Describe what you believe to be your two most substantial accomplishments (INSEAD Essay #2)

INSEAD Essay #2 In mid-2019, I was selected to work directly with the Head of U.S. Sponsor coverage on one of the firm’s highest profile projects of the year, a direct lending initiative to gain market share in the middle market space, because of my high-quality and dependable work product. I built detailed financial models that projected revenue from numerous deal flow scenarios and market conditions while developing a new framework for direct lending deal approval. Key stakeholders leveraged my analysis and recommendations to assess new market entry for our firm. This project culminated with my presentation to senior management in CITY/COUNTRY to get the initiative approved. Since approval, revenue has increased by almost $XXMM directly related to this initiative.

This high-exposure project taught me the importance of team coordination, interpreting different communication styles, and asking for help. The relationships I cultivated during this project have led to increased dialogue between groups and smoother deal approval processes. I am proud of this achievement because I learned how to evaluate a new market and business model while considering long-term profitability, skills that I will be able to leverage in my next role when assessing venture investments.

Last summer, I was tasked with creating a training program for the new analysts and interns to help them gain the financial modelling skills needed to succeed in our group. Over the course of the trainings, I realized the material I presented was too advanced and the juniors were struggling to keep up. This led to confusion amongst the junior team members and disappointment amongst the senior team members, who were counting on me to present basic concepts in a clear format. I should have consulted with the analysts and interns to understand the gaps in their knowledge. Being very results-driven, I was so focused on creating a deliverable that I sacrificed quality of the trainings and lacked flexibility in my approach.

Since last summer, I have refined my approach to training junior team members. As a current supervisor of five analysts, it has become increasingly important to seek frequent feedback and keep the lines of communication open. Instead of assuming best practices based solely on my opinions, I have incorporated a more collaborative approach when I work with analysts and have consciously fostered a culture of learning and sharing ideas. I plan to employ this approach and growth mindset when I work in study groups at INSEAD.