Rotterdam Application Essays & Questions 2023-2024
Essay 1: Tell us about how you’ve already made a difference in your community. Your example can be big or small, worldwide or local, but it must demonstrate the good impact you’ve made. Tell us about yourself. (maximum 500 words)
Essay 2: Discuss how the RSM MiM will equip you to be a positive change agent in both your personal and professional life. (maximum 500 words)
Essay 3 (Optional Essay): Feel free to provide additional information you believe will help the Admissions Committee make a final decision on your application. (maximum 50 words)
Rotterdam Winning Sample Essays – 1
1: Tell us about how you’ve already made a difference in your community. Your example can be big or small, worldwide or local, but it must demonstrate the good impact you’ve made. Tell us about yourself. (maximum 500 words)
Throughout my life, I have been passionate about making a positive impact on my community, both on a local and broader scale. One of the most significant ways I have contributed is through founding the non-profit organization ‘Beyond Issues,’ which focuses on mental health awareness and support.
The idea for Beyond Issues stemmed from personal experiences and observations of the stigma surrounding mental health in India. Witnessing my grandmother’s struggle with dementia and the lack of proper mental health support systems inspired me to take action. I wanted to create a platform where people could openly discuss their mental health challenges and seek professional help without fear of judgment.
With the help of psychologists and psychiatrists, we organized sessions and support groups addressing various mental health issues, ranging from depression to eldercare. These events provided a safe space for individuals to share their stories, gain insights from professionals, and find solace in knowing they were not alone. Over time, Beyond Issues grew, reaching out to over 500 individuals and making a tangible difference in their lives.
One particular instance that stands out is when a young woman approached me after a session, expressing how the support group helped her overcome suicidal thoughts. Her gratitude and the realization that our efforts had potentially saved a life were profoundly moving. This moment reinforced my belief in the importance of mental health advocacy and the power of community support.
Through Beyond Issues, I have learned the significance of empathy, active listening, and creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. This experience has not only enriched my life but also motivated me to continue advocating for mental health awareness and support in all my future endeavors.
In addition to my work with Beyond Issues, I have also been involved in various community service projects, such as tutoring underprivileged children and leading diversity initiatives at my university. These experiences have shaped my worldview and instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to contribute positively to society.
My efforts with Beyond Issues and other community service projects demonstrate my commitment to making a positive impact. I am dedicated to continuing this journey of social responsibility and community engagement as I move forward in my career and personal life.
2: Discuss how the RSM MiM will equip you to be a positive change agent in both your personal and professional life. (maximum 500 words)
The Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) MiM program is renowned for its focus on developing responsible leaders who can drive positive change in both personal and professional realms. This aligns perfectly with my aspirations and values, as I am deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in my career and within my community.
The comprehensive curriculum of the RSM MiM program, which emphasizes strategic management, innovation, and sustainability, will provide me with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex business environments effectively. Courses such as Corporate Social Responsibility and Leadership in Organizations will equip me with a deep understanding of how to integrate ethical practices into business strategies. This will enable me to champion initiatives that promote social and environmental responsibility, ensuring that my professional actions contribute positively to society.
RSM’s emphasis on experiential learning through internships, consulting projects, and international study trips will offer me practical insights into real-world challenges and solutions. These experiences will not only enhance my problem-solving abilities but also allow me to apply theoretical concepts to create tangible impact. By working on projects that address pressing social and environmental issues, I will learn how to develop and implement strategies that drive sustainable growth and positive change.
The diverse and collaborative environment at RSM will also play a crucial role in my development as a change agent. Interacting with peers from various cultural and professional backgrounds will broaden my perspective and foster a deeper understanding of global issues. This diversity will enhance my ability to create inclusive solutions that resonate with different stakeholders, making my initiatives more effective and impactful.
Furthermore, RSM’s strong network of alumni and industry connections will provide valuable opportunities for mentorship and collaboration. Learning from successful leaders who have made significant contributions to their fields will inspire and guide me in my journey to becoming a responsible leader.
