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December 23, 2021

Executive MBA Essays: How to Make an Impact [Sample Essay]

The following is an example of a successful Executive MBA essay for the MIT Sloan Executive MBA Program. Applicants to Executive MBA programs need to demonstrate significant leadership, impact, potential, and the legitimate need for the degree to be accepted, and this essay shows all of those qualities.

Statement of purpose (one page)

Prompt: The MIT Executive MBA Students and Community are: Open, Collaborative and Inventive. Please tell us why you are pursuing the MIT Executive MBA, and what you will contribute to your classmates and the community at MIT. Include examples of success working with organizations, groups, and individuals. For those reapplying, please highlight developments since your last submission.

As a founder, board director, and executive officer of a growth-stage technology company, I bring a unique set of experiences and a need for an innovative, transformative education that I can apply to my business immediately.

As an executive with both immediate challenges and wide organizational influence, I am particularly drawn to the action learning philosophy of the Sloan program. I am eager to transform my own mind and create immediate positive impact across my organization. I am inspired by the experiences of current students who implement their new learnings when they return to the office on Mondays. I am eager to do exactly that. My business is significantly more complex today than it was in the beginning when we provided a simple set of tools to small teams. Today, we are a multinational organization that provides tools and training to large enterprises seeking to implement Lean transformations of sophisticated processes in IT operations and multiple other industries. Throughout this journey, I have constantly challenged myself and my organization to learn, grow, and change. I seek to participate in this program as another step in my personal commitment to learning and adapting to the needs of the future. Now is the moment of maximum impact, whereby my organization and customers will be most receptive to, and benefit the most from, lessons and experiments that I intend to bring back and implement.

As a shareholder that has negotiated a significant amount of angel and institutional investment, I am keenly aware that my investors seek a positive return on their investment. I seek to prepare not only for the immediate needs of growth and complexity, but also for the mid-to-long term opportunities that may accompany that growth, such as a change of control, a liquidity event, or an opportunity to integrate my teams into a larger vision.

As a community leader, I seek to bring what I learn from the program back home and share it widely. I aim to broaden my understanding of business practices and theory beyond my focused experience in tech so that I may maximize the value of what I pass along to the aspiring entrepreneurs, technologists, and leaders in my community who, with ever increasing frequency, honor me by seeking my guidance and assistance.

Similarly, I have a strong desire to share my experiences and the details of my company and my journey with my classmates. I understand how valuable it is to be completely transparent with a group of peers who are eager to learn and share. I am excited to share my successes and my failures with them, open my business to their scrutiny, and make my organization available any time it aids in the learning experience.

Jennifer Weld, former Assistant Director of Admissions at Cornell’s EMBA program and  Accepted admissions consultant , provides insights into what this Accepted client did correctly when writing his Executive MBA essay.

A couple of strong points to this essay:

1. No nonsense approach

The writer immediately gets to the point of explaining why an EMBA is a necessary next step for their career. In the very first sentence there is an acknowledgement of all the writer has accomplished, but the clear recognition that further education is necessary to attain their goals.

2. Complete lack of verbosity

It is obvious the writer has had a very successful career thus far, but that is not what comes across. Instead you understand that the writer recognizes the constant need for learning and adapting to the ever-changing business environment.

3. Give and take

The writer discusses taking the learning from MIT and applying it to oneself, but also bringing key learnings back to the writer’s community. The writer also acknowledges that having classmates critiquing his business will be extremely beneficial to him, but also by opening up his operations to his classmates, they can learn a lot as well. This shows a generous spirit, which is the type of characteristic an admissions committee would be looking for in terms of representing the school after graduation.

For expert guidance with your executive MBA applications, check out Accepted’s EMBA admissions consulting services . You will be assigned an individual consultant, who will provide you with advising, editing, interview coaching, and resume assistance for your EMBA applications.

Related Resources:

• Ace the EMBA: Expert Advice for Rising Executives , a free guide • EMBA: The Ultimate Guide for Applicants • How to Get Accepted to a Top EMBA Program: The Experts Speak

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An Expert’s Guide to Executive MBA Essays

by Eden | Mar 4, 2020 | Executive MBA Admissions

Our “Expert’s Guide to Executive MBA Essays” may be a pretentious–and perhaps hyperbolic–title, but we hope to offer you our extensive expertise in Executive MBA essays in one all-encompassing article. Before creating Prep Executive, a tutor-led test prep company, we worked with many MBA and Executive MBA applicants over the years. Our experience has taught us that writing EMBA application essays is a big headache for EMBA aspirants.

If that’s you…then this guide is for you.

Unfortunately, the realm of Executive MBA application essay writing is so extensive that it is difficult to put everything into one guide. Therefore, our goals are to orient you to the essays, give you 12 tips to writing essays that will get you in, and describe the writing process that we follow with students as part of the Prep Executive Complete Plan .

Executive MBA Essay Basics

• 5 Types of Essays and How to Approach Them
• 12 Tips for Writing Killer Essays

Get Expert Help

Let’s get started!

Typically, EMBA programs require between 2 and 5 essays as part of your application. Some “essays” may be extremely short, like this essay from Columbia :

Short-Answer Question: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters maximum)

Examples of possible responses:  “Work in business development for a media company.”  “Join a strategy consulting firm.” “Launch a data-management start-up.”

Essay Question 1

Required; 750 word limit

What are your career objectives and how will the Wharton MBA Program for Executives contribute to your attainment of this objective?

Application essays are changed periodically, so your colleagues may have written different essays for the same program.

5 Types of Executive MBA Essays and How to Approach Them

Image: Unsplash

In general, Executive MBA essays can be grouped into 5 categories. Here are our notes on how to attack each type.

Future goals Previous history Weakness Promise Wild Card

Future Goals Essay

This essay is an Executive MBA standard. There may be one or more questions asking about your short term (immediately after the EMBA), mid-term (3 to 5 years after graduation), and long term (10+ years) goals. Usually, this essay question includes how you expect the program to help you reach these goals.

When writing your future goals essay, keep one word in mind: clarity.

At this point in your career, you should have an extremely clear understanding of the next levels in your organization or profession. Your essay should reflect this clarity and make clear connections between the program and your goals.

We recommend a classic 5 paragraph structure for your future goals essay. Content of the body paragraphs will vary by question, but we have given you some ideas to start.

1. Introduction

3-4 sentences with one sentence that is a specific response to the prompt (the one goal). Preview short, mid, and long term goals or indicate that the program will refine you intellectually, practically, and socially.

