MBA programs employ a holistic evaluation process, so the interview represents only one aspect of the admissions decision. Still, it is a very important and influential element of the admissions process and should be approached with the same level of attention as the other parts of your application.
For IESE, the interview stage is among the most important parts of the application process. In addition to requiring a 1:1 interview for candidates who pass to the next stage of the admissions process, IESE also holds Assessment Days, where candidates are evaluated for their performance in a group case discussion.
For many of our clients, the Assessment Day – and how to prepare for it – can be intimidating. That’s why we sat down with Michel Rassy, the Associate Director of Admissions for IESE’s Full-Time MBA program.
Michel is the Associate Director of Admissions responsible for South American applicants to the IESE Full Time MBA. He is also the founder and partner at Uno Impact Consulting, a strategy and sustainability boutique firm based in Brazil. He holds a degree in social communication from ESPM with a post-graduate in corporate economics from Fipe/USP and a Full-Time MBA from IESE Business School (Class of 2017).
Ellin Lolis: Thanks so much for sitting down with me, Michel. First off, can you tell me more about how IESE’s Assessment Day arose?
Michel Rassy: IESE Business School is distinctive in its focus on the Case Methodology that applies to all of its classes. This is an approach to education that involves a high level of engagement and collaboration in class, enabling continuous peer-to-peer learning and a deep reflection about real-life tough decisions in business.
Photo courtesy of IESE’s website
The IESE Assessment Day was created to test candidates on their fit to this learning approach while providing them with a real class experience for them to make an informed decision when choosing IESE for their Full-Time MBA.
EL: How often does it happen (how many times per round)?
MR: It happens one time per round, except for the 3rd and 4th rounds, since the admissions schedule for these rounds is shorter.
EL: What sort of schedule does the Assessment Day follow?
MR: The candidate receives the case to be discussed in class a week prior to the date, which we expect to be read and prepared. The event itself lasts for 2h30m, starting with an ice breaker and followed by a normal case class.
This includes 2 or 3 moments where candidates go to breakout rooms to discuss and enhance their perspectives on the case. We normally close with a quick fun activity to decompress.
EL: How should applicants prepare?
MR: Applicants should prepare by reading the case and following its instructions. A case is a real-life hard business decision that applicants might have faced in their experience. The key question is normally what the applicant would do if they were in the shoes of the protagonist amid the context described in 10-15 pages.
Photo courtesy of IESE’s website
This preparation may or may not include doing the numbers, depending on the kind of decision. Lastly, all the information needed will be in the case, so we do not expect any additional research.
EL: How are applicants evaluated?
MR: Every team and the class discussions are monitored by an IESE evaluator, either from the Admissions team or alumni. IESE expects applicants to behave exactly how they would in a class and to collaborate with their teams. We do not disclose specific criteria to avoid adding biases and because we really want to get to know you.
The skills we will look at are the ones that are valuable in a professional environment while also understanding that each person is unique in their contribution. Diversity is one of the pillars of IESE’s learning experience, so very different profiles will perform well during an Assessment Day.
EL: Any tips you would like to share?
MR: Imagine that you are in Barcelona living the unique experience that is IESE’s Full-Time MBA. This will help you get into the mood of making sure you enjoy and make the most of every moment.
Do not fear making mistakes, this is a safe learning environment. So speak up and participate, while listening and building upon other applicants’ perspectives.
EL: Anything else you’d tell candidates going through the admissions process right now?
MR: Good luck with your MBA experience and count on us to help you along the way. We hope to see you in Barcelona!
EL: Thank you so much for your time, Michel. You’ve definitely helped clear up the IESE Assessment Day process!
My team and I pride ourselves on being with you at every stage of the process as you apply to an elite program, giving you the confidence that you are taking the right steps toward your future with the information you need to make the best decisions. That’s why I truly enjoyed talking with Michel Rassy and bringing this information to you.
If you’ve been called to interview at IESE, you know the assessment day is just one part of the process.
That’s why our interview prep and practice service focuses on helping you determine what to highlight in your interview depending on the program while using appropriate, impact-driven language without being artificial, or worse, robotic. We also help you choose (and perfect) culturally appropriate examples based on the schools you’re interviewing for.
As our former client, Henrique said, “I had a 100% acceptance rate and helped me earn a scholarship at my top choice school, IESE. She provided the most important insight into which school I fit at and how to market myself. I really recommend her since she is really committed, hard-working, and made me feel comfortable and confident during the entire process. Thanks for the phenomenal service, Ellin! ”
Want to make sure you don’t undersell your profile during your IESE interview? Schedule your preparation session with our team of interview experts today!
Real MBA Essays That Got People In
School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted
