The Inspiring Journey of Saumya Shukla – INSEAD MBA – Best MBA Admissions Consultants in India | GyanOne

With a GMAT score of 720 and over ten years of diverse professional experience, Saumya’s story is one of overcoming personal and professional challenges to achieve her dreams.
Saumya’s academic and professional background is both extensive and diverse. She completed her B.Tech from Uttar Pradesh Technical University in 2009. She later pursued a Postgraduate Program in Management (PGPM) from SPJIMR, Mumbai, graduating in 2015. Despite facing significant challenges during her academic journey, Saumya demonstrated incredible fortitude, assuming the role of head of her household while continuing to excel in her studies.
Her professional journey is equally impressive, although it lacked international exposure, an aspect, which is reasonably valued by the INSEAD MBA adcom. 
Saumya began her career as a Senior Analyst and Senior Software Engineer at Accenture Services Pvt Ltd, where she quickly earned a fast-track promotion within just 18 months. Her ability to excel in roles beyond her original scope, including business development and delivering ERP modules, set her apart as a versatile and capable professional. Following her time at Accenture, Saumya transitioned into the field of consulting, taking on roles as a Senior Consultant at KPMG and later as Deputy General Manager at Bharti Airtel Ltd. Her experience in the telecom, media, and technology sectors, coupled with her strategic insights, allowed her to make significant contributions to her clients and organizations.
She continues to explore various genres of music and has recently achieved a ‘Distinction’ in Level 1 acoustic guitar from Rock School London. Her love for exploration has taken her on solo trips to 17 countries, where she has embraced new cultures and experiences.
GyanOne’s approach was instrumental in helping Saumya present a well-rounded application that resonated with INSEAD’s admissions committee. Their guidance ensured that Saumya’s story was not just about her professional achievements but also about her personal journey of growth, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles with grace.
Overcoming lack of international exposure for an application as extensive as INSEAD’s was certainly a feat in itself, but with the extensive track record of sending the maximum Indian applicants to INSEAD every year, year on year, GyanOne worked relentlessly to help Saumya crack it. 
Introduction to the INSEAD MBA 
The INSEAD MBA program is widely recognized as a premier global business education experience, offering a unique blend of rigorous academics, international exposure, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. One of the standout features of the program is its accelerated 10-month duration, allowing students to gain a comprehensive business education in a relatively short time while preparing them to quickly re-enter the workforce with enhanced skills and perspectives.
INSEAD’s commitment to diversity and excellence is reflected in its highly international class profile. Each cohort typically comprises around 500 students, with an average age of 29. Approximately 90% of these students hail from over 70 countries, making it one of the most globally diverse MBA programs in the world. The program also emphasizes gender diversity, with women making up about 30% of the class. Students come from a wide array of professional backgrounds, including business (34%), engineering (29%), consulting (31%), corporate roles (34%), financial services (24%), and technology, media, and other sectors (11%).
Academically, INSEAD attracts high-caliber candidates, with an average GMAT score of 709, and a range of scores spanning from 570 to 780. Most students enter the program with around six years of professional experience, bringing a wealth of practical knowledge and insights to the classroom. This diverse experience contributes to the rich learning environment at INSEAD, where students not only learn from top faculty but also from each other.
The program’s strong employability record is another significant draw for prospective students. Within three months of graduation, 90% of INSEAD MBAs secure employment, with a median annual salary of €109,600 and a median sign-on bonus of €28,500. The global reach of INSEAD is evident, with graduates finding opportunities in 57 countries. Moreover, the program facilitates significant career shifts, with 78% of graduates changing either their sector, country, or function, and 25% making changes in all three dimensions.
Financially, the INSEAD MBA program requires a significant investment, with tuition fees for the January 2025 intake set at €103,500, payable in installments. However, the school is committed to making its world-class education accessible to a broad range of candidates, as evidenced by the fact that 40% of students in the graduating classes of 2024 received scholarship awards, with an average amount of €22,000.
The program’s impressive network of recruiting companies further enhances its appeal. Top-tier firms across various industries actively seek out INSEAD graduates, recognizing their global perspective, strategic acumen, and leadership potential. In the management consulting and strategy sector, leading firms like McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Bain & Company are among the significant recruiters, valuing the analytical skills that INSEAD graduates bring. The finance sector also highly values INSEAD talent, with major financial institutions such as Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays, and Citi regularly recruiting from the program.
In the realm of private equity and venture capital, firms like Actis, Advent International, and BlackRock seek out INSEAD graduates for their expertise in investment management and strategic thinking. The technology and e-commerce sectors are equally keen on INSEAD talent, with companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft appreciating the innovative mindset that graduates bring to the table. Additionally, firms in healthcare, consumer goods, energy, and sustainability sectors, such as Abbott, Bayer, and Climeworks, actively recruit INSEAD MBAs for their ability to drive strategic initiatives and operational excellence.
Overall, the INSEAD MBA program offers a transformative educational experience that equips graduates to excel in a wide range of industries around the world. With its focus on diversity, academic rigour, and global employability, INSEAD continues to be a top choice for ambitious professionals seeking to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact in the business world.