2. Body paragraph

Short term goals and how the program will help OR how the program will improve your intellectual understanding of specific topics (focus on courses and electives).

3. Body paragraph

Mid-term goals and how the program will help OR how the program will provide practical learning opportunities (focus on project-based learning and other program elements).

4. Body paragraph

Long term goals and how the program will help OR how the program will improve your network or social skills.

5. Conclusion

2-3 sentences summarizing and making a final pithy statement regarding your fit for the program.

Previous History Essay

Another common EMBA essay question is about your previous history. Think 3 greatest achievements, 3 most significant influences, or 3 events that impacted your life.

The previous history is not about regurgitating your resume’. You must pick 3–and only 3–significant things. Since there is so much ground to cover in your essay, we recommend a classic 5 paragraph structure.

2-3 sentences starting with philosophical reflection or a quote. One sentence must preview the 3 significant things as a direct response to the question.

Professional thing. Tell a short story if you like but be sure to offer at 3 reasons why this thing makes the list of significance.

Personal thing. You can talk about your family, children, or something of personal importance.

Wild card. Discuss a unique something that showcases your personality. Some of our previous students have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, started a small nonprofit organization, or bought a business.

Another pithy wrap-up.

Weakness Essay

These essays will ask about a time when you failed or received criticism. Alternatively, you may be asked to write about 1 or 3 weaknesses.

No matter how the question asks about the weakness or failure, it needs to be epic and authentic. Everyone can see through the strengths disguised as weaknesses, so you need to tell a story in which you really “screwed the pooch.”

Our favorite format for this essay is as a 3 paragraph story:

1. Paragraph 1

Start with a quote from the person you hurt, offended, or disappointed. Segue into a short background for the reader of what happened.

2. Paragraph 2

Elaborate on the ripple effects of the failure or weakness. Think professionally, socially, etc.

3. Paragraph 3

Discuss how you addressed the failure and improved or moved on from it. This paragraph must be about proactive remedies so that the essay ends on a positive note.

The uglier the story the better. Some of our previous students wrote about getting into a screaming match with a manager, losing thousands of dollars in a poorly researched business deal, and almost ruining 2 subordinates’ careers. Epic…

Promise Essay

The promise essay is a new essay type that has shown up in recent years. The basic idea is that the EMBA program wants you to think about an important commitment you will have in the near future and plan (or promise) what you will do.

Two common themes are how you will balance the demands of the program with your existing commitment and what you will contribute to the program. Questions regarding the program may include during class discussions, to your classmates, or as alum (the program needs alumni who will show up).

Promise essays can be difficult to write because you do not want to commit yourself to something you do not intend to do. Our advice is to focus on concrete, doable promises. Here are some examples:

How you will contribute:

• In class: unique perspective to discussions, team spirit to projects, professionalism to international assignments
• Outside of class: represent the program well, blog about your experiences (if you are an influencer)  
• As an alum: speak with applicants with a similar profile (e.g. women, entrepreneurs), attend a coffee chat or networking reception

How you will balance the program with current commitments:

• Class time: inform employer, delegate more responsibilities
• Study time: schedule weekly study time,  inform family and friends, reduce social commitments, talk extensively with spouse about responsibilities
• Travel time: get more vacation time by employer, restructure work travel schedule

If possible, provide examples of how you have completed a similar action in the past. For example, if you say you would be willing to speak with applicants who are women entrepreneurs, talk about how you already attend a women’s business meetup and have contributed to that organization. As much as possible, try to back up the promises with concrete examples.

Structurally, the promises essay can be classic 4 or 5 paragraphs.

Wild Card Essay

We call this essay type the wild card because it’s an off the wall question designed to learn more about you as a person. We recommend showcasing your true personality and using the wild card essay as an opportunity to differentiate yourself from other candidates.

Here are some wild card essay examples:

From New York University Stern:

NYU Stern is committed to helping students develop a deeper set of professional skills, and a broader perspective of the role of business in the world. (approximately 500 words, double-spaced)

a) What is a significant contemporary issue on which you, as a business leader, would like to have an impact?

b) Why is it important to you?

c) How could you leverage your skills and resources to address the issue?

Previously from London Business School:

If you could choose any three people who have ever lived to join you for dinner, who would you invite and why?

If you were on the cover of any publication in 10 years, what would be the headline and the content of the article be?

12 Tips for Writing Killer Executive MBA Essays

Now that we’ve have explained the 5 main types of Executive MBA essays and how to attack them, here are our 12 tips for writing essays that will get you in.

Outline the essay first. 

Use one of the general structures I have given you as a starting point. As a person that has read many, many essays, I can tell you that there is an OBVIOUS difference between an essay that was outlined first and an essay that was written almost as a stream of consciousness.

Be sure to answer the question.

After you have outlined the essay, ensure that your main points provide a list or reasons answering the question. When writing the introduction, make sure there is one sentence that is a direct answer to the question. After you have written the first draft of the essay, check again that you have answered the question.

Stay away from controversial topics.

Even if you think Donald Trump would make a fabulous dinner guest for your wildcard essay, do not list him. He is too polarizing of a public figure to risk your EMBA essays on.

Show don’t tell.

Within your body paragraphs, you need to substantiate your reasons or list with details AND examples. Use short stories from your past to illustrate and liven up your body paragraphs.

Be personable not personal.

Reveal some but not all of who you are. Your essays should reveal your perspective, humanity, and experience, but not tell your secrets and be too intimate. 

Abusive parents? Gave a child up for adoption? Wish you had studied something totally different in undergrad? These topics may be slightly too personal for your EMBA essays.

If there’s a weakness/failure question, talk about a really epic failure, not a fake one.

We can’t stress this enough! Be authentic (but not personal or controversial).

Don’t talk too much about your family or ethnic/cultural background.

While these are important components of who you are, they should be mentioned in only one essay and, preferably, not the same essay. Too much discussion of family or culture makes you seem obsessed or overly concerned with them. Remember that you’re applying to a professional program.

Follow the maximum word count.

If the requirement is 700 words, get as close as you can to 700 without going over. Traditional advice is that you can go 10 percent over the maximum word count, but we think smart editing demonstrates your humility and ability to adhere to the program’s rules.

Don’t forget about grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

Use Grammarly or ask your favorite grammarian to review the essay.

Only have someone you think is really smart review your essay.

Since the final audience is a group of smart professionals, find another one to take a preliminary look at what you consider the final draft.

Think of the essays as 3 stories in the same book. They should flow and not be redundant.

