LBS Application Essays & Questions 2023-2024
What learning outcomes are you aiming to achieve as part of your Masters in Management programme? What challenge(s) might you encounter?
During your time as a student, how will you contribute to the London Business School? (400 word essay)
In 300 words or less, please tell us how your previous experience(s) will enable you to thrive within our School’s diverse and international community?
In 300 words or less, please describe your alternative career goals, telling us how you would respond in a challenging job market, how would you expand your job search to other roles and locations if your primary goal is unsuccessful?
In 150 words (or less), tell us about a hobby or main interest.
What are your post-Masters in Management /Global MiM career goals? Please state your ideal sector, role and function. (300 words max)
LBS Winning Sample Essays – 1
LBS MiM Essay 1: What learning outcomes are you aiming to achieve as part of your Masters in Management programme? What challenge(s) might you encounter?
I am a Computer Science Engineer with a great passion to solve real world problems using technology. When the COVID hit and there was a dearth of testing kits, I developed a Covid detection solution using X-Ray scans. As a part of internships with regional governmental bodies, I have also built intelligent Traffic Lights systems, and algorithms to predict forest fires that operated at 87 percent accuracy. Through these projects, I have honed my analytical and problem solving skills.
For the last 4 years, I spent a considerable time supporting my family business. I was assisting our Chartered Accountant to manage the company books, and balance sheets. This is where I was first introduced to the field of Finance. Curious to learn more, I self-taught the concepts of Finance using Coursera and Linkedin Learning. This understanding also helped me to build an automated stock trading algorithm for Reliance, that minimises losses and maximizes profits. I have also won the best project award in a national competition for developing an effective equity selection model based on business headlines scanning over 5000 new articles in a week to predict trend lines and movements of the stock market.
Being exposed to and interested in Finance, I want to build my long term career in this domain. To achieve my goals, I need the knowledge and understanding of not only Finance but the end-to-end business as a whole. I need to understand different facets of the business world, how financial decisions are made from project level to organisation level, and how strategy influences the operations of an organisation. I strongly believe that this chair will equip me with necessary knowledge and understanding of the business world. The intensive case based learning will broaden my horizon with real world scenarios and business problems.
As a victim of sexual harassment at the young age of 15, I do everything in my capacity to voice and speak up against it. I have created support groups and conducted workshops to spread awareness about the legal rights and protection women have in India, with respect to sexual harassment. This helped create a positive and inclusive environment where the victims can get the necessary emotional and physical support they need.
One of the challenges I believe I will face while pursuing MiM is falling prey to impostor syndrome. As interesting and enriching it might be to meet people with diverse backgrounds, I feel I might be slightly intimidated amidst such high performing candidates. I hope to overcome this challenge by reinforcing the unique strengths I possess and focusing on the value that I bring to the cohort.
Apart from this, I am a person who struggles to perform in high pressure environments. In the past, I have often got stressed and anxious while working on projects with tight deadlines and high expectations. Yoga and Pranayama (Meditation) are my go to tools in such situations and it has helped me to a great extent in controlling my anxiety. Nonetheless, I am determined to overcome any challenges and make the best use of my time while pursuing my studies at London Business School.
LBS MiM Essay 2: During your time as a student, how will you contribute to the London Business School? (400 word essay)
As a computer science engineer, I have hands-on experience in solving problems using technology – for example I built an automatic stock trading algorithm that can trade on an intra day basis to make a net gain. This algorithm was also recognised and published in international journals. With my experience, I can contribute on how technology and digital is key to solving many business problems.
My introduction to finance came through my family business. I work with my Chartered Accountant to manage our business’s financial books and balance sheets. I have a good grasp of accounting and finance principles. Finance being one of the difficult concepts, I can teach and help my batchmates with financial concepts.
As someone who has worked on more than 5 live projects in my engineering days, I understand and appreciate the value of learning by doing. I would take part and represent London Business School in various case study competitions and real world projects.
Apart from all this, I researched the vast clubs at LBS, and I would like to actively contribute to the Women in Business Club and Out in Business club. A couple of years ago, I had a revelation about my sexuality, that I’m bisexual. For the past two years, I have been struggling to accept this fact about myself. I wish to join the Out in Business club at LBS and become an advocate for my community. I want to create support groups where people can open up and share their experiences in a non-judgemental, secure environment. I also want to invite other people to come and become allies to the LGBTQ+ community.
One more thing that really excites me is the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and from diverse backgrounds. When I connected with alumni and current students, I got to know that MiM can be a very busy and stressful experience. I would love to host dinner events at my dorm room and bond with my batchmates and help them destress. I am an incredible cook, and not so bad guitar player. I can add value by reminding my batch mates to have some fun once in a while!
LBS MiM Essay 3: In 300 words or less, please tell us how your previous experience(s) will enable you to thrive within our School’s diverse and international community?
My family is in the business of selling essential oils in various international markets via ecommerce channels. I was responsible for customer support and I resolved any customer queries and complaints. In this role, I had numerous opportunities to interact with clients from North America, France, Germany, UK and other European countries. I used to listen to their health and beauty concerns and then suggest them with suitable essential oil and also guide them on how to use the oils. Talking to people from over 15 countries, solving their purchase-related problems or answering their queries has helped me understand the different nuances of various cultures.
