ChaseDream’s Exclusive Interview with Andy Fischtrom,
Assistant Director, MBA Programme at INSEAD
It was our pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with Andy Fischtrom, Assistant Director of the MBA programme at INSEAD, who was in Beijing recently.
During our conversation, Andy provided some valuable insights on the following:Highlights of INSEAD’s      MBA programmeDistinct differences      between their Europe and Asia campuses The type of students      who thrive at INSEAD Challenges students      can expect at INSEAD
Karen: Hi Andy, thank you so much for speaking with us today. I really appreciate your time. Let me begin by asking: What sets INSEAD’s MBA programme apart from the rest?
Andy: The thing that makes the INSEAD MBA different is that it’s an accelerated one year programme that is delivered on our Europe (France) and Asia (Singapore) campuses. Our MBA students engage in quality learning across two different locations with peers comprising at least 90 nationalities and are given access to a myriad of global career opportunities. “Diversity” is the word that we use a lot.
Karen: Do you mean to say students will encounter some cultural differences?
Andy: Yes, and it’s the same for me, managing the administrative aspects of the programme. From the outset, students are divided into several sections of 70, with each section further sub-divided into diverse working groups of five. Blended according to nationality, background and gender, students work together on projects, learn and understand the cultural differences that exist among them. Our MBAs become part of a collaborative culture that accelerates their professional development – just like working in the real business world.
Karen: So, international experience is critical to surviving in such an environment, right? What about local candidates who’ve only worked in China? How can they demonstrate their experience of working on an international level?
Andy: Given today’s modern world, even if you’ve never left China, you might have teammates stationed abroad, with whom you might communicate with via telephone, email or Skype. That counts as international exposure. In my last job at Microsoft in Shanghai, we had engineers located in China who served clients in all parts of the world. That again, is another example of what I’d call international exposure.
Karen: Sure! I know you’ve had diverse work experience as an English teacher, a consultant, and a trainer. So, what motivated you to work for a business school? What do you find most interesting and frustrating about your job?
Andy: The core skill that I have used the most in all of these jobs is customer service. The only difference now is that I manage a group of high-level ‘customers’. My job with school administration is to help students through the process of our MBA, such as getting to classes, housing, relocating to France etc. We also provide support and facilities for partners and children on