If you find yourself mentioning the same stories or points in different essays, you have to broaden your thinking.

Executive MBA essay writing can be complicated and full of uncertainty, especially if you don’t think you are a good writer. That’s why we included essay help in our Prep Executive Complete Plan . Here’s the process we follow during essay help. You should follow the same process if you are working on your own.

1. Create a detailed outline of each essay.

We call you on Skype and ask you questions about each essay. We take notes then send them to you with a recommended writing structure.

2. Write the first draft.

You write the first draft from our notes. Since we have captured your phrases and ideas, you will have no problem turning the notes into sentences.

3. Revise the first draft.

We take that first draft and review it for the big ideas. Did you stay on topic? Are your examples robust? Is the structure reader-friendly? We provide comments in track changes and send the essays back to you.

4. Revise the second draft.

You make changes based on our comments and send the essays back to us. For the second draft, we look the structure within each paragraph and go through each sentence word by word. If your essay is over the word count, we cut, cut, cut. If revisions are needed, we provide comments in track changes and send the essays back.

5. Revise the third draft.

As part of the revision for the last draft, we look at grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and diction. We will let you know if anything else needs to be changed.

If you and your editor are both happy with the essays, you’re done!

Final Thoughts on Executive MBA Essays

Before you start working on Executive MBA essays, make sure you have:

• Accessed your “fit” for the program
• Rebuilt your resume’
• Attended an info session
• Opened and maintained a dialogue with admissions staff

Each of these activities will give you key information that will make writing your essays easier as well as increase your chances of getting accepted into your chosen program. If this process seems overwhelming, reach out to us and we will help you!

Free 7 Day Executive MBA Strategy Course

Want to know how to get into any Executive MBA program? Take our free 7 day email course to learn a proven strategy, complete with tips, examples, homework and more. Sign up now to start the course today.

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2 MBA Admissions Essays That Worked

These outstanding MBA personal statements resulted in admissions offers.

2 MBA Essays That Worked

MBA admissions officials say they prefer personal statements that convey personality and demonstrate grit. (Getty Images)

There is no secret formula to writing a compelling personal statement for an MBA application, university admissions officials say.

The key, they say, is to write a statement that feels authentic and makes your case.

Bruce DelMonico, assistant dean for admissions at the Yale University School of Management , is wary of personal statements that tell dramatic stories and stretch the truth. He says he is not looking for students to have exotic experiences, but for evidence of resilience, introspection and initiative.

Yale's business school recruits students identified as unselfish leaders – those who strive to improve the circumstances of others and help themselves rather than those who exploit others for personal gain, DelMonico says.

"We are looking to bring in students who will be inclusive leaders and who will bring people together," DelMonico says.

William Rieth, former senior director with the Fox School of Business at Temple University , says applicants sometimes struggle to write a memorable personal statement, but being memorable is vital.

"Students need to remember their audience," he says. "Schools are reading thousands of essays."

He says a solid personal statement requires a "compelling story" and an honest writing voice. "It should reflect your personality and sound like you."

How to Write an MBA Application Essay: A Few Tips

MBA admissions experts say a business school application essay should offer a convincing argument about why a candidate belongs in an MBA program at that particular school.

Wayne Hutchison, managing director for the MBA program at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business , urges prospective MBA students to explain their reasons for applying to B-school and to describe whatever incidents spurred their interest in graduate business education.

"In addition, applicants should discuss the skills and abilities they have that will translate to academic and professional success," Hutchison wrote in an email, noting that failing to include this information can lead admissions officers to question an MBA hopeful's competitiveness.

Aaron Burch, who earned his MBA degree from the University of Texas—Austin's McCombs School of Business , says MBA essays should address the following questions:

• "What do you want to accomplish career-wise that either requires an MBA or will be accelerated by an MBA?"
• "Why is this the exact point in your career where an MBA would be most impactful?"
• "What about this particular school is especially important for your career plans?"
• "How will you contribute?"

Burch, owner of DiscoverContainers.com – a website that provides information about shipping container houses – suggests that MBA students convey that they are at a point in their careers where they can "pivot without being pigeonholed" while having meaningful accomplishments, including "real responsibility."

It's also essential for MBA candidates to showcase what they have to offer a B-school, Burch wrote in an email. "You want to demonstrate that you're not just a taker and you want to add to the prestige and reputation of the school, add to the experience your future classmates will have, etc."

MBA alumni say it's crucial for prospective MBA students to describe how they intend to use an MBA .

"Admissions officers will want to understand your vision behind why an MBA might help you, so it's incumbent upon you to articulate the plan you have for yourself, and how their institution is going to help your journey," MBA degree recipient Taylor Constantine – the partner channel lead with Rain, a financial services company – wrote in an email.

Margo Bell, senior assistant director of admissions with Pepperdine University's Graziadio Business School in California, notes that MBA essays are influential factors in the MBA admissions process. Application essays help B-school admissions committees gauge the compatibility of a prospective student with the culture and values of the institution.

"As applicants begin to write their MBA applicant essays, it’s important for prospective students to share who they are as an individual," Bell wrote in an email. "The essay allows MBA admission officers to get a better understanding of who you are, what you wish to accomplish and why you deserve to be accepted."

Michal Strahilevitz, associate professor of marketing with St. Mary's College of California , advises MBA applicants to view the application essay as an opportunity to provide context for deficits in their admissions profile. "For example, if your undergraduate grades were not great because you worked full time to pay for school, write about it," Strahilevitz explained in an email.

What to Keep in Mind About MBA Essay Prompts

MBA admissions consultants note that business schools often have distinctive essay prompts, so it's important for applicants to tailor their essay to every school where they apply.

"Each school asks a specific question in the essay, and one of the most important things you can do as an applicant is to answer that question – not the question you wished we asked or the one you want to answer," DelMonico wrote in an email. "The various elements of the application fit together, and we’re looking to get very specific pieces of information from the essay. So please follow the essay instructions you’re given and don’t feel as though you need to or should make the essay broader in scope."

Barbara Coward, founder of the MBA 360° Admissions Consulting firm based in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, notes that the first step in the essay writing process should be meticulously reading the question prompt. Think about the question for a few days while going about routine tasks so that ideas can "marinate."

Coward says that once prospective students have decided what they'd like to write about, they should let the words flow without filtering them because too much self-editing at the beginning of the creative process can interfere with productivity. Revisions and tweaks can come after an applicant has fully expressed his or her ideas.

