ESADE Application Essays & Questions 2023-2024
Please, provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. This may include gaps in employment, your undergraduate record, plans to retake the GMAT or any other relevant information. (max 3 000 characters)
Complete ONE of the following questions to share with the admissions team your global mindset and skills and competencies you consider crucial to master in order to succeed in a diverse environment (personal, academic and professional career).
1. Which country/culture do you consider the most different from your own? Why? If you were sent there, how would you adapt? How would you help somebody from that country to adapt to your own?
2. Are there any attributes and competencies you consider crucial to succeed when dealing with diversity in the corporate world? Are those different to the ones you would use in your personal life?
3. Share with us the most amazing experience you have had far away from your comfort zone? And the most shocking one? And the worst?
5. Why do you think ESADE’s MSc Programs in Management are a good fit for you?
Please, provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. This may include gaps in employment, your undergraduate record, plans to retake the GMAT or any other relevant information. (max 3 000 characters)
6. Describe your mid-term and long-term visions for your post-MSc Program in Management career path. What is it about ESADE you think will help you reach your goals?
ESADE Winning Sample Essays – 1
Question 1: Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee.
Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have continuously sought to challenge myself and push beyond my comfort zones. However, there are a few areas I would like to address that might need further explanation.
Undergraduate Record: During my undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama, I majored in Chemical and Biological Engineering. While my GPA was strong overall, I did face challenges in a few advanced courses. These courses were particularly difficult due to the intensive curriculum and my involvement in multiple extracurricular activities, including leadership roles in the Indian Students Association. Balancing these commitments taught me valuable time management and prioritization skills, which have been crucial in my professional career.
Gaps in Employment: There is a brief gap in my employment history between my tenure at AJC International and my current role at Alliantgroup. This gap was a deliberate choice to focus on enhancing my skills and knowledge. During this period, I undertook several online courses in finance and taxation, which have greatly contributed to my current role and career growth.
GMAT Plans: While my initial GMAT score was competitive, I am planning to retake the exam to improve my quantitative score. I believe a higher score will better reflect my capabilities and commitment to academic excellence. I am confident that with continued preparation, I will achieve a score that aligns with ESADE’s standards.
Conclusion: I am committed to continuous learning and self-improvement. These experiences have shaped me into a resilient and adaptable individual, ready to take on the rigorous academic environment at ESADE. I am eager to bring my unique perspectives and diverse experiences to the ESADE community, contributing to and benefiting from the rich learning environment.
Question 2: Which country/culture do you consider the most different from your own? Why? If you were sent there, how would you adapt? How would you help somebody from that country to adapt to your own?
I consider Japan to be the most different from my own country, India, in terms of culture, work ethics, and societal norms. Japan’s culture places a high emphasis on discipline, precision, and harmony, which contrasts with the more flexible and diverse cultural practices in India.
Adapting to Japan: To adapt to living and working in Japan, I would start by learning the language. Understanding the basics of Japanese would not only help in daily communication but also show respect for the local culture. I would also immerse myself in their customs and traditions, such as participating in local festivals and understanding business etiquette, like the importance of punctuality and the practice of exchanging business cards with both hands.
Furthermore, I would embrace the Japanese work culture of meticulousness and teamwork. This would involve being highly attentive to detail, maintaining a polite demeanor, and demonstrating a strong commitment to collaborative projects. I would seek mentorship from local colleagues to better understand the nuances of Japanese corporate culture and build meaningful professional relationships.
Helping a Japanese Colleague Adapt to India: To help a Japanese colleague adapt to India, I would first introduce them to the diverse and vibrant culture of the country. I would organize informal gatherings where they could experience Indian cuisine, music, and festivals. This would provide them with a broader understanding of the local lifestyle and social interactions.
I would also guide them through the more flexible work environment in India, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and open communication. To help them feel comfortable, I would encourage them to ask questions and express their concerns openly. Additionally, I would assist them with practical aspects like navigating public transportation, understanding local markets, and learning basic phrases in regional languages to ease their daily interactions.
