Meet INSEAD’s Incoming Class of 2016

Shaivi Desai

 

INSEAD 

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Undergraduate School and Major (Include Graduate School if Relevant): Bachelors in Physical therapy and Masters in Arts- Economics

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

1. DDB Remedy, Project Consultant
2. DDB Remedy, Executive Brand Communications
3. Founder and Organizer, Swasyah
4. Shree Naman Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Manager – Healthcare Strategy & Projects
5. Shree Naman Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Manager – Associate – Healthcare Strategy & Projects

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? Do use practice tests but don’t give the GMAT/GRE too much importance – it is only one of the many aspects of your application.

Based on your own selection process, what advice do you have for applicants who are trying to draw up a list of target schools to which to apply? Selecting your school is the most important step. Spend a good amount of time on this. Go through the website, see the curriculum, the professors, the teaching methodology and visit the school (if possible). Identify at least two professors whom you want to learn from and courses that will add to your skill set. Also, meet some alumni to get a feel of the school. Don’t just go to whichever school admits you; make sure you’re picking the school and not vice versa.

What advice do you have for applicants in actually applying to a school, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf? My advice would be as follows:

1. Select your school(s) wisely.

2. Research your school thoroughly to give specific examples on why the school is the best fit for your goals, what you bring to the classroom, and how you can add value.

3. The admission process is a great opportunity to get to know yourself better. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses, reflect on your work environment, and set goals for yourself. Enjoy the ride!

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? Having witnessed the rapidly-growing Indian healthcare sector for eight years, both as a physiotherapist in training and as a strategy and operations professional for a healthcare businesses, my goal is to fill the need-gap in the healthcare delivery space by establishing clinics and hospitals in India.

The INSEAD MBA, with its extensive network, cultural diversity, and opportunity to study at three different campuses will help me achieve my goals of transforming the healthcare delivery space in India.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate?

At INSEAD, I want to participate in events and activities of the Healthcare Club that will connect me with like-minded individuals, INSEAD alumni, and industry professionals. I want to be a part of the Social Innovation Center, which would be a great opportunity to use my knowledge and experience in resource-challenged healthcare systems to add perspective in solving global social challenges. I look forward to learning about the challenges and opportunities in launching hybrid ventures and for-profit social businesses from professors like Felipe Santos. Taking courses in a wide range of subjects such as Decision Sciences, Entrepreneurship, and Strategy will add to my knowledge and skills.