Admissions experts note that MBA hopefuls who are struggling to figure out how to describe themselves may want to ask friends and family for advice. Prospective MBA students can also gain self-awareness by keeping a diary or creating a storyboard of their life.

Mistakes to Avoid in MBA Admission Essays

Taking too long to express the main idea or central thesis of an essay is a no-no, Coward says. Applicants should directly respond to a question and ensure that their essay is easily understood by an admissions officer. "Keep in mind that somebody is not reading a novel," she says. "They're going to be glancing through."

Excessively verbose essays don't make a good impression, Coward adds. Applicants should respect word limits and be concise, because doing otherwise creates extra work for admissions officers under time pressure, she explains.

Two other errors to avoid in MBA essays, Coward says, are being monotonous or melodramatic . It's important to have an introductory sentence that strikes the right tone, she adds. "You're not trying to create drama, but you don't want to put the person to sleep either," Coward says.

Examples of Outstanding MBA Essays

Here are two MBA essays that made the cut. The first is from the Fox School of Business and the second is from Yale. These essays are annotated with comments that explain why the essays charmed admissions committees.

Searching for a business school? Get our complete rankings of Best Business Schools .

Tags: graduate schools , business school , MBAs , students

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Which program are you applying to?

Mba personal statement examples.

Get accepted to your top choice business school with your compelling essay.

MBA Personal Statement Sample Essays & Tips

Your academic record, GMAT scores, and GPA are important factors in the MBA application process. But, more than that, business schools ultimately care about who you are and whether you would be a good fit for their program. This is where your application essays come in. The goal here is to complete the picture that your scores and stats began sketching. Take your time when writing these essays. They will form the image the admissions committee will see before they meet you at your interview. Write, edit, and edit again. Be sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors in your essay. You want your portrait to be clean and clear. Once you are satisfied with your essay, ask a trusted friend, mentor, or admissions pro to read it. A fresh pair of eyes can often see things that you can’t.

7 tips for creating the best MBA essays

Here are some important things to remember when writing your MBA essays.

• Show who you are in a background essay Use this opportunity to reveal your values and personality, the obstacles you’ve overcome, and the seminal experiences that have shaped you into the person you are today. No two people have the same history. Use stories and examples to make your background bright and stand out to demonstrate what makes you special. Discuss how your history has brought you to this point. What is there in your background that compels you to pursue an MBA at this time?
• Show your direction in the goals essay Use this opportunity to show that you have clear direction and purpose based on experience and planning. Business school is not another opportunity to “find yourself.” Even if you have had one career path and will use your MBA to launch another career, this essay must describe the reasons behind your career-change, your new goals, and how the program will help you achieve them.
• Use your optional essay to explain negatives in your stats If your GPA was lower than you would have liked early in your undergraduate education, use your essay to show how you learned from this experience. Everyone makes mistakes. How you deal with your mistakes shows a lot to the admissions committee – determination, discipline, success, resilience, and breadth of experience are qualities that will serve you well in your MBA studies and later in life. Be sure that you explain your negatives and don’t try to justify them. Show that you understand the mistake you made, learned from it and changed as a result of processing the experience. That response shows maturity. Justifying – instead of learning or changing – is a sign of immaturity. MBA programs want mature adults. Almost all of them have made mistakes.
• Say what you mean, and mean what you say Admissions committees read thousands of essays during each admissions round. A concise, well thought-out essay will have them reading yours to the end.  You need examples and stories to support your statements and make your essay interesting and readable. Each of these needs to be to the point. These professionals are trained to spot an essay that is full of fluff and without substance.Avoid rambling and the use of keywords that you think the reader wants to see. A non-substantive essay will lead the reader to conclude that you, too, are without substance.
• Find your passion This relates to tip #4 above. You want to grab the reader right away and create an essay that will keep their attention to the very end – and leave them wanting to meet you and get to know you even better. In other words, offer you a coveted interview! Find a theme, and weave it throughout your essay. If you can identify a passion that you had from an early age and follow it through the different stages of your life, you will have an interesting, readable essay. Connect your passion to your childhood and you professional and extracurricular experiences and accomplishments. Demonstrate how your passion will influence your future career and serve the community at the school you want to attend.
• Focus on your professional experience and achievements Not everyone has a passion that they have carried with them throughout their life. However, since you are planning on attending an MBA program, you must have had professional and personal achievements. Highlight your professional skills and successes, as well as personal accomplishments. Show how these experiences and achievements have brought you to this point, and how they have influenced your long-term plans and reasons for pursuing an MBA.
• Highlight your experience in your EMBA essay An applicant to an Executive MBA program is an executive or manager currently in the workforce, usually with at least eight years of business experience. As an EMBA student you will be expected to excel in your coursework while continuing to hold down your full-time job. You must demonstrate significant leadership, impact, potential, and the legitimate need for the degree to be accepted. Highlight your current responsibilities and recent achievements, as well as your skill sets. Discuss your goals and how an EMBA will help you reach them. Include how you will positively impact the community at the program you are applying to.

Read MBA Personal Statement Examples

Now that you have the tools to write your compelling essay, check out our sample MBA application essays to see what you will be able to accomplish.

GET ALL THE SAMPLE ESSAYS IN ONE CONVENIENT PDF!

BONUS: You'll also receive a free copy of our popular guide,  5 Fatal Flaws To Avoid in Your MBA Applications Essays.

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A STRONG BUSINESS SCHOOL APPLICATION ESSAY WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

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20 Great MBA Application Essay Samples

To improve your chances of getting accepted into your desired business school, writing a convincing MBA application essay is crucial.

To help you succeed, we have compiled a list of 20 great MBA application essay samples along with an explanation of “What makes them great”.

What is an MBA Application Essay?

MBA application essay is a detailed write-up about your personal and professional goals and aspiration. It also explains how the MBA program will help you attain your objectives for the future.

What Admission Committee Looks for in MBA Essay?

What should be included in the mba application essay.

Key ingredients to include in your essay are:

What Makes a Great MBA Application Essay?

Here are a few tips that will make your essay stand out from the crowd:

20 Great MBA Applications Essays Samples

Now you have known that what makes a great MBA admission essay, the next step is to write one for yourself.

Sample 1: Leadership focused MBA application essay

Sample 2: self-focused mba application essay , sample 3: life-hardships focused mba application essay.

If you want to explain your life’s hardships and the events that turned you into an ambitious person, this sample is for you.

Sample 4: Continuous growth and learning-focused MBA application essay

A useful thing to remember about the MBA essays included in this list is that you can merge them into a single printable and perfectly formatted file with Sodapdf or other PDF editor. Having all of them stored in a single pdf is going to be quite helpful when it’s time to write your own piece.

