Meet INSEAD’s MBA Class Of 2018

Preeti Turna

INSEAD

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: I’m passionate, wholeheartedly a nerd and always up for the big adventure.

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Fun Fact About Yourself: I taught myself how to swim

Undergraduate School and Major: Melbourne University, Engineering (Chemical) and Commerce (Finance)

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Production Engineer, ExxonMobil Pty Ltd

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I’ve worked in the oil and gas industry since graduating from university. I transformed my company’s approach to prioritizing critical work on its subsea wells during a time when the low oil price was forcing it to cancel or defer important subsea work. This saved my company a significant amount of money and also allowed it to effectively mitigate the highest risk exposures in the field. To see an idea come to fruition and cause positive change in the organization was an extremely rewarding accomplishment.

 Looking back on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to future business school applicants?

1. Research! Understand the schools you are applying to as each has its own distinct personality. No two business schools are the same, so avoid submitting generic applications – the admissions committees can tell the difference. Reach out to alumni, current students, and the faculty to gauge whether a school is the right fit for you. Use the application process to understand and then authentically express your motivation for the school of your choice.
2. Preparation! The GMAT, application essays, your CV, and the interviews – each step in the process counts. Whilst it is important to score well on the GMAT, it is not the only measure on which you are assessed. The essays especially are key in order communicate who you are as a person beyond the CV and the GMAT – don’t underestimate their importance and ability to stand you out from the crowd. Ensure the entirety of your application shows truthfully your journey so far and your ambitions for the future. Most importantly – be yourself at every stage.

What was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? INSEAD was my top preference when applying for MBA programs. It is very important for me that an MBA program has a strong international community in which I can network with unique individuals who can challenge and broaden my perspective of the world. There is no other MBA program that matches INSEAD in the diversity of thought and experience that exists on its campus.

What would success look like to you after your first year of business school? Making life-long networks and friendships, dreaming large, taking on the adventure, pushing beyond my boundaries, and contributing to the success of others.