Conclusion: Embracing cultural differences and fostering mutual respect are key to thriving in a global environment. By immersing myself in Japanese culture and supporting my Japanese colleague in India, I would not only enhance my global mindset but also contribute to a more inclusive and understanding workplace.
Question 3: Describe your mid-term and long-term visions for your post-MSc Program in Management career path. What is it about ESADE you think will help you reach your goals?
Mid-Term Career Vision: In the mid-term, I envision myself taking on a strategic role within the financial services industry, specifically focusing on investment banking or private equity. My aim is to leverage the skills and knowledge gained from ESADE to excel as an investment banking associate. This role would allow me to engage directly with clients, perform in-depth financial analyses, and contribute to significant M&A transactions. I believe this experience will provide a solid foundation for understanding complex financial instruments and strategic decision-making processes.
Long-Term Career Vision: In the long-term, I aspire to return to India and establish my own investment fund. My goal is to democratize access to sophisticated investment opportunities in a market that is still developing. By creating a fund that prioritizes transparency, education, and community engagement, I hope to empower local businesses and investors. This venture will not only fulfill my entrepreneurial ambitions but also contribute to the economic growth of my home country.
Why do you think ESADE’s MSc Programs in Management are a good fit for you?
ESADE’s MSc in Management program is uniquely positioned to help me achieve these goals for several reasons:
- Global Perspective: ESADE’s emphasis on international exposure and global business practices aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. The diverse student body and opportunities for international exchanges will provide me with a comprehensive understanding of different markets and cultures.
- Curriculum and Faculty: The program’s rigorous curriculum, which includes courses in finance, strategy, and entrepreneurship, will equip me with the technical skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in investment banking and beyond. Learning from esteemed faculty members who are experts in their fields will further enhance my understanding and capabilities.
- Experiential Learning: ESADE’s focus on experiential learning through real-world projects, internships, and case studies will allow me to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations. This hands-on approach is crucial for developing the problem-solving and analytical skills needed in the financial industry.
- Networking Opportunities: The strong alumni network and connections with leading financial institutions will provide invaluable opportunities for mentorship, internships, and job placements. Engaging with ESADE’s network will help me build relationships with industry professionals and gain insights into the latest trends and best practices.
- Commitment to Ethics and Sustainability: ESADE’s commitment to ethical leadership and sustainability resonates with my personal values. The program’s focus on responsible business practices will guide me in creating an investment fund that not only seeks financial returns but also contributes positively to society.
Conclusion: ESADE’s MSc in Management program offers the ideal blend of academic excellence, practical experience, and global exposure. It is the perfect platform to launch my mid-term career in investment banking and achieve my long-term vision of establishing an investment fund in India. I am excited about the prospect of joining the ESADE community and contributing to its legacy of innovation and impact
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ESADE Winning Sample Essays – 2
Please, provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. This may include gaps in employment, your undergraduate record, plans to retake the GMAT or any other relevant information. (max 3 000 characters)
I would like to provide some additional information that may be relevant to my application. Firstly, regarding my undergraduate record, while my overall performance was strong, there was a period during my second year when my grades dipped slightly. This was due to personal circumstances involving a family health crisis, which required my attention and support. Despite this, I managed to balance my responsibilities and coursework, eventually improving my grades and graduating with honors. This experience taught me resilience and time management skills, which have been invaluable in my professional life.
Regarding employment gaps, there is a brief period between my previous role at XYZ Corporation and my current position at Updapt CSR. This gap was intentional, as I used the time to pursue additional certifications in sustainable finance and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing. These certifications have enhanced my expertise and are directly relevant to my career goals.
I am also planning to retake the GMAT to improve my score. Although my current score meets the minimum requirements, I believe a higher score will better reflect my quantitative abilities and overall readiness for a rigorous program like ESADE’s MSc in Finance.
Additionally, I want to highlight my ongoing commitment to community service and education. As co-founder of the Devi Charan Prabhu Memorial Charitable Trust, I have dedicated significant time to supporting underprivileged children in rural India. This work has not only been personally fulfilling but has also shaped my understanding of the broader social impacts of finance and the importance of inclusive economic growth.
