I like getting deep into a problem – thinking about it for days and weeks – so it was no surprise to people when I decided to pursue a PhD. I always wanted to get into research and the idea of doing it for the rest of my life seemed an interesting prospect!
I was interested in mathematics and physics, so I did my bachelor’s degree in computer science at one of the top engineering colleges in India. I also did some internships in mathematical and statistical institutions. After that I worked for a couple of companies as a software developer and in supply chain analytics. I gained perspectives on the problems companies face on a day-to-day basis. The idea of combining both the theory and the practice by doing a PhD in Management was irresistible.
During the first couple of years I was doing courses with professors and students from many areas – economics, finance, organisational behaviour and others. It gave me a perspective on how different disciplines see the same problems differently and solve them with different methodologies. Collaborating with peers from different backgrounds gives you balance in the way you think about things.
The amazing faculty mentorship has changed how I look at the world.
The faculty mentorship has helped me grow immensely both as a researcher and as a person. I used to undersell myself. But my faculty advisers have helped me to gain confidence in my ideas, stay firm and execute them – then communicate them and even present them at conferences. I realise when I go back to India and talk to my friends how much I’ve changed. I talk differently. I see the world differently. And I’m more tolerant of things that are done differently.
I started the programme in Singapore and decided to move to Fontainebleau after one and a half years. INSEAD is very supportive and gives you freedom about where you want to study.
To do a PhD there are a couple of qualities that you definitely need. First, curiosity – you have to be really curious about the problem you’re researching. And second, patience – which you need to solve the problem you’ve set yourself.