What is EADA’s ideal International Master in Management candidate?

MiM programme director Nigel Hayes

For this programme, the ideal candidate will have a balance between strong academic performance, a relevant undergraduate degree, and the ability to demonstrate strong motivation. As a general management programme, a “relevant undergraduate degree” can be diverse and not necessarily related to business. While approximately 50% of our participants have studied Business Administration or Economics at university before coming to EADA, many others come from Engineering, IT, Sciences and non-technical areas such as Languages and Social Sciences. The key to success at EADA is motivation and a desire to learn and grow.

We look for candidates with some relevant work experience, which might have been gained through internships or a junior full-time position. Ideally, candidates have at least 6 months of experience, although this is not a pre-requisite. This experience will add value to group discussions, which are at the heart of the EADA learning methodology.

Our MiM programme aims to develop both personal and professional skills, so ideally we look for candidates who can demonstrate leadership potential – this should be supported with examples, e.g., captain of a sports team, president of the student union, etc.

During the admissions process, and particularly in the interview with the programme director, candidates should be able to show a passion for business together with an understanding of industry and the changes that are shaping the future. Our programme enables participants to choose a strategic specialisation during the third trimester – it is important that applicants have studied the specialisations and have an idea of which area they would like to specialise in. Although candidates do not need to make their choice until the second trimester, the programme director wants to see that they have considered which kind of position and sector they want to work in after graduation.

EADA has a “learning by doing” approach, so we are looking for candidates with an interest in a practical, rather than a purely theoretical, approach – applicants should be familiar with the case study methodology and be ready to embrace a learning environment where they are expected to fully participate in every session.

Finally, the ideal candidate will not be looking for another year of university – they will be looking for the opportunity to grow, to develop a global network, to work with motivated colleagues from a hugely diverse background, and crucially, to prepare and participate in every session.   

Article written by Nigel Hayes, director of the International Master in Management.