DO ANY ONE
- Which country/culture do you consider the most different from your own? Why? If you were sent there, how would you adapt? How would you help somebody from that country to adapt to your own?
The country I consider most different from my own is Japan. The cultural contrasts between India and Japan are quite pronounced, particularly in terms of social norms, business etiquette, and communication styles. In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on collective harmony, respect for hierarchy, and indirect communication, whereas Indian culture tends to be more individualistic, with direct communication and a flexible approach to hierarchy.
If I were sent to Japan, I would adapt by first educating myself on Japanese customs and business practices. I would make a conscious effort to observe and learn from my surroundings, paying particular attention to non-verbal cues and formal protocols. Participating in cultural exchange programs and language classes would also be crucial in easing my transition and demonstrating my commitment to understanding and respecting Japanese culture.
To help someone from Japan adapt to India, I would provide them with a thorough orientation on Indian customs and social norms. This would include guidance on navigating the more informal and flexible aspects of Indian business practices. I would also encourage them to be open to direct communication and to embrace the dynamic and sometimes spontaneous nature of Indian interactions. Facilitating connections with local colleagues and providing a supportive network would be key in helping them feel integrated and comfortable.
- Are there any attributes and competencies you consider crucial to succeed when dealing with diversity in the corporate world? Are those different to the ones you would use in your personal life?
In the corporate world, key attributes for dealing with diversity include cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and effective communication. Cultural sensitivity involves recognizing and respecting differences in values, practices, and perspectives. Adaptability is essential for adjusting to diverse work environments and practices, while effective communication ensures that interactions are clear and respectful, despite cultural differences.
These attributes are also crucial in personal life, though their application may vary slightly. In personal interactions, empathy and openness are particularly important, as they foster deeper understanding and stronger relationships. While professional settings may require a more structured approach to communication and adaptability, personal life often allows for more informal and intimate exchanges.
- Share with us the most amazing experience you have had far away from your comfort zone? And the most shocking one? And the worst?
The most amazing experience I had far from my comfort zone was during a volunteer trip to a remote village in India. Working with the community to build sustainable farming practices was incredibly rewarding. It not only taught me about agricultural economics but also deepened my appreciation for grassroots initiatives and the resilience of rural communities.
The most shocking experience was witnessing the stark contrast in living conditions and the lack of basic amenities in some areas. This exposure was eye-opening and reinforced my commitment to contributing to social equity through finance.
The worst experience involved a major setback in a project due to unforeseen regulatory changes. Navigating this challenge required resilience and quick thinking, ultimately teaching me valuable lessons in crisis management and the importance of contingency planning.
Why do you think ESADE’s MSc Programs in Management are a good fit for you?
ESADE’s MSc Programs in Management are an excellent fit for me due to their emphasis on innovation, global perspective, and practical learning. The program’s strong focus on real-world applications through internships and consultancy projects aligns perfectly with my career goals. Additionally, ESADE’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainability resonates deeply with my professional aspirations in sustainable finance.
The diverse and international student body at ESADE will provide me with a rich learning environment, where I can gain insights from different cultures and business practices. This global exposure is crucial for my goal of working in international finance and developing strategies that address global challenges.
Furthermore, ESADE’s strong network of industry connections and alumni will provide invaluable opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. The program’s rigorous curriculum, combined with its emphasis on leadership and ethical business practices, will equip me with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic field of finance.
Describe your mid-term and long-term visions for your post-MSc Program in Management career path. What is it about ESADE you think will help you reach your goals?
In the mid-term, I envision myself working with a leading financial institution or consultancy, focusing on sustainable investment and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies. My goal is to help organizations integrate ESG principles into their business models, driving both financial performance and positive social impact.
In the long-term, I aspire to establish an impact-focused investment fund. This fund will aim to support enterprises that address critical social and environmental issues, particularly in emerging markets. By providing capital and strategic guidance, I hope to foster sustainable economic development and promote inclusive growth.
