INSEAD Global Executive MBA Frequently Asked Questions Page 2. Structure and Curriculum Page 4. Admissions Requirements and Selection Criteria Page 5. INSEAD EMBA Admissions Test Page 8. Admissions Process Page 9. Programme Fees, Financing and Scholarships Page 10. Careers 1
Structure and Curriculum 1. What will the class be like? 2. After years out of school, how hard is it to adjust to an intensive programme such as the INSEAD GEMBA? 3. How much time does the INSEAD GEMBA programme require? 4. Who teaches in the INSEAD GEMBA? 5. Can I waive any previously completed courses or apply for credits? 6. How will I be graded at INSEAD? 7. What kind of degree does the INSEAD EMBA programme confer? 8. Are there activities planned for the Partners of GEMBAs? 1. What will the class be like? The INSEAD GEMBA programme - as any INSEAD learning experience - is aimed at a wide range of executives from many different countries, industries, academic and business backgrounds. The diversity in INSEAD classes truly enriches the learning experience, as each student contributes with his or her own culture, perspective and mindset to the issues studied. Moreover, one of the cornerstones of our programme is our emphasis on group work and virtual teams and the importance of sharing best practices. Executive MBA participants are an important source of support to each other, developing close friendships and international professional network. For related information, see Participant Profile. 2. After years out of school, how hard is it to adjust to an intensive programme such as the INSEAD GEMBA? Returning to an intense learning environment such as the INSEAD GEMBA, after many years in business, certainly means adjustment and a major time commitment. But it is also a source of renewed inspiration and energy, a real life-changing experience. To make it work, you need to be prepared to invest time and energy in the people and the programme. 3. How much time does the INSEAD GEMBA programme require? The INSEAD GEMBA programmes require a significant time commitment. This translates into 60 days out of the office for the Europe section and the Middle East section, and only 45 days out of the office for the Asia section due to the week-end format for part of the programme. In addition to the on-campus modules, there is an equivalent of 4-5 weeks of off-campus assignments and preparation. For more information on the programme, see Programme Schedule. 4. Who teaches in the INSEAD GEMBA? Full-time INSEAD Faculty constitutes the majority of the GEMBA teaching team. Some Faculty are engaged in teaching within the full-time MBA programme, and most of them have substantial experience in high-level Executive Education. For more information, see The Faculty. 2
5. Can I waive any previously completed courses or apply for credits? No. Our experience has been that our GEMBA offers unique value, even to those participants well versed in a discipline. Plus, the design of the INSEAD GEMBA implies that everyone in the class takes all the courses together, contributing to each others learning. 6. How will I be graded at INSEAD? There is an exam at the end of each core course and for the electives a variety of evaluation methods will be applied. Final course grades for most courses will be determined by a mix of class participation, projects and exams. For exams, INSEAD grades on a Standard Normal Curve, also called a Z-Curve, with a mean of 3.0. 7. What kind of degree does the INSEAD EMBA programme confer? The diploma is the INSEAD Executive Master of Business Administration. 8. Are there activities planned for the Partners of GEMBAs? Yes, INSEAD has organised events for GEMBA partners. These are tailor-made for each GEMBA class, so can vary from year to year. 3
Admission Requirements and Selection Criteria 1. What does the Admissions Committee look for in a competitive application? 2. What is Corporate Endorsement? 3. Can I discuss the GEMBA Programme with someone before I apply? 1. What does the Admissions Committee look for in a competitive application? Admission to the INSEAD GEMBA programme is competitive. We look to admit applicants who can demonstrate their potential as leaders and have shown significant professional achievements and motivation through their career evolution. We look for participants who will contribute proactively and share the insights they have gained throughout their professional and personal experience. A competitive applicant manages to demonstrate a clear desire for intellectual growth, both in the classroom and through working on group projects. We select participants who demonstrate cross-cultural understanding and an international outlook. Finally, admitted candidates have demonstrated their academic capacity to address the intensive, rigorous and challenging EMBA curriculum. Both GMAT and the INSEAD EMBA Admissions Test provide a uniform and standardized way of evaluating candidates to that effect. Academic transcripts and Test scores help us determine analytical skills and if a student would benefit from doing preparatory work for some of the courses, particularly mathematically-based ones. For related information, please check Participants Profile and Admissions Criteria. 2. What is Corporate Endorsement? Each GEMBA candidate must have corporate endorsement before starting the programme. Corporate endorsement means: Your company acknowledges the necessary time commitment you need to complete the programme. Corporate endorsement does not necessarily mean the employer is paying the full tuition fee for the programme, although some participants are fully or partially financially sponsored for the Executive MBA programme. 3. Can I discuss the GEMBA Programme with someone before I apply? You are most welcome to contact us at emba.info@insead.edu to express your questions, learn about forthcoming on- or off campus presentations or arrange for an on-campus one-on-one meeting with GEMBA staff. 4
INSEAD EMBA Admissions Test 1. How do I prepare for the test? 2. Should I prepare myself by doing GMAT questions? 3. Is it easier than the GMAT? 4. What is the case study about? How should I prepare for it? 5. What are the test components? 6. Where can I take the test? 7. Can I just turn-up for the test? 8. How much does it cost to take the test? 9. When do I get the results? 10. Is it in English only? 11. Will there be other candidates? 12. What time of day is the test? 13. If I cannot make the date, can I reschedule? 14. Where does this fit in the application process? Should I have been in touch with an advisor beforehand for a pre-assessment? 15. I have taken the GMAT but I am not happy with my score. Can I take the INSEAD test? 16. How will the test be graded? Will I know the scores? 17. If I did not succeed on the application, can I reapply later with a GMAT score? 18. What weight is given to the INSEAD test in the overall evaluation of my application? 19. Can I get information on getting to the campuses, transport and places to stay the night? 1. How do I prepare for the test? INSEAD provides a set of sample questions for you to understand the multiple choice question format and some drills to help you to refresh your verbal and quantitative skills. There is no need to prepare for the case presentation, INSEAD will offer some brief guidelines on delivering the presentation. These guidelines will be repeated on the day itself. 2. Should I prepare myself by doing GMAT questions? As the GMAT (and SAT and GRE) has a broadly similar structure, you can get a feeling for the test structure through looking at GMAT questions. However the GMAT also tests many areas that the INSEAD test does not, and vice versa. There are question formats in the INSEAD EMBA Admissions Test that are not in other standardized tests, and you will likely waste time examining questions in the GMAT that will simply not appear in the INSEAD test. The INSEAD test is designed to be taken without requiring a preparation outside of what we recommend above. 3. Is it easier than the GMAT? It is different. It tests a broader range of aptitudes including allowing a presentation to be made to indicate ability to analyse a business scenario and communicate it. It does NOT require you to spend time on extensive preparation for rule-based mathematics and English grammar correction that would not be used in a business context. The INSEAD test only requires you to familiarize yourself with the format of the test. You may also refresh your verbal and quantitative skills by practicing the drill questions if necessary. 5
4. What is the case study about? How should I prepare for it? You are given a business scenario in story format to read and absorb, with some number and background information. You will arrive a general understanding of what is happening in the scenario and realize what the key points of the case are. You will make a presentation of up to three slides summarizing the situation, and what the appropriate challenges and opportunities for the business are. The case will pose three questions that you must answer along the lines described above. A business person with significant experience in presentation will have been prepared for this exercise through their job. The case presentation need not be prepared for. This is a holistic test of your approach to reviewing a business scenario, and your personal presentation and communication skills will shine in this part of the test. In fact, your individual personal approach will be valued better than a coached one. It is your opportunity to differentiate against other candidates. There is no right or wrong result. The INSEAD test does not look like a traditional consulting case, there is no need to review cases online. It is designed to be readable and understandable by people without a consulting background. 5. What are the test components? The INSEAD Test comprises of 5 sections: Data analysis, data interpretation, communication analysis, critical thinking and a case presentation. For more information, please see. Essentially there are math problems that test your fluency with numbers, and ability to perform business mathematics as part of your job, and verbal problems that test your ability to zero in on the relevant content in logical and opinion pieces. If you do not use mathematics in work frequently, this will be indicated in your resume as well, and INSEAD will make recommendations for pre-emba preparation. You should not feel like you have to hit a particular target. The class will be balanced by people of different strengths, the test simply aids the admissions committee to understand your profile better. 6. Where can I take the test? On any of our campuses in Fontainebleau, Singapore and Abu Dhabi, on test dates approximately once a month. 7. Can I just turn-up for the test? No, you need to submit your application to the programme at least 2 weeks before your chosen test date. Once your application has passed pre-screening, you will be able to confirm your place and issue online payment for the test ( 185). 8. How much does it cost to take the test? The cost to take the INSEAD EMBA Admissions test is EUR 185 globally. Once you have submitted your application indicating that you would like to take the test, your file will be pre-screened and upon the Admissions committee s approval you will receive an email with the payment link. Payment can be made with all major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express). 9. When do I get the results? You should know the result of your application to the programme within 2-3 weeks of completion of your file, including transcripts, recommendation letters, the interview report and your GMAT score or the INSEAD EMBA Admissions test. 10. Is it in English only? Yes. 6
