Does INSEAD prefer candidates with consulting experience?

INSEAD does not explicitly prefer candidates with consulting backgrounds, but these applicants do form a significant portion of the applicant pool. The school values diversity and seeks to create balanced cohorts representing various industries, functions, and nationalities. 

While consulting experience can provide valuable skills that align with INSEAD's program, candidates from all professional backgrounds can create compelling applications by demonstrating leadership potential, international exposure, and clear career vision. For more information on INSEAD's application requirements, visit our comprehensive guide.

How competitive are consulting candidates compared to other profiles at INSEAD?

Consulting candidates face significant competition at INSEAD as management consultants, particularly those based in Europe, apply in large numbers. While the school has no formal quotas, they work to create diverse classes, which can make competition tougher for over-represented backgrounds.

If you have a consulting background, you need to work harder to stand out across all application elements:

• Academic profile and test scores

• Professional achievements and progression

• International exposure and cross-cultural experiences

• Extracurricular activities and personal interests

This is especially true for European consultants, who are one of the most common applicant profiles. Your challenge will be to differentiate yourself from other candidates with similar backgrounds through your unique experiences, achievements, and personal story.

What advantages do candidates with consulting backgrounds bring to their INSEAD application?

Consulting candidates typically bring several strengths that align well with INSEAD's program:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills honed through client work

• Experience working in teams and managing stakeholder relationships

• Exposure to multiple industries and business challenges

• Often significant international experience or global project work

• Well-developed presentation and communication skills

• Familiarity with case-based learning similar to INSEAD's teaching approach

However, as Sadaf Raza points out: "It's not enough to be a good match for a program; you have to demonstrate that in your application. Sometimes candidates think that the admissions committee will be impressed with their credentials as mentioned on their CV or linkedin, but ticking the criteria is not enough. You have to write well developed essays to demonstrate you have researched their program and already have a good idea of where you will focus your energies during your time at business school to avail the full scope of relevant opportunities on offer. You also need to highlight what value you will offer your cohort, and showcase how committed you are to their program."

Consulting candidates must still clearly articulate their unique experiences, leadership potential, and future goals rather than assuming their consulting background alone will impress the admissions team.

How can candidates without consulting experience make their applications stand out for INSEAD?

Candidates without consulting experience can create strong applications by highlighting their unique perspectives and experiences:

1. Emphasize industry expertise: Your specialized knowledge in healthcare, technology, finance, or other sectors brings valuable diversity to class discussions.

2. Showcase leadership achievements: Highlight times you've led teams, projects, or initiatives, demonstrating your management potential.

3. Demonstrate self-awareness: Sadaf Raza emphasizes, “successful candidates have spent time in self-reflection and are well aware of their strengths and areas of opportunity. Most applicants have only really thought about this at a superficial level”.

4. Articulate clear goals: "The successful applicants have done all of the investigative work, planning, and strategy, before they apply for business school and once they start, are ready for execution. In contrast, the not-so-successful ones make the mistake of thinking that they will use their time at INSEAD to figure it all out”.  explains Sadaf.

5. Highlight international exposure: Even without consulting's global projects, showcase your range of international experiences, whether through work, education, or personal travel.

6. Address potential concerns: If you're concerned about quantitative skills, highlight relevant professional or academic achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.

The key is to show how your unique background will contribute to INSEAD's diverse learning environment while clearly connecting your past experiences to your future goals.

Are certain consulting firms or types of consulting experience more valued by INSEAD?

While INSEAD doesn't officially favor specific consulting firms, international consulting experience aligns particularly well with the school's global orientation. What matters more than the firm's name is:

• The quality and impact of your consulting work

• The skills you've developed and responsibilities you've held

• The diversity of projects and industries you've been exposed to

• Your international and cross-cultural experiences

• Leadership opportunities you've seized

Candidates from both prestigious strategy consulting firms and smaller boutique consultancies can create compelling applications if they can demonstrate the relevant skills and experiences INSEAD values. The school is interested in the substance of your experience rather than just the brand name on your resume.

How does INSEAD view candidates transitioning from consulting to other industries through the MBA?

INSEAD is very supportive of career transitions, with most students making changes in their industry, function, or geography after their MBA. The school's 10-month program is specifically designed to facilitate such transitions, though the accelerated timeline means you must be focused in your planning.

For consultants looking to transition to other fields, INSEAD expects:

• A clear rationale for why you want to change industries

• Evidence you've researched your target industry thoroughly

• An understanding of how your consulting skills will transfer to your new field

• A realistic plan for making the transition within the 10-month timeframe

The school values candidates who can articulate how an INSEAD MBA specifically fits into their career evolution, rather than those who are simply looking to escape consulting without a clear direction.

What percentage of the INSEAD class typically comes from consulting backgrounds?

While the exact percentage varies from year to year, consulting consistently represents one of the largest professional backgrounds at INSEAD. Management consultants, especially those from Europe, apply in substantial numbers.

INSEAD’s commitment to diversity means that while consultants form a significant percentage of each class, they don't dominate the program. INSEAD admissions carefully balances each cohort to ensure students benefit from exposure to diverse industries and professional perspectives.

The school values what each unique candidate brings to the classroom, regardless of industry background. This means that strong candidates from any sector can be competitive in the admissions process if they present their experiences effectively.

Are you ready to take the next step in your INSEAD application journey? For personalized guidance from the leading INSEAD admissions expert, INSEAD interviewer and alumna Sadaf Raza, apply now for a consultation with Leadearly.