ESADE’s MSc in Management program will be instrumental in achieving these goals. The program’s strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical leadership will provide me with the theoretical foundation and practical skills needed to excel in sustainable finance. The opportunity to engage in hands-on projects and internships will allow me to apply my knowledge in real-world settings and build a robust professional network.
Additionally, ESADE’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship will be invaluable as I work towards establishing my investment fund. Courses on venture capital, social entrepreneurship, and financial innovation will equip me with the tools needed to identify and support impactful business ventures.
The international perspective and diverse student body at ESADE will also help me develop a global mindset, which is crucial for my career goals. By learning from and collaborating with peers from around the world, I will gain a deeper understanding of global financial markets and cultural nuances, enhancing my ability to drive sustainable finance initiatives on an international scale.
In conclusion, ESADE’s MSc in Management program offers the perfect blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and ethical focus, making it the ideal platform for me to achieve my mid-term and long-term career goals in sustainable finance.
ESADE Recommendation Letter – Key Questions
1. How long have you known the candidate? In which context? (max. 1000 characters)
This field is required.
2. What do you consider to be the candidate’s most noteworthy qualities? (max. 500 characters)
3. What are the areas in which you believe the candidate needs to improve? (max. 500 characters)
4. Please comment on the candidate’s potential for management. Describe an occasion in which you observed the candidate in a leadership role. (max. 500 characters)
Please give us your opinion in terms of the following criteria
Leadership potential
Please select an option
Organizational skills
Please select an option
Teamwork
Please select an option
Maturity
Please select an option
Self-confidence
Please select an option
Creativity
MiF 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
To,
Admissions Committee
HEC Paris – Masters in Finance Program
Date: 08-09-2023
Subject: “Recommendation letter for Akhil’s application to MIF program at HEC Paris”
Dear Admissions Committee,
I have known Akhil for over 2 years now. He was a student in my Entrepreneurship course as part of his Minor in Entrepreneurship and Management. As a student in my class, Akhil showed great skill at applying these notions in the more practical in-class quizzes, his final group business pitch at the end of the course, and his professional activities at UBS. Akhil’s also had a remarkable performance in my course, in which Akhil got the highest grade possible of A+.
In terms of his potential,
Akhil stood out to me in the final project that I gave as part of the course evaluation. As a major assessment, I give a project assignment for students to work in groups and pitch a good, self-sustaining business idea.
Akhil took the initiative and created a multicultural and diverse team with students not only from different countries but also students from different majors and successfully delivered a group business pitch for a student-run laundry and cleaning business. The idea picked by his team was unique, and he actively sought my advice and mentorship to make the team and the project successful.
Another noteworthy facet is the analytical research done by Akhil before and after seeking my advice; he actively made an effort to learn about diverse topics that he had not been exposed to before and was successfully able to learn about the different aspects of entrepreneurship, such as management and finance. Demonstrating his goal and detail-oriented ability. Rhe idea, the data oriented research, and the financial analysis were really impressive (synthesized and executed on assigned taks). Also, the real-world considerations regarding the execution of the pitch, as well as the cohesive delivery from a team collaboration perspective, were good.
I liked the project, and I asked Akhil if I could include the pitch and presentation as teaching material for my course as well as offering a Research Assistant position to Akhil in the next summer, which he was unable to take due to him having graduated
With his analytical skills and his collaborative approach, it came to me as no surprise that he was able to successfully chase his goal and transition into finance directly from his undergrad in engineering, landing a role in finance with UBS in their Investment Banking Operations in Hong Kong.
In terms of his potential areas of Improvement
I think Akhil’s analytical nature and detail-orientedness sometimes leads to him getting too caught up in details and spending excess time on the intricate details, leading to improper time management.
In the group project, Akhil struggled with time management and was a week behind schedule for his group due to him giving equal attention to all the details of the presentation, losing track of the bigger picture of the project. With my guidance, he was able to get back on speed and submitted the project by the submission deadline. But I believe that Akhil needs to work on gaining a view of the overall project that he is working for better time management.
Overall Recommendation
Akhil is only starting his financial career, but he has the analytical skills and a level of understanding about management, teamwork and other elements of organizational life that are comparable to other top students that I recommended before to Masters programs.
