ESCP Application Essays & Questions 2023-2024
How do you envision your professional career? (400 words maximum)
How will you contribute to this program? (400 words maximum)
What matters most to you, and why? Tell us the values and experiences that have shaped the person you are (400 words maximum).
Add any information you consider relevant for the jury (not already detailed in the rest of your application).
Have you ever applied to an ESCP Business School program? If YES, please indicate the program name and year.
ESCP Winning Sample Essays – 1
1. Why did you choose this program?(400 words max)
I chose the ESCP Business School MIF program because it uniquely aligns with my educational goals and career aspirations. ESCP’s renowned academic rigor, combined with its practical approach to finance, offers an ideal balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. The curriculum is designed to equip students with a profound understanding of modern financial principles and tools, which is essential for navigating today’s complex financial landscapes.
The program’s strong focus on an international perspective is another critical factor in my decision. ESCP’s multi-campus system allows students to study in different countries, gaining exposure to diverse financial markets and cultural environments. This global approach is crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of international finance, preparing students for a career that spans multiple continents.
Additionally, ESCP’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in finance resonates with my personal and professional values. The school’s emphasis on ethical financial practices and sustainable development challenges the traditional roles of finance and business, encouraging students to think critically about their impact on the world. This perspective is particularly appealing to me as I seek to combine my financial career with my commitment to sustainability.
Lastly, ESCP’s extensive alumni network and strong industry connections provide invaluable resources for professional growth and employment opportunities post-graduation. The active engagement with industry professionals and the continuous support from the alumni network are pivotal in helping graduates transition smoothly into their desired careers.
2. Please tell us about your free-time activities.(400 words max)
My free-time activities are a blend of creative expression, physical fitness, and community service, each contributing to my personal growth and professional skills.
Music, particularly playing the drums and piano, is a passion I have nurtured from a young age. It not only provides a creative outlet, but I was also part of my university Band, where I performed live in front of thousands of attendees at our university annual fest. I am a Trinity College London certified drummer and Pianist.
Martial arts, specifically Muay Thai, is another critical component of my routine. It enhances my physical endurance and mental agility, teaching me strategic thinking and risk assessment. The principles of respect and integrity central to martial arts also guide my professional interactions and ethical decision-making in finance.
Volunteering for environmental conservation projects is a reflection of my commitment to sustainability. These activities allow me to contribute to tangible environmental benefits and foster community engagement. They have taught me the importance of teamwork and collective action in achieving significant outcomes, echoing the collaborative projects I anticipate in the MIF program.
3. What did you learn from them?
Through music and martial arts, I have developed a disciplined and focused approach to tasks, an ability to handle stress effectively, and a creative mindset for problem-solving. These activities have reinforced the importance of patience, practice, and perseverance—qualities that are essential in the financial sector, especially in high-stakes trading environments.
My volunteering experiences have deepened my understanding of the practical aspects of sustainability and its integration into business practices. Working alongside diverse groups on environmental projects has improved my leadership skills, adaptability, and ability to work effectively in team settings. These experiences have shaped my approach to responsible investing, encouraging me to consider not only the financial returns but also the social and environmental impact of investment decisions.
4. What are your career ambitions?
My career ambitions are centered around making a significant impact in the finance industry by integrating sustainability with financial performance. Initially, as a trader, I aim to develop and refine my ability to analyze and react to market conditions swiftly. This role will utilize my strong quantitative skills and my ability to perform under pressure, setting a solid foundation for my future ambitions.
In the long term, I aspire to lead a hedge fund that specializes in sustainable investments, focusing on projects and companies that not only yield financial returns but also contribute positively to environmental and social objectives. I plan to pioneer innovative financial strategies that support renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and clean technology sectors.
Ultimately, my goal is to be at the forefront of transforming the finance industry by advocating for and implementing investment strategies that are profitable, ethical, and supportive of long-term sustainability goals. This will involve continuous learning, adapting to new financial technologies, and leading initiatives that promote transparency, ethical practices, and social responsibility in the financial sector.
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ESCP Winning Sample Essays – 2
1. Why did you choose this program?(400 words)
The decision to pursue the ESCP MIF program was driven by its exceptional global reputation, unique multi-campus system, and deep industry connections that promise a comprehensive and diverse educational experience. Recognized for its rigorous approach to finance, ESCP not only offers academic excellence but also an international perspective that is vital in today’s globalized market.