The RSM MiM program’s focus on ethical leadership, experiential learning, and global diversity will equip me with the necessary tools to be a positive change agent. By integrating these lessons into my personal and professional life, I am confident that I can drive meaningful and lasting impact, contributing to a better and more sustainable world.
3: (Optional Essay): Feel free to provide additional information you believe will help the Admissions Committee make a final decision on your application. (maximum 50 words)
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Rotterdam Winning Sample Essays – 2
1: Tell us about how you’ve already made a difference in your community. Your example can be big or small, worldwide or local, but it must demonstrate the good impact you’ve made. Tell us about yourself. (maximum 500 words)
As a Senior Clinical Research Coordinator, my primary responsibility has been to lead and manage clinical trials for major pharmaceutical companies. However, my commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond my professional role. One of my most significant contributions to my community was organizing the “#houstonfightscovid” campaign during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This initiative aimed to raise awareness and educate the local population about the importance of participating in clinical trials. By collaborating with local radio stations and media outlets, I helped disseminate crucial information, dispelling myths and building trust within the community. This effort not only increased trial participation but also fostered a sense of solidarity and hope among residents.
In addition to this campaign, I have been actively involved in volunteering efforts aimed at improving health and wellness in underserved communities. I regularly participate in health fairs and workshops, providing basic health screenings and educating individuals on preventive healthcare measures. These activities have enabled me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, understand their healthcare needs, and contribute to their well-being in a meaningful way.
Beyond my professional and volunteer work, I am an advocate for lifelong learning and personal development. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, where I developed a strong foundation in STEM. My experiences have taught me the importance of empathy, leadership, and continuous learning, values that I strive to embody in all my endeavors.
My efforts to raise awareness about clinical trials and promote health education in underserved communities have made a tangible difference. These experiences have not only allowed me to contribute positively to my community but have also shaped me into a compassionate and proactive individual, committed to driving positive change.
2: Discuss how the RSM MiM will equip you to be a positive change agent in both your personal and professional life. (maximum 500 words)
The Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) Master in Management (MiM) program offers a unique blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and a global perspective, which will significantly enhance my ability to drive positive change in both my personal and professional life. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, focusing on critical aspects of management, leadership, and innovation, aligns perfectly with my career aspirations in healthcare management.
Professionally, the RSM MiM program will equip me with advanced management skills and a deep understanding of global business practices. Courses in strategic management, organizational behavior, and innovation will provide me with the tools to navigate complex healthcare challenges and implement effective solutions. The program’s emphasis on experiential learning through real-world projects and case studies will allow me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, enhancing my problem-solving and decision-making abilities. This hands-on experience will be invaluable in my role as a Clinical Development Manager, where I aim to lead initiatives that improve clinical trial processes and patient care.
Moreover, the program’s diverse and international cohort will broaden my cultural competence and global outlook. Collaborating with peers from various backgrounds will enrich my learning experience and help me develop a more inclusive and empathetic leadership style. This global perspective is crucial for addressing the healthcare needs of diverse populations and fostering innovation in a multicultural environment.
On a personal level, the RSM MiM program will foster my growth as a proactive and reflective individual. The school’s strong focus on personal development and ethical leadership will help me refine my values and principles, ensuring that I lead with integrity and empathy. Engaging in workshops and leadership training sessions will enhance my self-awareness and interpersonal skills, enabling me to build meaningful relationships and inspire others.
The RSM MiM program will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to be a positive change agent. By combining academic excellence with practical experience and personal development, the program will empower me to make a significant impact in the healthcare sector and beyond.
3: (Optional Essay): Feel free to provide additional information you believe will help the Admissions Committee make a final decision on your application. (maximum 50 words)
My extensive experience in clinical research, combined with my passion for healthcare innovation and community service, uniquely positions me to contribute to and benefit from the RSM MiM program. I am committed to leveraging this opportunity to drive meaningful change in the healthcare sector. Thank you for considering my application.
Rotterdam 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.