Akhil’s progress at CityU and at UBS clearly demonstrates his intellect and hard work. He is capable and has an acute intellectual capacity for thinking analytically. I believe Akhil is on track to make a successful career that blends his quantitative inclinations with his qualititaive skills, inspiring those that he will lead and work with.
To conclude, I strongly recommend Akhil, and I would be happy to talk with you specifically about his candidacy if you have additional questions.
Regards
Professor XXXXXX
Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Management
XXXX University
Internship Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 1
How long and in what capacity have you known the candidate?
I have known Pranav for roughly one and a half years. I was his mentor during his internship with UBS. Although he completed his internship and has moved on, we still continue to keep in touch to exchange different business ideas.
What do you think about the candidate’s professional performance and potential (including any room for improvement)?
When Pranav started his internship with UBS, he was one of the most proactive interns. Since he didn’t have a finance background, he showed keen interest in learning and came up the curve very quickly.
The team assigned him Automation and Efficiency-related projects, and while working in the automation team he managed to stand out from other interns by providing solutions that were slightly outside of the box and impressed everyone on the team.
For instance, he met with various team leads to understand their automation requirements and one team lead expressed her frustration with the manual risk report that used to take 10-12 hours every quarter. After the meeting, Pranav took the proactive step of helping automate this report for the team. The specific process automation that he implemented was for risk reports for the risk team. The team had a manual time consuming process in which they had to refer to multiple Excel sheets to create their quarterly risk report. Pranav understood and mapped the entire process before using an automation tool to automate it. This led to a time reduction of 90 percent in the compilation of the report. The automation process he designed was ingenious; no one had thought of using it before, and that is why I think everyone was impressed with his out-of-the-box thinking.
Apart from that, another one of his biggest strengths is his willingness to take initiative.
To highlight another instance, he noticed the dashboards in Operations and wider UBS were on Tableau, he took the initiative to compare Tableau and PowerBi and pitched shifting the employee statistics dashboard to PowerBi. The management team agreed and Pranav successfully created an Employee demographic dashboard on PowerBi. This led to cost savings for the department as UBS was already paying for PowerBi. He also took even more initiative, helping others in his team and UBS get certified on PowerBi and documented his knowledge for everyone before he left his internship.
On the flip side, when it comes to areas of improvement, I would also say this proactiveness and eagerness sometimes led to difficult situations. Like other fresh hires, he was also trying to prove himself in the initial months of his tenure with the team. However, this often meant that he would try to manage and solve things on his own instead of seeking help. This led to delays and situations becoming critical.
Pranav was tasked with getting certified on Automation Anywhere, another automation tool used by the team. He was unable to crack the certification according to the timeline assigned to him and was delayed by a month in getting certified. He tried to manage and solve the situation but was unable to do so without help from his team, this delay led to an increased workload for the rest of the team and longer hours as work had been earmarked for Pranav to do as soon as he would be finished with the certification.
Overall, I would say that Pranav has great potential; he is not afraid to take the initiative and present his ideas.
Regards
XXXXXX
Manager – UBS, Hong Kong Offices
Internship Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 2
How do you know the applicant? How long have you known them for?
I have known Huang for almost 2 years now.
I came to know Huang when he was working at Chainfir Capital. I was an investor of the fund at Chainfir Capital. Huang worked as an investment manager at Chainfir and we had meetings together from time to time.
Later when Huang and his colleagues decided to start their own Venture Capital fund (Genesis 22) focused on crypto industry, I joined their venture both as an investor and an advisor of their VC Fund.
What would you say are the applicant’s key strengths and talents?
After working with Huang, I think one of his key talents is that he is very detail oriented and loves to perform extensive due diligence.
For instance, Genesis 22 was close to making an investment decision on a project called Glitter Finance last year. At the time, it was a rather popular project among VCs and had already received several investments. The analyst in our team provided positive comments on its technology and future potential.