ESCP’s innovative multi-campus approach allows students to study in different countries, offering firsthand exposure to varied financial markets and regulatory environments. This program feature is particularly compelling as it aligns with my goal to develop a robust understanding of global financial systems and their interconnections. The opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and business practices will enhance my ability to adapt and succeed in diverse settings, a skill that is invaluable in the international finance arena.
Moreover, the curriculum’s balance between theoretical foundation and practical application sets the ESCP MIF apart. The courses are designed to provide a deep dive into all aspects of financial management, from quantitative finance to corporate investment and market analysis, taught by faculty who are not only academics but also seasoned industry professionals. This integration of theory and practice ensures that graduates are not only proficient in complex financial theories but also skilled in applying this knowledge to real-world situations.
Another significant aspect of the ESCP program is its extensive network of industry connections. These connections facilitate internships, workshops, and guest lectures with leading finance professionals and firms, providing students with invaluable practical insights and networking opportunities. Participating in these activities will allow me to build professional relationships and gain insights into the industry’s current challenges and innovations.
Furthermore, ESCP’s emphasis on group work and collaborative projects will enable me to work closely with peers from various backgrounds, enhancing my teamwork and leadership skills. These experiences are critical as they mimic the collaborative nature of the finance industry, where cross-functional and multinational teams often work together to solve complex financial challenges.
Choosing the ESCP MIF program is a strategic step towards fulfilling my career aspirations. The program’s comprehensive approach, international exposure, and practical learning opportunities will equip me with the skills, knowledge, and network necessary to thrive in the competitive world of finance.
2. Please tell us about your free-time activities? And what did you learn from them(400 words)
Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I dedicate my free time to community service and chess, both of which I find intellectually stimulating and immensely rewarding. My involvement in community service primarily revolves around financial literacy initiatives, where I volunteer at my local community center to organize and lead workshops. These sessions aim to empower underserved populations with essential financial knowledge, covering topics such as budgeting, saving, and basic investment principles.
I am a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) and CFA 1 qualified candidate. I volunteer and help aspiring CA overcome challenges in their educational journeys. Teaching others has taught me the value of empowerment through knowledge and the importance of tailoring communication to different audiences. These experiences have sharpened my interpersonal skills and have given me a deep sense of fulfillment and responsibility towards community welfare.
Chess, my second major free-time activity, is a pursuit that challenges me to think strategically and analytically. Participating in tournaments has refined my ability to think several moves ahead and taught me the importance of patience and resilience in facing adversaries. The strategic planning and quick decision-making skills required in chess directly apply to financial analysis and investment strategy, where similar foresight and tactical acumen are necessary.
Both activities have profoundly shaped my personal development. They have taught me the importance of strategic thinking, adaptability, effective communication, and community engagement—skills that are essential in any professional setting, particularly in finance, where decisions can have far-reaching consequences.
3. What are your career ambitions? (400 words)
My career ambitions are deeply rooted in finance, specifically focused on investment banking. I aspire to lead the development and implementation of innovative financial solutions that support economic growth and contribute positively to developing economies. Over the next five years, I aim to progress through roles that will build my expertise and leadership in this area.
Initially, I plan to join an international investment firm like Goldman Sachs or JP Morgan where I can immerse myself in analyzing market trends, developing investment strategies, and managing portfolios with a focus on developing economies like India and South east Asia. This early stage of my career will be crucial for gaining practical experience in the latest financial techniques and understanding the complexities of investment decisions.
As I build my professional reputation, I aim to specialize in sustainable finance, working on projects that align environmental and social governance (ESG) factors with financial performance. I envision leading a team dedicated to creating sustainable investment portfolios that yield financial returns and drive progress toward environmental conservation and social equity.
Ultimately, my goal is to launch my own investment firm or a hedge fund, influencing policy and investment practices globally. I plan to collaborate with international agencies, non-governmental organizations, and policymakers to develop frameworks that encourage investment in developing economies and better financial practices.
The ESCP MIF program, with its comprehensive curriculum, international perspective, and focus on innovation, is the ideal platform to start this journey. It will provide me with the necessary skills, knowledge, and network to achieve my career ambitions, enabling me to make a significant impact in finance.
ESCP 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)
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]
