ESSEC MiF – Essays Tips and Deadlines for 2024-25

ESSEC MiF – Essay Writing Tips 

Navigating the MiF application process for ESSEC requires crafting essays that showcase your unique story, aspirations, and fit with the school’s culture. ESSEC values leadership, innovation, and a global perspective. Here are essential tips and strategies to help you create standout essays for your ESSEC MiF application.

From showcasing your personal and professional journey to highlighting your fit with ESSEC’s unique culture, these insights will guide you in creating essays that resonate with the admissions committee. Dive in to discover how to effectively convey your experiences, goals, and the impact you aim to make, ensuring your application stands out in the competitive field.

Question 1: How do you envision your professional career? (400 words maximum)

1. Clearly Define Your Career Vision: Start by outlining your short-term and long-term career goals. Be specific about the industry, role, and the type of organization you aspire to work in. ESSEC values candidates who have a well-defined career path, so ensure that your objectives are clear and ambitious.

Example: In the short term, I envision myself working as a financial analyst at a leading investment bank in Paris, focusing on M&A transactions. Long-term, I aim to transition into a strategic leadership role, managing large-scale corporate finance deals and driving innovation in financial services.

2. Connect Your Goals to Industry Trends: Show that your career goals are not only personal but also aligned with current industry trends. This demonstrates that you are informed about the field and have a strategic understanding of where the industry is headed.

Example: With the increasing digitalization of financial services, I plan to specialize in fintech-driven M&A, leveraging my knowledge to navigate and capitalize on the evolving financial landscape.

3. Align with ESSEC’s Strengths: Conclude by connecting your career vision to ESSEC’s strengths, such as its strong finance curriculum, global reputation, and industry connections. Highlight how the MiF program will provide the skills and network necessary to achieve your goals.

Example: The ESSEC MiF program’s emphasis on applied finance, coupled with its extensive industry connections in Europe, will provide me with the expertise and network I need to succeed in the competitive world of investment banking.

Question 2: How will you contribute to this program? (400 words maximum)

1. Highlight Unique Skills and Experiences: Start by discussing the unique skills and experiences you bring to the ESSEC MiF program. Whether it’s your professional background, leadership experiences, or technical skills, make sure to highlight what sets you apart from other candidates.

Example: My experience as a junior financial analyst at a multinational corporation has equipped me with strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of financial modeling, which I am eager to share with my peers at ESSEC.

2. Discuss Engagement in School Activities: ESSEC values active participation in its community. Explain how you plan to engage with the program’s extracurricular activities, such as finance clubs, case competitions, or mentoring initiatives. Be specific about the roles you see yourself playing.

Example: I am excited to contribute to the ESSEC Finance Club by organizing workshops on financial modeling and leading the team in international case competitions. Additionally, I hope to mentor fellow students, helping them develop their technical skills and industry knowledge.

3. Emphasize Collaborative Contribution: Conclude by discussing how you will contribute to the collaborative learning environment at ESSEC. Highlight your ability to work effectively in teams and your willingness to help others succeed.

Example: Collaboration is key in finance, and I look forward to contributing to ESSEC’s collaborative culture by sharing my knowledge, supporting my peers in their academic journey, and working together to tackle complex financial challenges.

Question 3: What matters most to you, and why? Tell us the values and experiences that have shaped the person you are (400 words maximum).

1. Identify Core Values: Start by identifying the core values that are most important to you. These should be deeply personal and reflect what drives you both personally and professionally. ESSEC is interested in candidates who are self-aware and values-driven.

Example: Integrity and perseverance are the values that matter most to me. Growing up in a family that emphasized the importance of hard work and honesty, I have always strived to uphold these principles in every aspect of my life.

2. Connect Values to Experiences: Explain how these values have been shaped by your life experiences. Provide specific examples of situations where these values guided your actions and decisions, demonstrating how they have influenced your character.

Example: During a challenging project at work, where I faced pressure to compromise on ethical standards for the sake of expediency, I chose to uphold my principles. This decision reaffirmed my belief that integrity should never be sacrificed for short-term gains.

3. Reflect on Future Impact: Conclude by reflecting on how these values will guide you in your future career and at ESSEC. Show that your values align with the ethical and professional standards expected in the finance industry.