Huang was responsible for speaking with the project team and conducting due diligence. He was able to approach the situation with a sceptical mind and later identified several risks of the project by paying attention to each detail. He made an analysis of the profile of each team member of the project and determined that the technical background of the team was not strong enough to develop the promising highly technical project they claimed. Also, he mentioned that while observing all the interaction between the founder of the project and individual investors in the community group, he noticed that the founder often gets angry easily when facing tough questions.
He raised these concerns during the investment decision meeting, and at the end of the meeting, we decided not to invest. A few months later – the project went bust because the value of the project was way inflated and every institutional investor suffered a loss. I am glad that Huang was able to pay close attention to such details and has always worked with great attention to achieve better performance.
Another key talent of Huang is his multi-tasking skills. I am really impressed by his performance in dealing with a variety of projects simultaneously. When he works as an investment manager in the team, he needs to handle the communication and investigation with 5-8 projects at the same time. He has never left others waiting for his work, and we can always set up the evaluation meeting in the anticipated time frame. He is also able to deal with the pressure when there are extra projects which need his attention.
What would you say are the applicant’s key weaknesses or areas for improvement?
As the founder of a venture capital firm, Huang has built a team and became a leader at such a young age. But I think there is still room for improvement in his management skills, especially in delegating workload.
As Huang prefers to participate in every stage of the investment decision of a certain project, it limits the overall number of projects he can oversee. For example, he spent much time on initial screening and understanding complex technology concepts of different projects. In my opinion, he could delegate this work and trust his colleagues to complete these tasks as our analysts with technology backgrounds are capable of determining the technology feasibility so that he can invest most of his time in reviewing the big picture.
Second thing I have asked him to improve upon is that he can sometimes be over-optimistic and confident when things are going well. From my perspective, it is crucial to keep a cool mind when dealing with different market situations. When he started Genesis 22, several investments that we made looked promising. Consequently, he was on the aggressive side to allocate a higher proportion of the fund to such projects. However, when there was a change in the market trend and crypto industry started crashing, some investments did not perform as well as we expected. The fund suffered extra losses because of the higher allocation made to these investments.
Huang realized his mistake afterwards and became more cautious in making an allocation to investments to improve the diversification of the portfolio. I hope he has learned his lesson and does not repeat the same mistake again.
In which areas of development has the applicant progressed most in the time you’ve known them?
Overall the one big area where I think Huang has really improved is his ability to find and initiate business opportunities and partnerships.
When he started Genesis 22 Ventures, His venture was not receiving stable cash flow except for the return on the investments. He or his patterns did not know that a venture capital fund can expand its business through partnerships and pitching good projects to other VC firms. This way they can build a revenue stream based on commission without risking their own money.
When I brought this up to him, he learned the rules quickly. He has put in great effort in communicating with other VCs to understand how others operate and create business ideas. The first few times when I had meetings with Huang he could only interpret the general basics of the start-up projects. Therefore, he was not able to provide insightful opinions in decision making. After Huang talked to many teams and spent much time reading industry news, I observed that he was getting better and better at describing business models of different projects in a big picture. Although Huang doesn’t have a strong technology background, he is able to integrate the work of analysts into his knowledge and present a blockchain project in a big picture smoothly.
Through partnerships and advisory services, Huang has helped the venture generate around $40,000 in extra revenue. Genesis 22 has expanded its services to crypto exchange listing consulting, funding advisory and community management for startup projects, etc.
I have seen him learn and grow and I think Huang has progressed massively in his commercial awareness.
If you are a professional referee, would you work with the applicant again post-Masters in Financial Analysis?
Absolutely. Although his fund currently suffers a drop in the quality of deal flow given the bearish situation of the blockchain market, he has made the right decision to make very few investments recently based on the interests of investors. I respect his decision to pursue a master’s in finance degree, and if he wants to resume his Venture Capital firm full-time or work at my VC in the future I would love to work with him again.
Do's & Don'ts - of a Recommendation Letter
Do’s:
Choose the Right Recommender:
- Select someone who knows you well, can speak to your professional skills and achievements, and can provide detailed and specific examples of your work. Current or past supervisors, clients, or mentors who have worked closely with you are ideal choices.
