A Dream Years in the Making

Mariya’s path to academia was shaped by both her family and professional experiences. “My mother is a professor, and my father is an entrepreneur,” she shares. “I was always torn between these two worlds, and a PhD felt like a way to bridge them.”

After years of working in finance and business, she took a maternity leave that became an opportunity for reflection. “I asked myself—if not now, then when? Instead of going back to industry, I decided to finally pursue my dream of research and teaching.”

With firsthand experience in financial controlling—working at a multinational corporation in Italy and later in her family’s business—Mariya developed a deep curiosity about financial structures in different types of firms.“

I saw firsthand how financial decision-making differs between a large corporation and a small business,” she explains. “Coming to INSEAD, I wanted to explore these dynamics academically—are these unique cases, or are they part of a broader trend?”

Her research focuses on real-world financial challenges and decision-making, combining insights from her industry background with INSEAD’s academic rigor.

Transitioning from industry to academia was a challenge, but INSEAD provided the support and training Mariya needed. “I had no idea about research methods before starting my PhD,” she admits. “Everything—from statistical analysis to econometrics—I learned here.”

Unlike other institutions where students are expected to arrive with highly specialised knowledge, INSEAD welcomed her diverse background. “They appreciated my professional experience, but they also gave me the tools to develop into a researcher. I don’t think I would have had the same opportunity elsewhere.”

One of the most unexpected yet valuable aspects of Mariya’s experience at INSEAD has been the sense of community. “We are truly a family here,” she says. “Faculty, students, alumni—everyone is approachable, supportive, and willing to help.”

She highlights how students from different backgrounds complement each other’s strengths. “Some students come with strong research experience, while others, like me, bring industry insights. We help each other grow, and that collaborative spirit is what makes INSEAD special.”

Juggling a PhD with family life has been challenging, but INSEAD’s supportive environment has made it possible. “I have two children—one was born during my PhD,” she shares. “Balancing research and family life is tough, but it also teaches discipline. When I’m working, I’m fully focused, because I know that family time comes next.”

She also highlights INSEAD’s policies, such as maternity leave covered by the PhD Programme, as a crucial support system for student parents. “The faculty and administration have been incredibly understanding. I couldn’t have asked for a better environment to navigate both my academic and personal life.”

As she nears the end of her PhD, Mariya is excited about continuing in academia. “I love teaching—it complements research perfectly,” she says. “Classroom discussions spark new ideas, and those ideas can shape future research. It’s a cycle of learning and discovery.”

Her ideal next step? Joining an academic institution that values both teaching and research, much like INSEAD. “I want to be part of a community that is as welcoming and intellectually stimulating as this one.”

Mariya encourages prospective PhD students to prepare not just for the academic rigor, but for the emotional challenges of research. “Patience and resilience are just as important as intelligence,” she advises. “Research doesn’t always go as planned. There will be setbacks, and learning to deal with frustration is key.”

She also emphasises the importance of an international mindset. “INSEAD is a place where people from all over the world come together. If you thrive in a global, multicultural environment, you will feel right at home here.”

“It’s a journey that has pushed me beyond my limits, but also one that has given me incredible opportunities. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”