essays

• Be Authentic: Let your true personality shine through in your writing.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Use vivid examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
• Proofread Carefully: Ensure your essays are free of grammatical errors and typos.
• Seek Feedback: Ask friends, family, or mentors to review your essays and provide constructive criticism.

Example Essays

1. Briefly summarise your current (or most recent) job, including the nature of work, major responsibilities, and where relevant, employees under your supervision, size of budget, clients/products and results achieved. (200 words maximum)

I serve as the Regional Marketing and branding Manager at XYZ Group, an X textile leader in sustainability. My role involves pioneering the marketing division in X and Y, expanding to the M, and overseeing a 1.5 mn EURO budget and a nine-member team. My major responsibilities include developing and executing regional marketing strategies, establishing a brand presence, and fostering collaboration with retailers and designers for co-branded sustainable products. My marketing initiatives have contributed to approx. 300 mn EURO in sales, making up 35% of the global textile business. I have effectively promoted textile ingredients as key differentiators for end consumers, which has enabled me to establish over 140 brand partnerships with major retailers, including A, B and C, amplifying our B2B ingredient brands K and L fibers. I’ve successfully launched the world’s largest lyocell fiber plant in Tx, ensuring record sales of 1^st lot achieved in 6 months against a target of 8 months. My focus on integrating sustainability into mainstream fashion has not only overseen a 30% increased contribution of revenue from the region over 4.5 years but has also positioned XYZ Group as a market leader in the regional textile industry. 

2. Discuss your short- and long-term career aspirations with an MBA from INSEAD. (100 words maximum)

Post MBA, I aim to pursue product marketing roles in sustainability-centric lifestyle brands like N and L in Europe. This move builds upon my Asian market experience, while allowing me to tap into Europe’s pioneer position in sustainability.
Recognizing Asia’s impending dominance in manufacturing & consumption patterns, my long-term vision involves returning to the region. With the insights gained, I aim to reshape its sustainable lifestyle product sector, merging brand expertise with sustainability principles and consumer awareness. INSEAD, with its robust sustainability curriculum and presence in France and Singapore, aligns seamlessly with this trajectory.

3. Describe all types of extra-professional activities in which you have been or are still involved for a significant amount of time (clubs, sports, music, arts, etc.). How are you enriched by these activities? (maximum 300 words)

In the evolving world of Indian fashion, I encountered many challenges in my early days, from academic decisions to career paths. Understanding growth opportunities in fields like merchandising was perplexing. Recognizing a lack of structured guidance, I decided to give back. 

My engagements started with my alma mater where I delivered a lecture on industry skills. In the last 7 years, I have collaborated with 4 colleges and guided 1000+ students on career choices, soft skills, and decision-making through lectures, juries, and mentoring sessions. In recent years, I have been invited to talk about emerging topics on sustainability and fashion by publications like the D, E. My sessions have reached a young audience of 20000+, through platforms like A, B, and on-ground events. I ensure an open-door policy for folks who need support. Recently, I mentored K, a postgrad student who needed direction on a career in sustainability. I hired her as an intern and guided them on various opportunities. She finally secured a position with a fast-growing textile blockchain firm. I was proud to see her find her calling. These experiences have further broadened my learning. New ideas brought by students enhance my perspective of the industry and its challenges.

I am also an avid yoga student. As a busy professional, I used to take fitness and well-being for granted. But challenges during Covid got me to seriously re-prioritize my health. Since then, I found my comfort in yoga as a source of physical and mental fitness. The experience exposed my impatience and incoherence developed while in pursuit of a ‘busy’ life. Yoga has instilled in me a sense of tolerance and mindfulness. These traits have not only benefitted my health but also helped me in finding a balance between different aspects of my life. 

Conclusion

Crafting compelling INSEAD MBA essays requires careful thought, planning, and self-reflection. By understanding INSEAD’s focus, addressing the key essay components, and following the tips provided, you can increase your chances of gaining admission to this prestigious program. Remember, the goal is to present a well-rounded picture of yourself that showcases your potential as a future global leader.