Provide Specific Examples:
- Ensure the recommender includes specific examples of your accomplishments, skills, and experiences. This makes the recommendation more credible and impactful. Detailed anecdotes and quantifiable achievements are particularly effective.
Meet with Your Recommender:
- Schedule a meeting with your recommender to discuss your goals, achievements, and reasons for pursuing an MBA. Provide them with a detailed résumé and a list of your accomplishments to help them write a thorough and personalized letter.
Ensure Timely Submission:
- Set a personal deadline for your recommenders that is well ahead of the actual application deadline. This helps ensure that your letters are submitted on time and reduces last-minute stress.
Highlight Strengths and Areas for Growth:
- Encourage your recommender to provide a balanced view by mentioning your strengths along with areas for growth. Constructive feedback adds credibility and shows your willingness to improve.
Don’ts:
Don’t Write Your Own Recommendation:
- Never write your own letter of recommendation, even if a recommender suggests it. Admissions committees can easily detect self-written letters, which can harm your application.
Don’t Choose Recommenders Based on Title Alone:
- Avoid selecting recommenders solely based on their impressive titles or positions if they do not know you well. A letter from a CEO or politician who has minimal interaction with you is less effective than one from someone who can provide detailed insights into your work and character.
Don’t Use Generic Praise:
- Ensure your recommender avoids using vague, generic praise without backing it up with specific examples. Statements like “She is a great employee” are less impactful than detailed anecdotes that illustrate why you are exceptional.
Don’t Ignore the Application Instructions:
- Make sure your recommenders follow the specific instructions and format required by each business school. Different schools may have varying requirements, and it’s important to adhere to them.
Don’t Overload with Superlatives:
- Encourage your recommender to be honest and avoid excessive use of superlatives. Over-the-top praise without substance can seem insincere. Balanced, realistic assessments that highlight genuine strengths and achievements are more effective.
These do’s and don’ts will help ensure that the letters of recommendation are strong, credible, and supportive of your MBA application.
Free Sample Template - for you to Use
Here’s is a quick template tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Finance program:
—
Admissions Committee
[Finance Program Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]
Subject: “Letter of recommendation for [Candidate’s Name]”
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [Candidate’s Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Candidate’s Name] at [Company Name] for [duration], where I serve as [Recommender’s Title]. In my capacity, I have directly supervised [Candidate’s Name] and have gained a thorough understanding of their professional capabilities and character, particularly in the field of finance.
Specific Examples of Performance and Achievements
[Candidate’s Name] has consistently demonstrated exceptional [skills/qualities] in finance. For example, in [specific project/task], [Candidate’s Name] [specific action taken], which resulted in [quantifiable result/outcome]. This achievement is indicative of [Candidate’s Name]’s [particular quality, e.g., analytical skills, financial modeling, risk management].
Another instance of [Candidate’s Name]’s capabilities was during [another specific project/task]. Here, [Candidate’s Name] [specific action taken], leading to [quantifiable result/outcome]. This project highlighted [Candidate’s Name]’s ability to [related skills, e.g., manage financial portfolios, conduct market analysis, handle complex financial challenges].
Constructive Feedback and Areas of Improvement
During our time working together, I provided [Candidate’s Name] with constructive feedback on [specific area for improvement]. In response, [Candidate’s Name] [specific actions taken to improve]. This demonstrated their openness to feedback and commitment to personal and professional growth in the financial sector.
Leadership Skills and Team Inclusiveness
[Candidate’s Name] is known for their inclusiveness and encouragement of others. For example, during [specific instance], [Candidate’s Name] [specific actions taken to include and encourage others]. This behavior fostered a collaborative and supportive work environment and showcased their leadership and interpersonal skills.
Conclusion and Endorsement
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse [Candidate’s Name] for the [Master’s in Finance program] at [University Name]. I am confident that [Candidate’s Name]’s [specific strengths/qualities] will be an asset to your program and that they will thrive in the academically rigorous and collaborative environment of [University Name].
Please feel free to contact me at [Recommender’s Email] or [Recommender’s Phone Number] if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Company Name]