Example: As I advance in my career and engage with the ESSEC community, I will continue to prioritize integrity and perseverance, ensuring that my decisions and actions contribute positively to both the industry and society.

Question 4: Add any information you consider relevant for the jury (not already detailed in the rest of your application).

1. Highlight Additional Relevant Experiences: Use this space to mention any significant experiences or achievements that were not covered in other parts of your application. This could include unique internships, volunteer work, or personal projects that demonstrate your commitment to finance or your growth as a professional.

Example: One experience that shaped my understanding of global finance was my internship with a microfinance institution in South America. This role allowed me to see firsthand the impact of financial services on underserved communities and deepened my commitment to inclusive finance.

2. Discuss Special Skills or Talents: If you have any special skills or talents that are relevant to the program but not yet mentioned, this is the place to highlight them. This could be advanced language skills, technical certifications, or other areas of expertise.

Example: In addition to my finance background, I have advanced proficiency in Python programming, which I have used to develop automated financial models. I am eager to bring this technical expertise to the ESSEC MiF program.

3. Reflect on Your Fit with ESSEC: Conclude by reiterating why you believe you are a strong fit for ESSEC, based on the additional information you’ve provided. Tie these elements back to the school’s values and what they seek in candidates.

Example: These experiences, coupled with my technical skills and global perspective, make me confident that I will thrive at ESSEC and contribute meaningfully to the program’s diverse and dynamic community.

Question 5: Have you ever applied to an ESSEC Business School program? If YES, please indicate program name and year?

1. Be Honest and Transparent: If you have applied to an ESSEC program before, be upfront about it. Clearly state which program you applied to, the year of the application, and the outcome. Transparency is valued by the admissions committee.

Example: I previously applied to the ESSEC Global MBA program in 2020 but was not admitted. This experience, however, fueled my determination to gain more experience and apply again to a program that is more aligned with my current career goals.

2. Reflect on Growth Since the Previous Application: Discuss how you have grown personally and professionally since your last application. Highlight any new experiences, skills, or achievements that make you a stronger candidate this time around.

Example: Since my previous application, I have gained significant experience in financial analysis through my role at XYZ Company, completed additional certifications, and deepened my understanding of the finance industry. These developments have better prepared me for the rigorous MiF program.

3. Reiterate Your Commitment to ESSEC: Conclude by reiterating your strong interest in ESSEC and why you believe the MiF program is the right fit for you now. Show that your determination to join the ESSEC community has only grown stronger.

Example: My commitment to joining the ESSEC community has only intensified, and I am more prepared than ever to contribute to and benefit from the MiF program. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my enhanced skills and experience to ESSEC.

Things to Avoid in Your ESSEC Essays

1. Overlooking ESSEC’s Focus on Innovation in Finance: ESSEC Business School is known for its emphasis on innovation, particularly in finance and financial technologies. Avoid writing essays that do not acknowledge or align with this focus. The admissions committee looks for candidates who are excited about the future of finance and eager to contribute to advancements in the industry.

2. Ignoring the Importance of French Language and Culture: Given ESSEC’s strong presence in France and its connections to French businesses, failing to mention how you plan to engage with the French language and culture can be a missed opportunity. Even if you are not fluent, showing an interest in learning the language or engaging with the local culture is important.

3. Neglecting ESSEC’s Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): ESSEC places significant value on CSR and sustainability in business. Avoid essays that do not reflect an understanding of or commitment to these principles. Demonstrating that you share these values and plan to incorporate them into your career can strengthen your application.

4. Failing to Address the School’s Global Network and Opportunities: ESSEC offers a wide range of global opportunities, including international campuses and partnerships. Avoid essays that do not highlight your interest in or plan to take advantage of these global experiences. The admissions committee wants to see how you will utilize ESSEC’s international network to advance your career.

5. Underestimating the Importance of a Collaborative Environment: ESSEC values collaboration and peer learning. Avoid writing essays that do not mention your ability to work well in teams or how you plan to contribute to the collaborative environment at ESSEC. The school seeks candidates who will engage actively with their peers and contribute to a vibrant learning community.