Sample 5: Best MBA application essay for low scorers

This MBA essay was written by a student who obtained very low academic grades, yet got admitted to her desired business school. Her turning point? A powerful application essay.

Sample 6: A guitarist’s application essay for the MBA program

Sample 7: an engineer’s essay for mba application, sample 8: harvard business school mba essay, sample 9: wharton business school mba essay, sample 10: columbia business school mba essay.

The Columbia Business School’s admission committee shared this MBA essay. They explained why the applicant who wrote this was instantly accepted to the program and why they appreciated its content.

Sample 11: Stanford Graduate School of Business MBA essay

Sample 12: university of california business school mba essay, sample 13: university of oxford business school mba essay, sample 14: london business school mba essay, sample 15: a goal-oriented mba application essay.

Sometimes the MBA admission portal may demand an essay specifically focused on your future goals.

Sample 16: Executive MBA essay

This successful MBA application essay was submitted to the MIT Sloan Executive MBA Program. EMBA essay requires you to show strong potential, impact, leadership, and the ultimate need for the program.

Sample 17: MBA video essay

Sample 18: short-answer based mba application essay, sample 19: mit sloan school of management, sample 20:  michigan ross school of business mba program.

The Michigan Ross Business School asks a diverse range of questions from candidates to analyze their competencies from multiple perspectives.

The expert-vetted list of 20 great MBA application essay samples we cited here worked for the top business schools. Learn them by heart, and who knows, it may work for you too.

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How to Write an Admissions Essay for an Executive MBA Program

Written by Pamela Foster Brady

Each individual has a story to tell, yet when it comes to the admissions essay, many essays fall short because the applicant fails to effectively convey their story.

The power of your personal story

As the director for a public university executive MBA program, I have the honor of meeting many mid-level professionals looking to boost their career through an executive MBA program .  Each individual has a story to tell, yet when it comes to the admissions essay, many essays fall short because the applicant fails to effectively convey their story.

Think about the essay structure

Each essay has a beginning, a middle and an end (just like we learned in secondary school.)  The beginning of the essay should capture the reader’s attention and compel them to want to read the rest of the essay.  It should also be an introduction to who you are.  Many essays are sent with no name and no introduction; they simply start with a statement as to why they wish to pursue their MBA.

The middle should describe your career progression.  Tell your story.  What disruptions have occurred in your career – were they good or bad?  Why?  Who is/was your mentor – how did they help you?  What events shaped who you are today?  What would be the next step in your career and how can an MBA help you?

The end should state why you wish to pursue the university you are applying to and what you bring to the cohort.  And like a good story, it should leave the reader satisfied and wanting to meet you in person at your interview.

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• Essay on Business

Personal Statement On Executive MBA in Business

Type of paper: Personal Statement

Topic: Business , Time , Study , World , Skills , Students , Education , Management

Published: 03/10/2021

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As someone both adept at management and leadership in business environments, I have a number of goals that will help me achieve the excellence that I desire in my career. Within five years, I have several goals in particular to meet: I wish to gain my EMBA in Business in order to assert myself as a much more viable and qualified business professional at my current employer, the Distributor of Honda in Kuwait. I currently manage 5 centers and a 32 member sales team; I wish to expand that influence into a greater set of regional responsibilities, as well as expand by business by at least 40% in the next 5 years. In the long term, my main goal is to become a major executive at one of the major car distributors in Dubai, Doha or Kuwait, whether it be with Honda, or another large, worldwide corporation. I wish to become an authority on the worldwide automotive industry, with the responsibilities and challenges inherent to that position. I am very passionate about my work selling cars and maintaining the efficacy and continued survival of Honda at this stage and would like to expand my ability to do so as far as I possibly can.

In order to achieve these long term goals, I will need a significant upgrade to my skill set. I have managed companies for 14 years; my experience is vast. However, as times change, so does the way business is conducted; the increasing influence of the internet and social media, as well as rising globalization has made it necessary for managers, like myself, to step outside their purview and know what is going on with their industry half way around the globe. Whether I am in Dubai, Doha or Kuwait, I may still need to know how the auto industry on a global scale is faring as it has direct and dramatic consequences on my own business. To that end, I will need to learn how to update and modernize my management and leadership skills, mostly in regards to how best to communicate over great distances and maintain contact with my personnel. Business strategies have also changed greatly, and I wish to keep up with the rapidly changing and interconnected auto industry. Finding was to better introduce and incorporate hybrid cars into our fleet would be a laudable goal, given their increasing importance in the global marketplace; learning how best to market those new vehicles and manage operations toward facilitating that goal is another part of my skill set that needs to be updated.

I wholeheartedly believe that I can learn all these skills and more at the Hult International Business School. The school has always been highly ranked by The Economist and The Financial Times; its ranking as the top school for percentage increase in salary increase and diversity of recruiters is of particular interest to me, as I am always looking for an increase in personal income. In addition, being ranked first in international experience very much appealed to my need to further globalize my business acumen and become familiar with the increasingly small world of business. The school’s high profile can help me network and make connections with a wide variety of similarly-minded professional, which can lead to the expansion of my customer base and open me up to new strategies and ways of thinking. The highly-accredited and qualified instructors and speakers there already contain the knowledge and forward-thinking initiative that I passionately seek to bring into my own workplace. The campus’ ideal location in the city of Dubai, the business hub of the Middle East, is yet another motivator for my determination to pursue my EMBA at Hult International Business School. This city is where I grew up and my parents currently (and conveniently) reside; also, this location offers the much-desired opportunity to study in London. In fact, all of these factors contribute to my great desire to work hard and earn my EMBA at one of the best international business schools in the world.

While I plan to study hard in the EMBA program, my 14 years in high-stress business management and development activities have taught me the importance of balancing my work and personal lives; adding my studies to that end will be little problem. Having so many responsibilities and duties over the years, I have learned a great deal about time management – something I will be very much focused on as I add this new experience to my life. I have a very supporting and loving wife; she very much understands my need to excel (as well as the potential increased income it provides for our family) and we are both sure to make time for each other within the confines of our respective busy schedules. I also have a boy, who is a year and a half already, and is a constant source of pride. In a couple of months, we are expecting our second child (a girl), which brings a new set of challenges and joys I eagerly await. They are true inspirations to me, and they keep me working hard to provide for them and to make them proud. I plan on incorporating studying into both my work and personal time equally; my family and my work colleagues all know of my intentions to earn my EMBA, and we are willing to set aside the time needed to place the appropriate focus on my studies. I am very thankful for the support that people on both sides of my work/home have for me, and they will be immensely helpful in keeping me in a productive mindset, both in school and at work.