I believe this unique experience has equipped me to understand and appreciate people from all over the world. I have learnt to navigate through simple things such as their accents and gestures, to complex things such as cultural norms and differences. As a person who is sensitive and appreciative of different cultural aspects, I am confident of navigating cultural barriers and thriving in an international community.
LBS MiM Essay 4: In 300 words or less, please describe your alternative career goals, telling us how you would respond in a challenging job market, how would you expand your job search to other roles and locations if your primary goal is unsuccessful.
My plan A is to secure a job as Financial Analyst either in Private Equity or Investment Banking firms such as JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs.
If I couldn’t succeed in landing my dream role , I would pursue a career in fintech to the likes of Barclays or PwC. Working in these organisations, I would get a breadth of experience across finance and technology. As someone who is coming from a technology background, a fintech role would help me leverage my strengths to solve problems in the finance domain. In addition to gaining exposure to the financial world, such a role will also groom my business and strategy skills, enabling me to transition into a leadership position in the finance field in the long term. I am quite open to apply for positions across the UK and Europe if my primary goal is unsuccessful.
LBS MiM Essay 5: In 150 words (or less), tell us about a hobby or main interest.
Before my family started the essential oils business, I have seen my parents struggle to make ends meet. This experience taught me to value even simple things and not take anything for granted. Therefore, caring for the underprivileged and giving back to society has been a big part of my life.
For over 3 years, I have involved myself in teaching underprivileged kids, distributing food to the downtrodden communities through NGOs and social impact clubs. As a victim of sexual harassment at the young age of 15, I do everything in my capacity to voice and speak up against it. I have created support groups and conducted workshops to spread awareness about the legal rights and protection women have in India, with respect to sexual harassment. This helped create a positive and inclusive environment where the victims can get the necessary emotional and physical support they need.
LBS MiM Essay 6: What are your post-Masters in Management /Global MiM career goals? Please state your ideal sector, role and function. (300 words max)
After my MiM studies, my goal is to land a role in the finance industry. An ideal role for me would be Financial Analyst either in Private Equity or Investment Banking firms such as JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs.
Such a role would give me hands-on experience on different aspects of finance such as how firms manage capital structure, how firms balance risks and return, how financial decisions are made in a company etc. More importantly it gives me exposure to different sectors, and industry best practises that will play a key role in attaining my long term goal of leading the Finance & Treasury function for one of the Fortune 500 companies.
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LBS Winning Sample Essays – 2
LBS MiM Essay 1: What learning outcomes are you aiming to achieve as part of your Masters in Management programme? What challenge(s) might you encounter?
As a prospective student of the Master in Management program at London Business School, my primary learning outcomes revolve around acquiring a comprehensive understanding of business management principles, honing my leadership and decision-making skills, and developing a global mindset. I aim to emerge from the program equipped with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate complex business environments, drive innovation, and lead teams effectively.
One of the main challenges I anticipate encountering during my journey in the program is the rigorous academic curriculum combined with the fast-paced nature of the learning environment. Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments while striving for academic excellence will require strong time management, organizational skills, and resilience. Additionally, as an international student, adapting to a new cultural and academic setting may present initial challenges in terms of language proficiency, cultural assimilation, and academic expectations. However, I am committed to overcoming these challenges through proactive engagement, seeking support from faculty and peers, and leveraging the resources available at London Business School to maximize my learning experience.
LBS MiM Essay 2: During your time as a student, how will you contribute to the London Business School? (400 word essay)
During my tenure as a student at the London Business School, I am committed to making significant contributions to both the academic and social fabric of the institution. I believe that my diverse background, skills, and experiences will enable me to add value to the LBS community in several ways.
First and foremost, I aim to contribute actively to the academic discourse and learning environment at LBS. With a passion for learning and a hunger for knowledge, I am eager to engage deeply with the curriculum, participate actively in class discussions, and collaborate effectively with my peers on group projects and case studies. Drawing from my multidisciplinary background and international experiences, I hope to bring a unique perspective to classroom conversations, challenging conventional wisdom and fostering critical thinking among my fellow students. By actively contributing to academic forums, workshops, and seminars, I aspire to create an intellectually stimulating environment where diverse ideas are exchanged, debated, and synthesized to generate innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
In addition to academic pursuits, I am keen on playing an active role in extracurricular activities and student initiatives at LBS. As a firm believer in the power of collaboration and community engagement, I intend to join student clubs, societies, and organizations that align with my interests and values. Whether it’s participating in entrepreneurship competitions, organizing industry networking events, or volunteering for social impact projects, I am eager to leverage my skills and energy to contribute meaningfully to the vibrant student life at LBS. Moreover, I am excited about the opportunity to serve as a student ambassador, representing LBS with pride and enthusiasm, and helping prospective students navigate their journey to the school.
