UPDATE: This article was originally posted on June 8, 2020. It has been updated with new information and tips below.
With a strong focus on leadership and an idyllic location on the shores of Lake Geneva, the IMD MBA is one of the most popular MBA programs in Europe.
However, with impressive recruiting statistics and the close-knit network built among members of IMD’s small class, competition to join this elite MBA is more difficult than ever.
That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you use your IMD admissions essays to stand out. We’ve rounded up our best tips to ensure you give your IMD application your best shot.
1. Who is IMD looking for?
(Photo courtesy of @IMDbusinessschoolmba on Instagram)
“We want to see candidates who understand the magnitude of change and opportunity the business world is facing. You will need to convince us that you have a vision of what lies ahead and of your desire and capacity to play a part in shaping the future of our world.” IMD Admissions
Every year, IMD scours the globe (36 countries are represented in the current class) for the outstanding professionals given the honor of joining its annual class of around 100 students. With a strong emphasis on diversity, there is no “typical” IMD student, yet the average admitted student for the Class of 2025 (the last year for which official data is available) had an average of 6 years of work experience. Though IMD doesn’t release official GMAT averages, they “recommend that you aim for above a 630, or 585 in the focus edition, and 320 for GRE.”
Beyond the impressive statistics, though, IMD is looking for candidates who want to make a positive impact on the world through their careers. That’s why, in addition to strong academic performance (demonstrated through the GMAT/GRE and university grades), IMD seeks candidates who possess the following qualities:
If this sounds like a community in which you’d be right at home, you’ll first have to prove you’ve got what it takes by successfully answering IMD’s admissions essay questions.
2. How should I answer the IMD essay questions?
As one of the most direct and to-the-point applications in the MBA world, you might be tempted to just jump right into writing your essays. However, since the essays ask about how you have connected with the community, we suggest you make sure to research the IMD program and its advantages for your career in-depth before getting started.
2.1. Essay 1 Tips
We want to hear about the experiences that have shaped you as a person. Share the moments, challenges, and lessons that have influenced your life and personal growth. This is your chance to offer insight into who you are beyond your resume. (400 words)
On the surface, this prompt seems simple. However, it requires a strategic approach to make a compelling case for why you deserve a spot in IMD’s MBA program. Here’s how to tackle it.
IMD wants to understand who you are beyond your resume and test scores. They are looking for authenticity, self-awareness, and a clear sense of direction. This essay is your opportunity to showcase your individuality and align your personal story with the values and expectations of the IMD MBA program.
Here’s how to do it.
1 – Start with a strong opening
Your opening should grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the essay. Consider starting with a compelling anecdote or a pivotal moment in your life that is related to your career goals or overall mission in life. You want to establish a theme here, since this is critical to giving this essay structure and coherence.
For example:
“When I was ten years old, my family moved to a small town in Italy. The experience of adapting to a new culture sparked my interest in global business, which has only grown stronger over the years.”
2 – Be specific and relevant
Specific examples make your essay more engaging and credible. Highlight experiences that have shaped your career aspirations and personal growth. This could include professional achievements, challenges overcome, or unique life experiences. No matter what you choose, make sure you’re using STAR format since this is the best way to get your stories across.
3 – Reflect on your experiences
Don’t just list your achievements; reflect on what you learned and how these experiences have prepared you for an MBA. This shows self-awareness and a willingness to grow, which are qualities valued by IMD.
For example:
“Leading the project was not without its challenges. I faced resistance from team members who were skeptical of new methods. By actively listening and incorporating their feedback, I was able to gain their trust and achieve our project goals. This experience highlighted the importance of adaptability and effective communication—skills I aim to hone further through IMD’s MBA program.”
4 – If relevant, connect with IMD’s values.
When sharing your stories, you may want to end (the R of your STAR) with a brief statement about how this connects to your interest in or passion for IMD. This will not only show that you’re someone who prioritizes self-reflection, it will also show that you have well-thought-out reasons for wanting to pursue your MBA at IMD.
5 – Conclude with a Strong Closing
Your conclusion should reinforce your main points and leave a lasting impression. Summarize why you’re a perfect fit for IMD and how the program will help you achieve your career goals.