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School of Business

MBA Programs

Executive mba.

Make an impact on your organization and your career. Finish in 20 months.

UConn’s Executive MBA Program is where high-performing managers become high-impact leaders. The Executive MBA program is specifically tailored for experienced managers and other professionals who are seeking leadership positions. The 42-credit EMBA program is completed over 20 months in a small cohort, allowing for close collaboration and networking. This part-time program meets in person every other Saturday and one Friday every six weeks in Hartford, CT.

Executive MBA at a Glance

• $90,000 for the full program
• Classes are held every other Saturday and one Friday every 6 weeks
• Location: Hartford, CT
• Start Term: Fall
• Completion Time: 20 Month

Who Should Apply

The Executive MBA program is specifically tailored for experienced managers and other professionals who are seeking leadership positions or further advancement at their organizations. The typical EMBA student has an average of 10 years of professional work experience. Students will have the opportunity to build their business acumen and enhance their leadership skills, empowering them to have an increased impact on their organizations immediately and into the future.

UConn EMBA students’ careers span a variety of executive/management roles and diverse industries, including:

• Senior level administrators
• Operations Executives
• Entrepreneurs
• Professionals serving in active-duty military or veterans

Learning Format

As an EMBA student, you will enjoy highly collaborative classes where you will actively engage with everyone in the program. You will begin and finish the EMBA program with the same cohort of 25-30 like-minded, highly experienced, mid-career professionals. Our program fosters a high-level of interactivity with these individuals, creating a rich, lifelong professional network.

Elite Faculty

The most prominent UConn MBA faculty and leading industry experts teach in the Executive MBA program. The EMBA faculty carefully crafts the curriculum to meet AACSB accreditation standards and the needs of the business community. It represents a careful balance of technical rigor, management theory, practical applications, and integration in realistic business situations.

Executive MBA All-Inclusive Fees

The all-inclusive fee for the EMBA is $90,000. This includes a non-refundable deposit of $1,800 and is paid in six installments. This all-inclusive program fee covers all Course Credit Fees as well as Materials and Service fees, which include:

• All University fees
• All textbooks and materials
• Access to a laptop computer and all course relevant software
• Accommodations and meals during the In-Residence program
• Transportation, accommodations and meals during the international trip in June
• Breakfast, lunch and coffee breaks during class days
• Workshops, seminars and special events
• A range of administrative services and special functions

For further information, including current program cost and financial aid options, please call Jessica Baker at (860) 728-2408 or email [email protected]

International Trip

Executive MBA students will go on an international trip in the summer semester where they will learn about international business practices and immerse themselves in the culture for a holistic, global-business experience.

Executive Career & Communications Coaching

The executive coach offers students readily accessible support by delivering cohort-based workshops, small group and team coaching sessions, self-assessment tools and individualized executive coaching, all to help accelerate your career journey. Our executive coach is dedicated to supporting each student’s career growth and guides conversations to help students navigate career transitions, advancement within their current organization, or even launching a new business venture.

Complimentary Graduate Business Certificate

Uconn offers numerous graduate certificates in specific business subjects..

Executive MBA Program may return to UConn at any time to deepen their knowledge in a specific subject by earning a complimentary graduate certificate of their choosing. Certificates are offered in the following areas:

• Accounting Analytics
• Business Analytics
• Corporate & Regulatory Compliance
• Digital Marketing Strategy
• Healthcare Analytics
• Healthcare Finance & Insurance
• Human Resources Management
• Project Management
• Supply Chain

For more information

How to Apply

Access your online application account.

First-time users will create a new online account when they enter our application system via the "Apply Now" button. Returning users can use their designated email and password to log in.

Write your essay

We require a personal essay for the OMBA program. The prompt is located in the application itself. Don’t forget, you have access to log in and out of your application as many times as you need to in order to complete your application!

Contact your references

Request two letters of recommendation. It is important to reach out to your references as early as possible to give them enough time to complete your recommendations. In the system, you will be prompted to enter your references’ information. Once added, our system will contact your references directly via email, and provide a secure link for them to quickly and easily submit their letters. At no point should you be handling and submitting your letters of recommendation.

Upload your unofficial transcript

For application review purposes, we only require an unofficial copy of your transcript. If admitted, we will then need your official transcript sent directly from your institution.

Enter your professional experience

Upload your current resume in your online application so we can learn more about your background. We look for a minimum of two years of professional work experience.

Submit your application

Once you have completed all necessary fields and submitted all required documents, you are ready to submit your application, along with a $75 non-refundable application fee.

The EMBA Class Experience

• Core Financial Statements
• Using Statistics in Business
• Value Creation and Competition
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Fundamentals of Financial Management
• Customer Insights
• Managing Teams & Organizations
• Financial Controls
• Capital Budgeting and Corporate Financial Policy
• Performance Evaluation
• Driving Market Demand
• Global Business Issues
• Modeling Statistical and Qualitative Uncertainty
• Operational Analytics and Improvement
• Leveraging Digital Technologies
• Domestic International Legal Structures
• Supply Chain Management
• Strategic Fit and Coordination
• Managing Information Technology
• Managing Brand Value
• Domestic and Global Macroeconomics
• Executive Project
• Alternative Investments and Risk Management
• Microeconomic Incentives
• Employment Law

Class Schedule

EMBA classes are held every other Saturday and one Friday every six weeks. A typical day is as follows

7:30am - 8:00am Breakfast 8:00am - 11:00am Class 1 11:00am - 11:15am Break 11:15pm - 12:30pm Class 2 (Part One) 12:30pm - 1:15pm Lunch 1:15pm - 3:00pm Class 2 (Part Two) 3:00pm - 3:15pm Break 3:15pm - 6:15pm Class 3

For more information about the UConn Online MBA program contact:

Jessica Baker Executive MBA Program Manager 860 728 2408 [email protected]

Campus Location: UConn School of Business Graduate Business Learning Center 100 Constitution Plaza Hartford, CT 06103

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Crafting Your Admissions Essay

Even seasoned professionals can be intimidated with a blank page, especially when trying to write an admissions essay for a top executive mba program..

Booth alum, Rick Weiland, offers you seven helpful hints on how to write your Booth application essay.

