LBS MBA – Essays Tips and Deadlines for 2024-25 

LBS MBA – Essay Writing Tips 

Navigating the MBA application process for London Business School (LBS) can be a daunting task, particularly when it comes to writing essays that truly capture your unique story and aspirations. LBS values leadership, innovation, and a global perspective, seeking candidates who can demonstrate these qualities through authentic and compelling narratives. In this blog, we provide essential tips and strategies to help you craft standout essays for your LBS MBA application.

From showcasing your personal and professional journey to highlighting your fit with LBS’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: What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these?

Introduction: When introducing your current professional background, ensure to highlight your main responsibilities and achievements. Briefly mention the sectors you have worked in, the types of projects you have led, and the outcomes you have driven.

Example: I am currently a Senior Marketing Manager at a leading FMCG company, where I have spearheaded several brand management and digital marketing initiatives over the past eight years. My role has encompassed strategic planning, market analysis, and cross-functional team leadership, leading to significant improvements in market share and revenue growth.

Detailed Career Goals: Provide a clear and logical progression from your current role to your post-MBA aspirations. Make sure your goals are ambitious yet realistic, and show how the MBA will be a crucial step in achieving them.

Example: In the short term, I intend to join a leading tech company as a Product Marketing Manager, focusing on driving go-to-market strategies and customer acquisition. In the long term, I envision myself as a CMO, leading a diverse marketing team to drive global brand growth and innovation. These goals resonate with my passion for leveraging technology to create impactful customer experiences, and I am committed to harnessing my skills to make a significant contribution to the industry.

Past Experience: When detailing your past experiences, use specific examples to illustrate your achievements. Quantify your impact wherever possible and highlight the skills you have developed that are relevant to your post-MBA goals.

Example: At my current company, I have successfully led several high-impact marketing campaigns, resulting in a 20% increase in market share and a 15% boost in sales revenue. My experience managing cross-functional teams and executing data-driven marketing strategies has equipped me with essential skills such as strategic planning, market analysis, and stakeholder management. For instance, I spearheaded the launch of a new product line, which involved coordinating efforts across departments, managing a multi-million-dollar budget, and achieving a 25% increase in brand awareness within six months.

Fit with LBS: Discuss how the specific aspects of LBS will help you achieve your career goals. Mention courses, clubs, and initiatives that align with your interests and explain how you will contribute to the LBS community.

Example: The London Business School MBA programme offers unparalleled opportunities for achieving my career aspirations. The diverse curriculum, with its emphasis on global business and leadership, will enhance my strategic thinking and decision-making abilities. Additionally, the Tech & Media Club at LBS will provide me with invaluable insights and networking opportunities in the tech industry. Furthermore, the school’s strong alumni network and global exposure will aid my transition into the tech sector. I am eager to contribute to the LBS community by sharing my marketing expertise, and I look forward to collaborating with peers and faculty who share my passion for innovation and excellence.

Question 2: Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School?

Address Any Gaps or Weaknesses: Use this space to explain any gaps in employment, low grades, or other inconsistencies in your application. Focus on how you have grown or learned from these experiences.

Example: During a period of three months in 2020, I took a break from my career to care for a family member who was undergoing medical treatment. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and empathy, and I returned to the workforce with renewed focus and determination, as demonstrated by my subsequent achievements at my company.

Highlight Unique Achievements: Discuss any significant accomplishments or experiences not covered in other parts of your application. Highlight extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or personal projects.

Example: Beyond my professional accomplishments, I have been actively involved in various volunteer activities. As a volunteer at a local non-profit organization, I led fundraising initiatives that raised over $50,000 for community development projects. These experiences have honed my leadership and project management skills, which will be valuable in my MBA journey and beyond.

Share Personal Insights: Provide a personal story or insight that reveals more about your background, motivations, and aspirations. Ensure this story adds a unique dimension to your candidacy and aligns with LBS’s values.

Example: One defining moment in my life was when I participated in a social impact project in rural India. This experience shaped my perspective on the importance of giving back to the community and reinforced my commitment to using my skills to drive positive change. I believe this aspect of my background adds a unique dimension to my candidacy and aligns with the values of London Business School.

Things to avoid in your LBS Essays

• Avoid Overly Technical Jargon: While LBS appreciates analytical and technical skills, filling your essays with too much industry-specific jargon can be off-putting. Ensure your essays are accessible to a broad audience, including those without your specific technical background.

• Don’t Underestimate the Personal Touch: LBS values unique personal stories. Avoid focusing solely on professional achievements. Share personal anecdotes that illustrate your character, resilience, and passion. Personal stories can often be more memorable and impactful.

• Steer Clear of a One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Using the same essays for multiple schools can lead to a lack of specificity. Tailor each essay to highlight why LBS is the perfect fit for your aspirations. Mention specific programs, professors, or aspects of the LBS culture that resonate with you.

• Avoid Lack of Evidence for Leadership and Collaboration: LBS places a high value on leadership and teamwork. Don’t just claim you have these qualities; provide concrete examples. Avoid vague statements and show real instances where you led a team, collaborated on a project, or contributed to a community.

• Don’t Ignore the Global Focus: LBS has a strong global focus. Avoid essays that don’t touch on your global experiences or perspectives. If you lack international experience, discuss how you plan to gain global insights at LBS or why this global perspective is important to you.