For example:
“In summary, my experiences have shaped me into a driven and adaptable leader. I am confident that IMD’s MBA program will provide me with the skills and network needed to make a meaningful impact in the global business arena. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to and grow with the IMD community.”
By focusing on this structure (2-3 well-chosen STAR stories with a clear theme, a brief yet meaningful connection to IMD’s values, and a conclusion that reinforces your drive to attend their school), you’ll be well on your way to an interview.
TOP TIP: This is NOT a “Why IMD” essay prompt. Though you can mention top-level elements of what attracts you to the IMD program, you don’t want to devote essay space to outlining things like courses and professors you’re interested in.
2.2. Essay 2 Tips
What areas of personal and professional development do you hope to explore during your time at IMD? (400 words)
This essay is essentially a goals essay in disguise. In 400 words, you need to discuss:
- Context for your goals
- Your specific post MBA goals (briefly) and why you are pursuing them at this moment
- Why you believe an MBA is necessary to reach these goals
- How an IMD MBA will help you reach these goals
Each of these elements must be included and must build off of each other.
First of all, many candidates think they do not need to specifically state their goals, or that it’s better to leave “their options open.” If you are applying to elite business schools, however, you must have and present absolute clarity about your goals.
TOP TIP: If you’re having trouble figuring out what your post-MBA goals are, we’ve prepared this post to help you decipher this essential part of the application process!
However, goals without context can be a little confusing to decipher or understand (or they can just seem a bit lackluster). For this reason, we suggest starting your essay with context.
For example, a client last year initially started his essay by saying:
“I want to become a Business Development Director at a Brazilian company.”
While interesting, it’s better to give a little bit of context to help these goals come to life. Check out the final version of the same essay’s introduction:
“In the 1970s, the phrase “think global, act local” came into use, suggesting that to have global impact, one must be active locally. With this mindset, I focused my career on Brazilian multinational companies to start creating global change at home. While at Company 1, I led a diverse global team, which showed me that clear communication is essential. I later accepted a finance position at a real estate company where I learned how new technologies can impact traditional local industries and that leaders must adapt to these trends to maintain competitiveness. Most recently, I joined Company 2 to participate in its daring globalization plan. At Company 2, I have learned how challenging it is to formulate effective global strategies to thrive in diverse markets. I have also developed management skills since becoming Financial Coordinator, learning how important establishing a culture of collaboration is to providing stability for organizations.
I now seek to take the next step to becoming a “global” leader by becoming Business Development Director at a Brazilian company pursuing globalization, giving me the experience to assume my long-term goal of CEO of one such company.”
Second, you should clearly demonstrate why you need an MBA.
An MBA is not a catch-all degree that serves a purpose for all career paths. As such, you need to demonstrate that the goals you have set for yourself require the additional training an MBA can provide.
Be thoughtful about this particular section. If you don’t need to improve in any meaningful way, you might be presenting the argument the admissions committee needs for why you can’t actually benefit from an MBA.
Furthermore, if you show fluffy or unsupported reasons you need to hone your skills, you’ll also likely see your application tossed aside in favor of an applicant who was able to clearly demonstrate how they plan to leverage their time at business school.
Third, add how IMD can specifically help you grow in the areas you’ve identified. Mentioning that you want to go to IMD because of its ranking will not cut it here.
Instead, show that you understand the unique offerings IMD’s curriculum provides and have done significant, thoughtful research into how the opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom can help you grow. If you have space, it’s also highly recommended that you mention how you can contribute to the community.
End with a winning conclusion statement that reinforces your personal brand and ties the whole essay together.
2.3. Optional Essay Tips
Additional information that would be helpful for the Admissions Committee to be aware of? e.g., periods of time not employed, health-related challenges, academic circumstances, or any other unique situations. (400 words)
This is not a place for you to retell your life story (that’s what E1 is for!) or sum up your interest in IMD or need for an MBA. Make sure you focus only on weak spots and also discuss what steps you have taken or will take to rectify the weaknesses.
Find additional tips and tricks to help you master the optional essay here.
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4. IMD Deadlines
IMD has multiple deadlines and varying in-person assessment days associated with each, so we recommend you check their deadlines here.
You can access the online application here.