11. Will there be other candidates? Yes, there will be other candidates on the test day. 12. What time of day is the test? It would take place either in the morning or afternoon. We recommend that you set aside 5 hours for the visit and the test. The visit is also a good opportunity for you to get to know INSEAD and the EMBA programme. Should the test day coincide with an EMBA module, you will also get to interact with current participants. 13. If I cannot make the date, can I reschedule? Yes, you may choose another date on the test schedule. 14. Where does this fit in the application process? Should I have been in touch with an advisor beforehand for a pre-assessment? We recommend that you get in touch with our Assistant Directors of Marketing for a discussion once you begin considering the programme. They would be able to help you with a pre-assessment, discuss your needs, and guide you along the process. 15. I have taken the GMAT but I am not happy with my score. Can I take the INSEAD test? Yes you can. 16. How will the test be graded? Will I know the scores? The test will be marked and the result used to indicate the candidate s relative strengths in quantitative ability, logical and analytical skills and communication skills. The result is not released as the INSEAD test score is not a comparative one, but an indicative one. 17. If I did not succeed on the application, can I reapply later with a GMAT score? It is up to the Admissions Committee to decide whether you can reapply and what course of actions is needed for you to improve your application. 18. What weight is given to the INSEAD test in the overall evaluation of my application? The test helps admissions to gauge your likely performance in an academic and classroom environment, to determine your profile accordingly, and to aid them to propose additional preparation before the EMBA. There is no weighting. The most important part of your application remains your track record as a business person and your plan for maximizing the EMBA opportunity to develop your career. 19. Can I get information on getting to the campuses, transport and places to stay the night? Yes, upon application and invitation to the test, you will receive the information. 7
Admissions Process 1. Is the Admissions Process different for each GEMBA section? 2. What is the INSEAD GEMBA Application and Admissions Process like? 3. Are there specific deadlines for sending in my GEMBA application? 1. Is the Admissions Process different for each GEMBA section? No, the Admissions Process is the same whichever GEMBA section you apply for. 2. What is the INSEAD GEMBA Application and Admissions Process like? Application: All applications to the INSEAD EMBA are submitted online. Make sure to thoroughly complete the Application Form, giving accurate and up-to-date information; and take the time to reflect upon and write up the six essays (one of which is optional). You will need to provide us with the required supporting documents including two recommendation letters - ideally from your current or past professional environment. You will also specify in in your application whether you take the GMAT (in which case you need to provide us with your GMAT score) or whether you plan to sit the INSEAD EMBA Admissions Test. More on the application checklist here. Admissions Pre-selection: once the application is complete, the Pre-selection Committee decides whether or not to invite you to the next stage an Admissions interview if you presented a GMAT score or an invitation to take the INSEAD EMBA Admissions test. Admissions Decision: once interview reports (for GMAT score holders) or test and panel results (for INSEAD test-takers) are received, final decisions are made by the Admissions Committee and notifications are sent to candidates by mail/e-mail within ten days of the interview or of the INSEAD EMBA Admissions test date. 3. Are there specific deadlines for sending in my GEMBA application? The INSEAD GEMBA programme operates a staged Admissions process. However we are continually receiving and reviewing applications. It is strongly recommended to apply early. Application deadlines are different for each GEMBA section as programmes start at different dates. Should you wish to take the INSEAD EMBA Admissions test, you must submit your application at least two weeks prior to the test date. 8
Programme Fees, Financing and Scholarships 1. Why should my company sponsor me? 2. How much does the INSEAD GEMBA programme cost compared to the full-time MBA programme? 3. How do participants pay for the INSEAD GEMBA Programme? 4. How can I fund my INSEAD GEMBA - do you have any scholarships? 1. Why should my company sponsor me? The INSEAD GEMBA programmes should be regarded as a win-win proposal for sponsoring companies. The company invests in developing your skills and rewarding your ambitions. While broadening your managerial skills, you continue to contribute to the company, and your job performance is strengthened by the programme s applicable content and enriched by interactions with INSEAD faculty and sharing best practices with an international group of peers. For related information, see Sponsoring Companies. 