Small Cohorts, Big Impact

Kaisa highlights the uniqueness of INSEAD's small-scale, personalised approach. "Our PhD programme accepts only a few highly motivated and driven students each year," she explains. This selective approach ensures that each student receives tailored mentorship and becomes deeply integrated into faculty research activities. "It's truly a research collaboration," she emphasises, "rather than simply supervision."

Kaisa underscores the significance of INSEAD’s dual-campus structure. "Every PhD student experiences both the Fontainebleau and Singapore campuses," she states, allowing them to build extensive academic networks and benefit from diverse cultural perspectives. Additionally, the school's collaboration with institutions like Wharton provides valuable opportunities for students to spend time abroad, further enhancing their research capabilities and global connections.

What does Kaisa look for in prospective PhD students? She values strong academic backgrounds across any discipline—whether economics, mathematics, sociology, or even literature. But beyond academic rigour, she emphasises passion and curiosity: "The ideal candidate has a burning question, a deep interest in real-world social problems. This passion fuels their research journey."

INSEAD faculty invest deeply in their students, fostering close, long-term relationships. "We select students carefully because they become part of our family," Kaisa Snellman concludes. "Faculty members are genuinely involved in nurturing their students' academic growth and professional development."

Through dedicated mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global experiences, Kaisa exemplifies how INSEAD prepares PhD students not just for academic careers, but for impactful contributions to society at large.