GEM Application Essays & Questions 2023-2024
Question 1: What would you like the GEM admissions board to know about your professional work and / or academic experience
Question 2: Why are you interested in Grenoble Ecole de Management and this particular program?
Question 3: Please list your most significant experiences growing up, living, studying, working or traveling outside your own country
Question 4: What do you understand about culture shock? Have you ever experienced it and how did you deal with it?
GEM Winning Sample Essays – 1
Question 1: What would you like the GEM admissions board to know about your professional work and / or academic experience
I am excited to share my professional and academic experiences that have prepared me for the Master in Management program at Grenoble Ecole de Management. With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I have built a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of technology.
My professional journey began at Microsoft, where I worked as a software engineer on the Azure Compute team. Here, I initiated efforts to showcase product stability and integrated new virtual machine types, which significantly improved client satisfaction and generated substantial revenue. This role honed my problem-solving skills and taught me the importance of data-driven decision-making.
Currently, at LinkedIn, I serve as a software engineer on the Storage Infrastructure team. One of my notable achievements includes leading a team to design and implement a system to monitor and establish latency SLOs for Espresso DB, which resulted in a significant reduction in operational costs. I also spearheaded the development of a service that enables clients to leverage a Couchbase cache, saving LinkedIn over $2 million annually and reducing latencies by 50%. These projects have not only strengthened my technical expertise but also enhanced my leadership and project management skills.
Beyond my professional accomplishments, I am deeply committed to community service. My volunteer work with the American Cancer Society, where I led fundraising initiatives and mentored new volunteers, has enriched my leadership qualities and deepened my understanding of teamwork and empathy.
The combination of my technical background, leadership experience, and commitment to community service makes me a strong candidate for the Master in Management program at GEM. I am eager to leverage this program’s robust curriculum and international perspective to bridge my technical skills with strategic business management, driving innovation and positive change in the tech industry.
Question 2: Why are you interested in Grenoble Ecole de Management and this particular program?
I am highly interested in Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM) and its Master in Management program due to its strong emphasis on innovation, global perspective, and sustainability. GEM’s reputation as a leader in integrating technology and management education aligns perfectly with my career goals of transitioning from a technical role to a strategic product management position.
The program’s robust curriculum, which blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications, stands out to me. Courses in business strategy, innovation management, and sustainability will provide me with a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate and lead in today’s complex business environment. I am particularly drawn to the unique opportunities for hands-on learning through GEM’s close ties with industry and its emphasis on real-world projects and internships. These experiences are crucial for bridging the gap between academic learning and practical implementation, allowing me to apply my technical skills in a strategic business context.
GEM’s diverse and international student body offers an enriching environment where I can learn from and collaborate with peers from various cultural and professional backgrounds. This global exposure is vital for my aspirations to lead multinational teams and drive innovation on a global scale.
GEM’s commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices resonates deeply with my personal values and professional aspirations. I am eager to contribute to and benefit from GEM’s initiatives that promote responsible leadership and sustainable development. GEM’s Master in Management program offers the ideal platform for me to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve my career goals while contributing positively to society.
Question 3: Please list your most significant experiences growing up, living, studying, working or traveling outside your own country
Growing up, I had the privilege of experiencing diverse cultures and environments, which have significantly shaped my worldview and professional aspirations.
One of my most formative experiences was spending a summer in India with my extended family. Immersing myself in a different culture, I learned the importance of adaptability and cultural sensitivity. This experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity and the unique perspectives it brings.
During my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I participated in an exchange program in Germany. This opportunity allowed me to study alongside international students and exposed me to different academic approaches and business practices. I collaborated with peers from various backgrounds on projects that enhanced my ability to work effectively in multicultural teams.
Professionally, my role at Microsoft involved collaborating with international clients and teams, particularly on projects that required integrating new technologies across different regions. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication and teamwork in a global business environment.
Currently, at LinkedIn, I lead a team that includes members from different parts of the world. Managing cross-functional and multicultural teams has further refined my leadership skills and my ability to navigate and manage diverse perspectives.
My volunteer work with the American Cancer Society involved organizing events that brought together people from various cultural backgrounds, enriching my understanding of global health challenges and community engagement. These experiences have equipped me with a global mindset, a crucial asset for the Master in Management program at GEM, and will enable me to contribute effectively to its diverse and international community.
Question 4: What do you understand about culture shock? Have you ever experienced it and how did you deal with it?
Culture shock refers to the feeling of disorientation and discomfort that one may experience when encountering a new and unfamiliar culture. It often involves adapting to different social norms, values, and behaviors that can be significantly different from one’s own cultural background.