2. How much does the INSEAD GEMBA programme cost compared to the full-time MBA programme? Comparing costs is not always as easy as it appears. While the GEMBA programme may appear to be more expensive than the fulltime MBA programme at INSEAD, it s important to take the following into account: The cost of the GEMBA programmes cover tuition and fees, all required instructional materials, books and computing charges, selected meals.(it does not include transport, accommodation and dinners). There is no real opportunity cost since you can complete the GEMBA programme without leaving your job - unlike the full-time programme. 3. How do participants pay for the INSEAD GEMBA Programme? Nearly half of the GEMBA participants receive some financial support from their sponsoring companies. The remainder is roughly balanced between self-funding and partial corporate funding, although these proportions fluctuate by year. 4. How can I fund my INSEAD GEMBA - do you have any scholarships? Yes, we do have scholarships available. This information is available here. 9
Careers 1. Is there a placement service for EMBA graduates at INSEAD? 2. What does the EMBA career services department do? 3. When do I have access to the EMBA Career Services department? 4. I am sponsored by my company; do I have access to Career Services? 5. Do you have data related to the employment potential for EMBA graduates or any employment statistics for previous classes graduates? 6. Am I going to find a new job after my EMBA? 7. Will an EMBA help me in achieving a career change? 8. Which companies typically recruit EMBAs? 9. I want to do an EMBA at INSEAD to pursue my career abroad. Will this be realistic? 1. Is there a placement service for EMBA graduates at INSEAD? INSEAD does not provide a placement service. However, the INSEAD EMBA Career Services department offers support in career management strategy and delivers professional development advice. 2. What does the EMBA career services department do? Our dedicated EMBA career services staff provides individual career advice sessions and access to career coaches. They also conduct workshops on campus or via WebEx on topics like CV writing, interviews skills, cover letter, strategy on job search etc. and publish a CV book (for self-sponsored participants). Furthermore, the career services team maintains dedicated online resources such as an EMBA career intranet website and an INSEAD recruitment platform with specific job postings for EMBAs. 3. When do I have access to the EMBA Career Services department? Participants have access as soon as the programme starts and up until graduation. After graduation, they become alumni and fall into the remit of the Alumni Career Services offering a life-long support. 4. I am sponsored by my company; do I have access to Career Services? Participants who are sponsored for more than 51% of the tuition fee have limited access to Career Services. Should you wish to gain full access to all career services, you will need to provide us with an agreement letter from your company. 5. Do you have data related to the employment potential for EMBA graduates or any employment statistics for previous classes graduates? We do not have official data collected. However, we do follow up closely with alumni and the general trend is that within 12-18 months after graduation, participants have evolved within their career, either internally or externally. 6. Am I going to find a new job after my EMBA? An EMBA programme is a learning and development programme. It is not a job search programme and each participant is fully in charge of his/her career. Having earned such a prestigious diploma is definitely a competitive advantage; however it will not guarantee a new job after the EMBA. Our career services team will be here to support you with job search strategy during the programme, and many participants say that the their professional and personal advise they receive through the INSEAD network of classmates and alumni has been invaluable in planning their next career move. 10
7. Will an EMBA help me in achieving a career change? EMBAs are senior professionals and one of their strengths is the experience they bring (functional and /or sectorial). A complete career change (function and sector and geography) will be highly unlikely at their level, and not recommended. 8. Which companies typically recruit EMBAs? Companies hardly recruit EMBA participants solely because of the EMBA degree. They recruit specific profiles, with specific experiences and skills. Candidates will be recruited because of their experience, their skills, and the added value they can bring to the organisation. Few recruiters are coming on campus for EMBA only. Companies interested in hiring experienced and senior individuals will prefer to engage with EMBA participants on a one-to-one basis, targeting specific profiles and relevant experience, rather than an entire class. This does not mean that companies are not active with INSEAD when it comes to EMBAs, but rather that their approach is different as compared to the big recruitment drives of the full-time MBA programme. 9. I want to do an EMBA at INSEAD to pursue my career abroad. Will this be realistic? Many recruiters require experience, or at least very strong knowledge, of the region when participants are coming from abroad. This is specifically true for Asia, a little less for the Middle East. However, being based in the target region when looking for a job is close to compulsory. An additional challenge for Europe is that more and more countries are implementing increasingly restrictive visa policies (for example the UK), making it difficult for non-eu nationals to find work in Europe. Finally, in many European countries, speaking the local language is a must. Do you have other questions about INSEAD s GEMBA? Ask us! 11