Sarah Beth Rupp

INSEAD

“Helicopter pilot, naval officer, and writer, chasing new adventures to create lasting impact.”

Hometown: Washington D.C., United States

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have deployed on ships around the world – including the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea, flying helicopters into 15 countries.

Undergraduate School and Major: United States Naval Academy, English Literature

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: United States Navy, Officer and Naval Aviator

INSEAD is one of the most culturally and professionally diverse MBA programs in the world. How do you see these global perspectives enhancing the value of your business education over the next year? During my twelve years in the navy, I worked closely with international partners and travelled the world. A highlight of my military career was my recent job as a foreign exchange pilot in the French Navy, la Marine Nationale, where I enjoyed integrating with a foreign unit and operating in a team that solved problems differently. My flights and liaison work for exercises that promoted interoperability between the French and United States Navy were especially rewarding.

INSEAD was the only business school I applied to because I wanted to continue working in an international space where I could connect with current and future leaders seeking to change the world through business. I look forward to collaborating closely with a diverse group of students this year to enhance my international team-building skills and learning more creative methods to problem-solve diverse issues. The varying perspectives in the INSEAD community will teach me on a much larger scale the differing geopolitical and cultural complexities that shape top business decisions today.

Why did you choose a one-year program over a two-year program? How do you see an INSEAD MBA giving you an advantage in the marketplace? I chose a one-year program because I wanted minimal time outside the workforce. I spent an extensive amount of time in my previous career, so maximizing my time efficiency now during a mid-career shift was important to me. Doing a two-year program somewhere else would have prolonged this shift.

INSEAD’s global alumni network is a significant advantage in the marketplace. Since most people come to INSEAD either seeking to change industry, job function, or location, or all three, the diverse alumni network allows students to connect with various industries all over the world. The alumni network is strong and vast, providing opportunity and mentorship to students seeking jobs in most cities across continents.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of INSEAD’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Aside from the robust alumni network, the campus exchanges to Singapore and Abu Dhabi and various treks around with world for class electives are a part of the program that is uniquely INSEAD. No other school enables such travel and global learning. I am curious about the world and passionate about fully engaging in life through travel and new experiences. INSEAD feeds these aspects of myself which hold an important part of who I am and what I want to take forward with me into my next career.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at INSEAD? Coming from a very different career profile, I look forward to establishing a strong business foundation in my core courses the first four months of school. I then look forward to diving into the wide range of electives to discover my subject-matter interests in business. As for extra-curriculars, I am most excited for the Women in Business Club. I am eager to join a club that inspires women to take on challenging roles with confidence and support.  In my free time, I am happiest in the mountains, so I joined the MountaINSEAD club, where I look forward to skiing, hiking, and climbing with other classmates in the French Alps.

What has been your first impression of the INSEAD MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best INSEAD story so far. I am so impressed by my fellow students and the alumni at INSEAD. When I ask alumni about their INSEAD experience, there is a similar captivating energy that outpours from everyone.  As for my fellow students, I feel so lucky to be part of such a driven, successful, and uniquely positive group of people.

My favorite INSEAD story so far was the pre-MBA trip to Split, Croatia, where I met a large portion of my classmates for the first time. We were excited to be traveling and starting this new chapter of life together. I realized we all had such different experiences and stories to tell, and we could learn so much from each other. It felt like the world was opening before us.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my previous career was being the lead safety evaluator for all the east coast naval helicopter squadrons for my variant of helicopter in the United States. I conducted annual audits for each squadron; flew with and instructed squadron safety officers to ensure he or she had the capabilities to run their programs; and briefed commanding officers on best practices. I loved helping other leaders feel empowered in their role so they could set their own squadrons up for mission success. My team and I helped squadrons continue to run at high operational tempos without sacrificing safety.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? I am still very passionate about aviation, and I love flying, so I would like to take my business degree to the aviation or defense industries, or intergovernmental organizations. I want to use my previous aviation expertise at a company where I can promote aviation safety and sustainable practices that will help the environment instead of hurting it. Business is new to me, so I am also looking forward to discovering what other career interests I have over the next year at INSEAD!

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into INSEAD’s MBA program? Everyone at INSEAD comes from a different background, so even if you think you may not be the routine applicant, don’t let that stop you from applying! You may be exactly right for INSEAD. When it comes to application essays, be yourself and highlight what makes you unique. Also explain why you are interested in such an international program, because this is what makes INSEAD unlike any other school.

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