[0:40] Q: How can applicants best convey their fit to the programme?
[0:46] A: We are looking for talented senior managers who want to improve and develop their skills and international profile. Our programme is #3 worldwide in terms of international experience because we have people from all over the world. We are really for the niche in each country we travel to. First of all, they have to be ambitious and seek experiences out of their comfort zone. It is a tough experience but we think it is the best way to improve themselves.
[1:46] Q: What are some common mistakes that applicants can easily avoid during the application?
[1:52] A: Normally, they try to sell themselves in a way that is not realistic. So, we don’t request a GMAT score because we are much more focused on the mindset and commitment of candidates because it is what allows you to bring your real value into the class. For us, the most important part is to understand the commitment and the mindset which has to be aligned with our expectations. We are looking for people who are ready to share more about their own work experience. This is the only way to have a boost in their career and in their personal approach to the job.
[2:55] Q: What is most important to remember when it comes to the application essay?
[03:01] A: The essay is one of the most important parts. We have three open questions. The second one is to allow us to understand why your profile is suitable for our programme. This is one of the most difficult questions for applicants and they often try to explain how much they want to enter our programme when in fact, we want to understand the “why”. We want to understand what they can bring to the class in terms of value, experience, and approach.
Learn more about MBA programmes at ESCP Europe by taking a look at this handy school profile.
[3:50] Q: Do you require any aptitude tests for the application to the Executive MBA programme?
[03:57] A: We do not require GMAT for admission to the Executive MBA because we think the most important part is not to see if you are able to sit in a chair and understand the professor but to find out if you can work with your classmates in a very intensive environment.
We request an English certificate which has to be of a high level. If you do not have an English certificate, we have an internal one which can be taken for free. Applicants can apply for it and they get their results before presenting their application to the international jury.
We also have a selection interview where we go deeper in the commitment and the mindset of the applicant together with our professors. This is the way for us to understand what the applicant has written inside their application.
[5:07] Q: How can applicants ensure getting a scholarship during the application?
[5:19] A: We have 12 scholarships each year which are dedicated to diversity. We have a scholarship for women leaders, a scholarship for entrepreneurs, for emerging markets, for small and medium enterprises, and for the non-profit sector. Every scholarship is worth EUR 10,000. Our goal is to improve the diversity in the class. Our classes are very diverse in terms of nationalities and industrial sectors represented.
So, to get a scholarship you have to present your profile in the best way and show why it is suitable for the scholarship. We offer support to all applicants in order to optimise their presentation. The point is to show how much value you can bring after the programme in relation to these subjects. How can you bring value to your market and to your country? We want to reward people who are committed in doing that.