I first experienced culture shock during my summer in India with my extended family. The differences in daily routines, communication styles, and societal expectations were initially overwhelming. However, I approached this experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. I made a conscious effort to understand and respect the local customs and traditions. Engaging in conversations with my relatives and participating in cultural activities helped me acclimate and appreciate the richness of the culture.
Another significant instance of culture shock occurred during my exchange program in Germany. Adapting to a new educational system and interacting with peers from various cultural backgrounds was challenging. To cope, I immersed myself in the local community by attending social events and joining student clubs. Building friendships with fellow international students provided a support network that eased the transition.
Professionally, working at Microsoft and LinkedIn involved collaborating with global teams, which sometimes led to cultural misunderstandings. I learned to navigate these situations by actively listening, being patient, and seeking common ground. Open communication and cultural sensitivity were key in overcoming these challenges.
These experiences have taught me that while culture shock can be unsettling, it is also an opportunity for personal growth and learning. Embracing new perspectives and being adaptable are essential in today’s globalized world, skills I will bring to the diverse environment at Grenoble Ecole de Management.
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GEM Recommendation Letter – Key Questions
- In what capacity have you known the candidate? (No word limit)
- If this is a work-related reference, in what position is/was the candidate employed and for how long? (No word limit)
- What do you consider to be the candidate’s principal strengths/talents? (No word limit)
- What do you consider to be the candidate’s weaknesses or areas that need improvement? (No word limit)
MiM Recommendation Letters
(Free Samples & successful Examples)
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 1
Here is a quick PDF of a sample recommendation our client submitted for a successful admit.
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 2
How do you know the applicant? How long have you known them for?
I am the Dean and Professor at Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology in Rohini, India. I have known Pavani since her first semester, where she was in my “Fundamentals of Computing” class.
I have had multiple opportunities to interact with Pavani as she was leading the student activities for her batch and was also working on the “Automated Stock Trading algorithm” project as a part of the curriculum, under my guidance.
What would you say are the applicant’s key strengths and talents?
One of Pavani’s primary strengths is her ability to lead a team even in uncertain situations. In her final year, Pavani was the Organizing Committee Member of the International Conference. Since it was the first conference of its kind, there were no previous benchmarks, or processes in place. Right from marketing, outreach events, finding vendors for event management, to logistics – everything had to be figured out from scratch. The budget was also crunched which further did not help the situation.
Pavani went beyond her responsibilities and took the lead on the project. She worked with other team members, discussed with them and charted a plan. She delegated responsibilities to fellow peers, and also guided them on their tasks. There were also conflicts in the team, and unforeseen problems. One of the vendors cancelled the contract two days before the conference. Pavani immediately reached out to other vendors through personal contacts and engaged the team with a calm mind and got things done. Thanks to Pavani, the conference was a huge success with over 60 participants from multiple countries. As a result, 3 projects were selected and funded by our institution. The conference is now recognised internationally and is set to take place again next year in February.
Pavani also demonstrated her leadership capabilities while working on a project under my guidance. The project was focused on building automated stock trading algorithms that managed to maximize cumulative profit. Although she did not come from a finance background, Pavani quickly learnt the basic concepts. She also brought her team members onboard by coaching them and teaching how the stock market works. With the team’s support, Pavani was able to build a functioning algorithm that got published in a reputed Journal – “Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research”. I believe Pavani is the kind of candidate who can take ownership and deliver things with minimal guidance.
In which areas of development has the applicant progressed the most in the time you’ve known them?
Initially, when I met Pavani, she was a shy person who was not confident to lead a team. Even though she might have brilliant ideas, she used to keep it to herself and not put it forward. As a consequence of being shy, she even preferred to work alone rather than in teams. She needed a little encouragement to help break her out of her shell. Slowly, she started putting forth her ideas. As those ideas were adopted by her teammates, she started gaining confidence. She quickly learnt to plan, lead and delegate a team effectively.
Pavani grew to participate in competitions, representing the college on national level. Seeing her progress into an effective leader, I appointed Pavani as the organisational head of an international conference that took place in our campus in February 2020 as mentioned above.
Pavani also progressed tremendously in her academics from 7 CGPA in 1st semester to 9 CGPA in later semesters. Her performance has progressed not just in theory but practical as well. She was part of 2 research papers that were published in reputable journals.
Another area that Pavani needs to develop is to be open and listen to other’s opinions. Sometimes, Pavani is quite stubborn when it comes to her plans and would want to execute them the way she has planned them. Therefore, she is at times not open to new viewpoints or any suggestions to the plan she came up with. This arises from her own perceptions that changing plans will lead to chaos and hence poor performance. In one of our sessions, I coached her and made her understand that she alone cannot control all things and she alone cannot achieve great things. She understood the importance of teamwork and she has been trying to work it out. She is now a bit more open to new ideas and opinions. I believe she will learn these qualities over time and experience.