• By Rick Weiland
• November 21, 2019
• Executive MBA - Admissions
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Rick Weiland started the Executive MBA Program in 1978, about a week after he got married. Fortunately, his wife Karen was in the middle of nursing studies, so they spent their nights cozying up to his Micro Economics text and her Gross Anatomy book. Rick also holds a BS from The University of Michigan (Math & Communication Science) and an MS from UChicago (Information Sciences). He spent his career in a variety of technical, managerial, and executive roles mostly at a software consultancy that transformed into a starter of new technology businesses, including two that ended up traded on the NYSE. Now retired for 10+ years, Rick volunteers at Chicago Booth and the Art Institute of Chicago, attends guitar classes at the Old Town School, and travels for fun both domestically and abroad. He and Karen have three grown sons and make their home in Evanston. 

CRAFTING YOUR ADMISSIONS ESSAY

Even successful mid-career professionals can be daunted by the sight of a blank page on which they have to write an essay to help get them admitted to the Chicago Booth Executive MBA program. The purpose of this blog posting is to give you helpful hints and strategies and some friendly encouragement for getting those essays (a) started, and (b) finished.

In this post, we’ll mainly be talking about the required essay :  “Why are you seeking an MBA from Chicago Booth and what do you hope to contribute to the program?” We’ll talk about the Optional Essay briefly at the end.  

THE REQUIRED ESSAY

Helpful Hint #1:   Relax. 

The reason you’re writing the essay, as with most aspects of the admissions process, is to help you and Chicago Booth determine if you are a good fit for one another. There’s nothing sneaky or mysterious about it. So take it seriously, but don’t let it paralyze you!

Helpful Hint #2:   Remember to answer the whole question!

In my experience, a lot of draft essays devote almost all of their time and space to answering the first part of the question (Why are you seeking the Executive MBA from Booth) and give little or no attention to the second part (What will you contribute). Don’t forget to explain why other students will find it interesting and useful to have you as a classmate. 

Helpful Hint #3:   Minimize the applesauce.

There is no need for you to devote space to heaping praise on Booth and telling the Admissions Team how wonderful Booth is; they already know. There’s no need to sell them on this, and you don’t want to sound like you’re piling on flattery. On the other hand, it is a good idea to spend a few sentences discussing why you and Booth are a good fit to one another.  

Helpful Hint #4:  Keep it simple!

Short punchy sentences made up of short punchy words will always be better than long, learned sentences filled with lots of adjectives. Disable the semicolon key on your keyboard. 

Compare “Keep it simple” to “Invariably maximize the simplicity of your written utterances, thereby effectuating successful communications.” See what I mean?

Helpful Hint #5:   Start from an outline.

Writing an outline helps you organize your sequence of thoughts.  It helps you make sure that all the things you want it to say get included, and the things you don’t need to say stay out. An outline makes the blank page a lot less scary. Key information for your outline could include:

A summary of your experiences, as well as your medium and long-term objectives

How the Booth Executive MBA Program will help you achieve your goals

An overview of what you bring to the program

Helpful Hint #6:  Refine your essay, and don’t be shy about getting some assistance.

Once you’ve written your essay, put it away for a day or two. Then come back and try reading it like it was written by someone else and see how it strikes you. Fix what you don’t like. Read it out loud and see how it sounds. (This is a great catcher of overly complicated or unclear sentences.) Have someone else read and critique your essay. Make sure this person will be frank and up front with you. Have them read it out loud to you. 

If English is not your first language, find a native speaker to review and, if necessary, help you smooth the English. 

Helpful Hint #7:   It’s a challenge, but don’t leave your essay to the last minute. Try to get it done early in the process. Besides helping you avoid last minute panic, having the essay done early gives you another chance to read and reconsider it before you submit. 

THE OPTIONAL ESSAY

The optional essay is an opportunity for you to tell the Admissions Committee things you think are important, but that didn’t fit anywhere else in the admissions process. Most particularly, if there are soft spots in your background, this is the place to address them. If your previous academic record is spotty, or if there are holes in your employment history, this essay provides the opportunity to provide an explanation, including what you’ve learned from difficult situations and how you’ve moved forward from them.  On a more positive note, this essay is also a good place to talk about special interests or accomplishments whose description didn’t fit in elsewhere.   

If, on consideration, you don’t see the need to write the optional essay, no worries—it’s optional!

Related Topics

Recommendations, why should i get an emba.

Are you wondering if you should get an Executive MBA? In our latest Admissions Insights post, Associate Director of Admissions Lara Herbolsheimer gives you the tools to answer that question and provides more detail on why you should get an EMBA.

Meet Our 2021 75th Anniversary Scholars

We created the 75th Anniversary Scholarship for Booth Executive MBA students during the 2018 celebration. Since then, the generous gifts of our alumni have helped to bring in exceptional scholars to the program each year. Meet our newest 75th Anniversary Scholars.

• Executive MBA - Scholarships

The ROI of an MBA

Executive MBA graduate Rashwan Hammady, ’18, discusses the steps he took to obtain employer sponsorship for his MBA.

Find an in-person EMBA event near you. RSVP Today!

How data-savvy are you, really? Take our quiz to find out.

Which program is right for you?

Through intellectual rigor and experiential learning, this full-time, two-year MBA program develops leaders who make a difference in the world.

A rigorous, hands-on program that prepares adaptive problem solvers for premier finance careers.

A 12-month program focused on applying the tools of modern data science, optimization and machine learning to solve real-world business problems.

Earn your MBA and SM in engineering with this transformative two-year program.

Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.

A doctoral program that produces outstanding scholars who are leading in their fields of research.

Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.

A joint program for mid-career professionals that integrates engineering and systems thinking. Earn your master’s degree in engineering and management.

An interdisciplinary program that combines engineering, management, and design, leading to a master’s degree in engineering and management.

Executive Programs

A full-time MBA program for mid-career leaders eager to dedicate one year of discovery for a lifetime of impact.

This 20-month MBA program equips experienced executives to enhance their impact on their organizations and the world.

Non-degree programs for senior executives and high-potential managers.

A non-degree, customizable program for mid-career professionals.

MIT Executive MBA

MIT Executive MBA Application Process

Applying to the mit executive mba class of 2025.

Note: Please register your interest before starting an application. The MIT Executive MBA is a mid-career degree program in a 20-month format. It is designed to provide extraordinary, experienced leaders with the management skills necessary to magnify their impact. Our guiding principles are to help develop critical skills essential for today's leaders and to foster a spirit of innovation through exceptional opportunities at MIT Sloan and across MIT. This community thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration and healthy debate. We bring together a cohort of colleagues who will challenge you to consistently excel and who will give you the confidence to do more. Then we empower to immediately integrate what you learn with how you perform on the job. The outcome of your time here will be measured by your capacity to lead change and have a lasting impact in your organization, community, and the world.