Furthermore, I am committed to giving back to the broader LBS community through mentorship and peer support initiatives. Drawing from my own experiences and lessons learned, I aspire to mentor and guide incoming students, providing them with advice, encouragement, and insights to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the LBS experience. Additionally, I am eager to engage with alumni networks and industry partners, bridging the gap between academia and practice, and fostering mutually beneficial collaborations that enhance the reputation and impact of LBS on a global scale.
In summary, my goal is to be an active and engaged member of the LBS community, contributing to its academic excellence, cultural diversity, and social impact mission. I am excited about the opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive difference during my time at LBS, and I look forward to the journey ahead.
LBS MiM Essay 3: In 300 words or less, please tell us how your previous experience(s) will enable you to thrive within our School’s diverse and international community?
My diverse background and experiences have equipped me with the skills, perspectives, and adaptability needed to thrive within London Business School’s diverse and international community.
Having lived and studied in multiple countries, I have developed a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and a keen understanding of cross-cultural communication. This exposure has honed my ability to empathize with individuals from diverse backgrounds, appreciate different viewpoints, and navigate complex intercultural dynamics effectively. As a result, I am well-positioned to engage meaningfully with LBS’s diverse student body, fostering inclusive dialogue and collaboration that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
Furthermore, my professional experiences in [mention specific industries or roles] have equipped me with valuable skills such as [list relevant skills], which are highly transferable and applicable in a global business context. Whether it’s analyzing market trends, leading cross-functional teams, or solving complex business challenges, I bring a wealth of practical knowledge and expertise that can enrich classroom discussions and contribute to the collective learning experience at LBS.
Moreover, my involvement in extracurricular activities, such as [mention specific activities], has instilled in me a strong sense of leadership, teamwork, and initiative. I am not only comfortable taking on leadership roles but also adept at collaborating with diverse teams to achieve common goals. This collaborative spirit aligns well with LBS’s emphasis on teamwork and peer learning, enabling me to make meaningful contributions to group projects, student clubs, and community initiatives.
Overall, I am confident that my diverse background, international experiences, and professional skills will enable me to thrive within LBS’s diverse and international community. I am excited about the opportunity to learn from my peers, contribute to the richness of the LBS experience, and emerge as a globally-minded leader poised to make a positive impact in the dynamic world of business.
LBS MiM Essay 4: In 300 words or less, please describe your alternative career goals, telling us how you would respond in a challenging job market, how would you expand your job search to other roles and locations if your primary goal is unsuccessful.
While I do have various primary goals, I recognize the importance of flexibility and adaptability in navigating a dynamic job market. In the event that my primary goal is not immediately attainable, I have alternative career aspirations that align with my skills, interests, and long-term objectives.
In response to a challenging job market, I would adopt a proactive and strategic approach to expand my job search to other roles and locations. Firstly, I would broaden my scope by exploring related industries or sectors where my skills and experiences are transferable. This may involve networking with professionals in adjacent fields, attending industry events, and conducting informational interviews to gain insights into emerging opportunities.
Additionally, I would consider geographical flexibility and explore job opportunities in different locations or regions. By casting a wider net, I can increase my chances of finding suitable roles that align with my career aspirations. This may involve researching job markets in target regions, leveraging online platforms and job boards, and reaching out to recruitment agencies with a global presence.
Furthermore, I would proactively seek out professional development opportunities, such as short-term internships, freelance projects, or online courses, to enhance my skill set and make myself more competitive in the job market. By continuously investing in my personal and professional growth, I can position myself as a valuable asset to prospective employers and differentiate myself from other candidates.
LBS MiM Essay 5: In 150 words (or less), tell us about a hobby or main interest.
One of my main interests is photography. Capturing moments and emotions through the lens allows me to express my creativity and perspective. Whether exploring urban landscapes or natural settings, photography enables me to immerse myself in the beauty of my surroundings and share unique narratives with others.
Through experimenting with composition, lighting, and editing techniques, I continually refine my skills and expand my artistic vision. Photography not only serves as a form of self-expression but also fosters a deep appreciation for the world’s diversity and complexity.
LBS MiM Essay 6: What are your post-Masters in Management /Global MiM career goals? Please state your ideal sector, role and function. (300 words max)
Upon completing my Masters in Management, my career aspirations revolve around making impactful contributions in the field of technology. With a strong foundation in business management and a global perspective gained from the program, I aim to pursue a role that allows me to drive innovation, foster growth, and create value within the technology industry.
Ideally, I envision myself in a strategy and operations role, where I can leverage my analytical skills, strategic mindset, and leadership abilities to spearhead initiatives that address complex business challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Whether it’s devising market entry strategies, optimizing operational processes, or leading cross-functional teams, I am motivated to make data-driven decisions and drive sustainable business outcomes.
Furthermore, I am passionate about strategy and operations, as it aligns with my interests and strengths. Whether it’s conducting market research, developing business plans, or implementing performance improvement initiatives, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise and make a positive impact in this capacity.
In summary, my post-Masters in Management career goal is to assume a leadership position within the technology sector, where I can leverage my skills, knowledge, and experiences to drive strategic initiatives, foster innovation, and contribute to the long-term success of the organization.
LBS 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.