In what ways might the applicant contribute to the Masters in Management Program?
Pavani has always volunteered and stepped up to lead student activities. I have no doubt that she would continue to do the same at London Business School. With her experience in event management, she will be a great asset to lead student run activities and events.
Apart from that, I think Pavani is a fast learner who is always enthusiastic to teach her fellow batchmates. She has held multiple tutor sessions for juniors and fellow batchmates on tough courses. She will contribute to the class by bringing her technical expertise during discussions and also coaching them on relatively tough concepts.
Is MiM Program a right fit for the candidate right now?
This course would be the natural academic evolution for her. On multiple occasions, Pavani has expressed her interest in taking up roles that are in the intersection of business and technology. Engineering gave her a strong foundation in technology and analytical skills. But she needs the academic experience and learning about the business world. More importantly MiM will also groom her leadership abilities and impart holistic thinking capabilities. Pavani has a great potential to learn and succeed. And I believe MiM will be a step in the right direction towards achieving her goals.
Internship Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 1
Here is a quick PDF of a sample recommendation our client submitted for a successful admit.
Internship Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 2
ESCP
Master in Management Program
Paris, France
Date: 12-07-2022
To whomever it concerns
I am writing this letter of recommendation on Behalf of Payal Saxena for her admissions into the MiM Program at your prestigious university. I have observed Payal in the capacity of a mentor and guide for about 8 months, during which she, along with her two peers, developed an algorithm for fully automated stock trading.
Payal approached me for guidance to work on a project, which they aimed to showcase in a project challenge. This project carries a lot of value and adds towards the credits for their final degree. Initially, when the team brainstormed on the ideas, Payal raised her interest to solve some real problem using technology. The team did not want to do robotics or bot building rather create a value using their technical skills. So we decided to build an automatic stock trading algorithm.
Payal’s willingness to learn and creative problem solving abilities was evident throughout the project. When we started the project, Payal had a very basic understanding of stocks, but she was determined to learn. She took the initial few weeks to study up and research. I was surprised how quickly she ramped up her knowledge on the subject. She was studying trends on money control websites, mainly high performing stocks over different time periods. She always used to come up with new ideas, parameters to identify some patterns. True that Payal needed guidance on the subject and a little push from my end. Nonetheless, she used to contemplate and brainstorm with the team with utmost enthusiasm and result-oriented mindset.
Another strength of Payal is her team leading capabilities. As this topic is entirely new for engineering students, she helped her fellow team members understand the topics by coaching them. She was also helping the team by translating the business problem into a technical language that is easy for the team to grasp and understand. I could clearly see Payal taking a lead on the project, guiding her members, provoking them to think differently, and motivating the team with a “can-do” attitude. Finally the team applied different indicators with different timelines and devised a mathematical equation which could be coded upon. And the team succeeded in building an algorithm with the use of a golden crossover indicator with moving averages of 9 minutes and 21 minutes.
One thing that I have noticed during my time with her is that she is very stubborn. If she wants to try a new model, she wants to try it. Even if I guide her that this model may not actually work, she will still try her hands and then realise on her own when the results come out. She makes this plan in her mind and she wants to follow it through, and she is not very receptive to any changes or updates to that plan. I understand that this stems from her passion to solve problems and experiment on her own. However, she may not have the luxury of time and resources to do this in the real business world. I have advised Payal on the same and she listened to me carefully. I believe she will overcome this weakness over time and experience.
Payal is at the right inflection point in her career transition. She has strong technical skills, and she has always expressed interest to solve business problems using her skill set. I believe a MiM will help her gain that business understanding and also groom her leadership skills early in her career. I would definitely recommend Payal as a strong candidate for the MIM program
I hope the admissions committee sees the potential in Payal as I do, and I wish Payal all the best in her future endeavours.
Regards
XXXXXX
Manager, XXXXXXX
Do's & Don'ts - of a Recommendation Letter
Based on the Letters of Recommendation Guide, here are five tailored do’s and don’ts for writing recommendation letters for candidates applying to a Master’s in Management (MiM) program:
Do’s:
1. Choose a Recommender Who Knows You Well:
– Do: Select a recommender who has worked closely with you and can provide specific examples of your management skills, leadership potential, and professional achievements. This person should be able to speak to your capabilities and character in a detailed and nuanced manner.
– Reason: Admissions committees value depth and specificity in recommendations over the recommender’s title or prestige .
2. Highlight Relevant Skills:
– Do: Ensure the recommender highlights skills relevant to an MiM program, such as leadership, strategic thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Examples of how you managed projects, led teams, or solved complex problems should be included.
– Reason: Relevant skills demonstrate your preparedness for the rigorous demands of a management program .
