Head Boy, Max Zhao has been reflecting on a wonderful opportunity to study at one of the world’s most famous business schools, INSEAD in Paris. Selected from hundreds of applicants, Max recently attended a MBA taster course. “INSEAD is the world’s top ranking business school and this intense programme included lectures on decision making, team management, aspiration for the world, strategy and negotiation. It helped me understand what things are important in the business world—information, trust, clear goal and collaboration. The lectures we had were more than just theory, summer INSEAD gave us the opportunity to apply our skills via “Your First Hundred Days,” a simulation where you work with 4 other people to acquire a business, negotiate terms with suppliers and distributors and deal with all the issues. I was assigned the role of the Sales and Marketing Director and we collaboratively turned a century old family business into an attractive modern company. In doing so we encountered problems including public relations, leader image, decision making and teamwork.
After this unforgettable, life changing experience, I feel I have a greater understanding of the real business world and people around me. I believe this experience will help me in future, making difficult decisions, collaborating with classmates and co-workers as well as negotiating desired terms with business counterparts. The team management skills will help me lead a better team to achieve whatever task we are set. Most importantly, I am now able to set my own goals and design appropriate strategy to realise my dreams.”
Established in 2015, Summer@INSEAD provides an opportunity for highly talented 15-17 year-olds to widen and enhance their academic pursuits, as well as to meet other students from around the world with similar aspirations and abilities. The intense programme features a world-class academic curriculum, company visits, talks with business leaders and entrepreneurs, as well as numerous cultural, outdoor team building and other social activities. Through this wealth of activities, Summer@INSEAD provides students with a unique and transformative experience. More than just an incremental gain in factual business knowledge, the programme is designed to give participants the opportunity to develop their creativity and critical thinking skills while enhancing their confidence and ability to work across cultures.