Your complete application must include:

Statement of purpose (500 words or less).

Please provide a statement on your personal and professional qualifications. What is motivating you to apply to the MIT Executive MBA at this point in your career?

Three essays are required. The two short-form essays, and one long-form essay will provide you with the opportunity to highlight recent experiences from your professional life. Essay 1 (300 words or less) Lasting impact can happen on large and small scales. Tell us about how you inspired your team, and what you learned about yourself as a leader, through a recent difficult time.

Essay 2 (250 words or less) MIT Sloan finds strength through diversity. We believe that a commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and well-being is a key component of both principled leadership and sound management practice. We  seek to create a community  that encompasses all dimensions of diversity and fosters excellence within MIT Sloan. This includes diversity of identity, thought, role, and perspective.  Please describe a time when you contributed toward making a work environment or organization more welcoming, inclusive, and diverse.

Essay 3 (500 words or less) Please tell us about a time when you introduced an idea that changed the way in which your organization approached a business challenge or opportunity. What factors did you consider, what barriers or obstacles did you face, and how did you measure success 

Employment History

You will be asked to fill in basic information for each of your current and prior jobs. You must also submit a standard, two-page, business resume.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are sent directly to the Admissions Committee via the online application system. Please list two people who will be submitting letters of recommendation on your behalf. A third recommendation is optional. Recommendations should be provided by employers, supervisors, or others who are able to comment on your professional and educational goals and potential (no friends or relatives, please). One recommendation must come from a  current   supervisor or superior .

• If you are an entrepreneur and do not have a supervisor, you may use a cofounder, board member, investor, or key customer of your current company.

All recommendations must be received by the final deadline: Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

In the application system, each recommender is asked to (a) rate you on certain criteria and (b) complete a reference letter. You are encouraged to discuss your professional goals with your recommender prior to nominating them.

Each recommender should be familiar with:

• Specific examples of your intellectual and professional achievements
• Your potential for success as a business leader, with particular emphasis on character
• How you stand out from others who have shared a similar role
• Examples of when you have had an impact on a person, group or organization
• How you defend your ideas; with examples
• Potential room for professional growth.
• For current employers, what is your likely next role?

Transcripts/Grade Reports

Your application must include copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions of study. Copies of transcripts should be scanned and uploaded into the online application system,  not  mailed. Official transcripts are requested after admission and required directly from the institution(s) prior to matriculation.

We will review your college and university transcript(s) in their entirety. In particular, we look for at least one course in statistics and one in calculus.

If you have not taken calculus and statistics, or did not receive strong grades (B or better) in these courses, we recommend taking a credit-bearing class now. We encourage you to find in-person courses at a local college or university, if possible.

Organizational Chart

You will need to include an organizational chart that outlines the internal structure of your department or company. Please provide as much information as possible with the understanding that some information may be privileged. Example charts are available in the application.

After submitting your application:

In-person interview.

Interviews are by invitation only. An interview request signals that your application has reached an advanced stage of consideration. Invitations to interview are made after the specific application round deadline has passed.

Admission decisions

The Admissions Committee reviews applications and interviews selected candidates by round. If you are seeking an early decision, apply early in the admissions cycle. Decisions for interviewed candidates are made by the posted date for each round. 

For more insights into the program and the admissions process, view our latest webinars or join us for an information session.

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Five Top Tips for Writing Your EMBA Application Essay

Applying for an Executive MBA is a challenging and rigorous process. Aside from transcripts, tests and letters of recommendation, a key element of the EMBA application process is the essay, which gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself, speak about your accomplishments and explain to recruiters why your skills and experience make you a great candidate for a specific program.

Because EMBA programs are designed for seasoned professionals who want to boost their skills without taking time off work, admissions teams will be looking for top-notch leadership abilities and an eagerness to form a new executive network.

Here are TopMBA ’s top five tips on how to write a strong essay and maximize your chances of getting into your preferred EMBA program.

Get straight to the point

When writing an admissions essay, it can be difficult to know exactly what to write and when to write it. However, it’s important to know that recruiters want to understand your determination and dedication for starting executive education – so it’s better to get straight to the point. You can start the essay by explaining why you want to do an EMBA and how this type of program will help you achieve your goals.

Talk about the school

There are many great Executive MBAs out there and it can be difficult to narrow down your search, especially as they all have their own pros and cons. Nevertheless, being able to explain to b-school recruiters why you want to do a specific EMBA is key to making a good impression. Research the different programs thoroughly and acknowledge how the schools’ curricula, cohort profiles and reputation will boost your future executive career. You may also want to mention how you could represent the schools you’re interested in after graduation and why you’re eager to be a part of their alumni network.

Be specific

Another way to stand out to recruiters is by letting your experience speak for itself. Some schools will ask for some examples of managerial conflicts you had to resolve or any accomplishments you’ve achieved throughout your career. The best way to answer these types of questions is by getting specific. What type of conflict or issue did you resolve? How exactly did you go about it, and how was your approach unique? Do your managerial skills reflect your potential to become an executive? Once you’ve gotten these key elements down on paper, your essay will really show your flair for leadership.

Honesty is always the best policy. In fact, being honest is just as important as being specific or defined when it comes to an EMBA essay. There are plenty of resources online to help you complete this task to the best of your abilities, but be mindful of external influences that might make you rethink your application. Avoid writing what you think recruiters want to read from you, and instead, focus on the most authentic aspects of your career and personal life that convey why you’re a strong executive candidate. The best admissions essays strike a great balance between honest anecdotes and skill-demonstrating stories from your professional experience.

Check your grammar and style

Grammar, sentence construction and the writing style you use can say a lot about your personality and attention to detail – an essential skill to have in an executive career in business. If writing isn’t your forte, ensure that you leave yourself plenty of time to plan, write, and most importantly, edit the essay. A mistake on such an important part of your application might not sit well with recruiters.

If you’re still undecided…

If you need help choosing an EMBA, take a look at the QS EMBA Rankings 2020 , which reveal the top programs around the world and in specific regions.

This article was originally published in July 2020 . It was last updated in March 2021

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Linda is Content Writer at TopMBA, creating content about students, courses, universities and businesses. She recently graduated in Journalism & Creative Writing with Politics and International Relations, and now enjoys writing for a student audience. 

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