3. Provide Specific Examples:
– Do: Encourage your recommender to provide detailed examples of your accomplishments. Anecdotes that illustrate your leadership in action or your ability to strategize effectively add credibility to the letter.
– Reason: Specific examples make the recommendation more credible and compelling, showing concrete evidence of your potential .
4. Meet with Your Recommender:
– Do: Arrange a meeting with your recommender to discuss your achievements, career goals, and reasons for pursuing an MiM. Provide them with a résumé and a list of your key accomplishments to help them write a comprehensive letter.
– Reason: This ensures that your recommender has all the necessary information to write a strong, personalized recommendation .
5. Ensure Timely Submission:
– Do: Set a personal deadline for your recommender that is well ahead of the application deadline. Follow up periodically to ensure they are on track.
– Reason: This helps avoid last-minute issues and ensures that your application is complete on time .
Don’ts:
1. Don’t Write Your Own Recommendation:
– Don’t: Never write your own recommendation letter, even if asked to do so by a recommender. Politely decline and offer to provide detailed information instead.
– Reason: Self-written letters lack objectivity and can be easily spotted by admissions committees, potentially harming your application .
2. Don’t Choose Recommenders Based on Title Alone:
– Don’t: Avoid selecting recommenders solely based on their impressive titles if they do not know you well. A generic letter from a high-ranking official is less effective than a detailed letter from someone who knows your work intimately.
– Reason: Admissions committees value insight and detail over prestige. A superficial letter can undermine your application .
3. Don’t Ignore the Instructions:
– Don’t: Ensure your recommenders follow the specific instructions and format required by each school. Avoid generic letters that do not address the school’s particular questions or criteria.
– Reason: Different programs may have unique requirements, and adherence to these shows attention to detail and respect for the application process .
4. Don’t Overuse Superlatives:
– Don’t: Instruct your recommender to avoid excessive use of superlatives without backing them up with specific examples. Phrases like “the best” or “outstanding” should be supported by detailed evidence.
– Reason: Over-the-top praise can seem insincere unless substantiated with concrete examples. Balanced, realistic assessments are more credible .
5. Don’t Choose Recommenders Who Are Unfamiliar with Your Recent Work:
– Don’t: Avoid selecting recommenders who have not worked with you in the past few years, unless absolutely necessary. Their insight may be outdated or less relevant.
– Reason: Current supervisors or colleagues are better positioned to speak about your recent achievements and current potential .
These do’s and don’ts will help ensure that the recommendation letters for candidates applying to a Master’s in Management program are strong, detailed, and effective in supporting their application.
Free Sample Template - for you to use
Free Recommendation letter template specifically tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Management (MiM) program, with a distinct structure and instructions to highlight relevant skills.
Admissions Committee
[Master’s in Management Program Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Date:
Subject: Recommendation letter for —-“
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Master’s in Management program] at [University Name]. I have been [Candidate’s Name]’s [supervisor/manager/colleague] at [Company Name] for [duration], and during this time, I have closely observed [his/her/their] professional growth and achievements.
Key strenghts and Competencies
[Candidate’s Name] has demonstrated a strong aptitude for management, particularly in the areas of [relevant skills, e.g., leadership, strategic thinking, team collaboration]. In [specific project/task], [he/she/they] [specific action taken], resulting in [quantifiable result/outcome]. This project exemplifies [his/her/their] ability to manage complex initiatives and drive significant results.
Initiative and Problem-Solving
A notable example of [Candidate’s Name]’s initiative was during [specific situation]. [He/She/They] identified a critical issue in [context] and took proactive steps to [specific action taken], which led to [positive outcome]. This instance highlights [his/her/their] problem-solving capabilities and proactive approach.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
[Candidate’s Name] excels in leading teams and fostering a collaborative environment. During [specific team project], [he/she/they] [specific actions taken to lead the team], ensuring that all team members were aligned and motivated. The project’s success, marked by [specific achievements], is a testament to [his/her/their] effective leadership and team management skills.
Areas of improvement and Growth
[Candidate’s Name] is highly adaptable and continuously seeks to improve. After receiving feedback on [specific area for improvement], [he/she/they] [specific actions taken to improve], resulting in [positive development]. This commitment to personal and professional growth is a key attribute that will serve [him/her/them] well in the [Master’s in Management program].
Overall Recommendation
In conclusion, [Candidate’s Name] is an outstanding candidate for the [Master’s in Management program] at [University Name]. [His/Her/Their] combination of management skills, leadership qualities, and dedication to continuous improvement make [him/her/them] well-suited for your program. I am confident that [he/she/they] will make significant contributions and excel in this academically rigorous and dynamic environment.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Company Name]
This template is structured to highlight the candidate’s management expertise, leadership abilities, and dedication to continuous improvement, making it suitable for applications to a Master’s in Management program.
