As I return to Roland Berger after an incredible year pursuing my MBA at INSEAD, I find myself reflecting on what this experience has meant to me — both professionally and personally. It has been a transformative journey filled with challenges, learning, and unforgettable moments. Now that I am coming back to the Roland Berger Madrid office, I wanted to take a moment to capture some of the key lessons and experiences that have shaped me over the past year.

Why I chose to pursue an MBA

Deciding to embark on an MBA was not a decision I took lightly. I wanted an experience that would not only help me grow professionally but also allow me to develop essential skills such as public speaking and interpersonal communication — capabilities that are critical in the world of consulting and beyond. After four years at Roland Berger, I felt it was the perfect time to pause, reflect on my career journey, and gain fresh perspectives on where I wanted to go next. The MBA presented an opportunity to refine my professional aspirations, broaden my horizons, and determine how I wanted to continue growing within Roland Berger.

Choosing INSEAD was an easy decision. The one-year, fast-paced structure aligned perfectly with my desire to maximize learning in a condensed time frame. The school’s campuses in both Europe and Asia promised an immersive, global experience, and with a student body representing over 75 nationalities, I knew I would be surrounded by diverse perspectives that would challenge and inspire me. It was precisely the dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment I was looking for to push myself outside my comfort zone.

Key learnings from my MBA at INSEAD

This past year has been nothing short of transformative. My understanding of business, leadership, and the world around me has evolved in ways I could not have anticipated. One of the most valuable lessons I have taken away is the importance of developing a truly global mindset. Being surrounded by classmates from over 75 countries has broadened my perspective, making me more curious about international affairs and more aware of how global events shape industries, economies, and people’s lives across different regions.

Another significant takeaway has been the power of collaboration in diverse environments. Throughout the year, I worked closely with my “study group”, peers from India, China, the U.S., and Lebanon — each bringing unique professional and cultural backgrounds. These experiences pushed me to become more adaptable and empathetic, teaching me to appreciate different viewpoints and work effectively across cultures.

INSEAD’s curriculum also provided me with the flexibility to tailor my learning experience. While core courses such as accounting and macroeconomics helped reinforce foundational business knowledge, I found particular value in electives like private equity, venture capital, negotiations, and communication — topics that align closely with my professional interests. These courses not only deepened my expertise but also gave me practical insights that I am eager to bring back to Roland Berger.

Beyond academics, INSEAD gave me the chance to take on leadership opportunities that were deeply aligned with my passions. As President of the INSEAD Business Sports Club, I had the privilege of organizing events with top executives from the sports industry — an area I have always been passionate about. This role allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the business of sports while expanding my professional network. Additionally, I had the unique opportunity to co-author an article with Professor Felipe Monteiro titled The Hidden Game: Uncovering the Business of Sports. This project not only reinforced my interest in the industry but also opened the door for me to participate in the upcoming INSEAD Professional Sport Industry Strategic Management Trek in Madrid, where I will present my insights to fellow students.

How this experience changed me personally

Beyond professional growth, my MBA journey had a profound impact on me personally. Perhaps the most valuable takeaway is the lifelong connections I have built. The friendships I formed with classmates from all over the world are, without a doubt, the most cherished aspect of my time at INSEAD. These relationships will remain a cornerstone of both my personal and professional life for years to come, offering me a truly global network of friends and colleagues.

This year also gave me something I hadn’t prioritized before: more time for myself! With the demanding nature of consulting, it had been difficult to take a step back and invest in personal growth. INSEAD provided the space to do just that. I took on new challenges outside the classroom — running two half-marathons in Fontainebleau and Siem Reap (Strava is now my favorite social network! 😊), learning kite surfing, rediscovering my love for reading, and traveling across Asia and Europe. One of the highlights was spending Christmas in Australia with friends, an experience I will always treasure.

Moreover, this year has profoundly shaped my perspective on global issues. Meeting people from such diverse backgrounds has deepened my understanding of different cultures, global conflicts, and the challenges faced by communities around the world. It has made me more empathetic and curious about how global events shape societies, businesses, and economies. This newfound awareness is something I hope to carry forward, both in my professional career and in my personal life.

Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Roland Berger for believing in me and supporting my journey at INSEAD. This incredible opportunity would not have been possible without the firm’s financial backing, and I am truly grateful for the trust and investment in my growth. I am now returning with a renewed sense of purpose, a broader perspective, and a wealth of knowledge that I am eager to apply as I continue my career with Roland Berger.