Congratulations on the invite. I must say getting invite is not an easy task at IMD.
Be sure that if you are invited you have the necessary stuff to be here. The interview is a process to verify in person the qualities that are seen in your CV and to check you motivation and style.
The interview day will be long and arduous. It will start with a briefing by the admissions staff giving you an outline of the day. You will be given a mini case that you will have to prepare and present in a short time. You will have a long interview with the admissions director and a short one with the admissions staff. Post lunch you will be asked to discuss and suggest solutions to a case that was sent to you atleast 2 weeks in advance.
The stress during the interview and case discussions will be on group dynamics, communication and leadership styles.
All the best
Regards SJ.
Hi Shibu I have recieved an interview offer for next week. Do you have any suggesstions on how to prepare for the case and the presentation? Regards,
I have been following your posts from sometime and wanted to commend you for the good work you are doing helping us all with relative information. I am preparing for GMAT currently and looking at IMD for potential admission in 2011.
I was curious to find out how the oncampus recruitment is happening in IMD these days. 1. Do you see the same participation from companies as last year or relatively less? 2. Whats your overall thoughts on finding jobs after the MBA from IMD? 3. Have the 2009 batch been kind of successful in finiding good opportunities?
Looking forward to get some perspective from you..
I have been following your posts from sometime and wanted to commend you for the good work you are doing helping us all with relative information. I am preparing for GMAT currently and looking at IMD for potential admission in 2011.
I was curious to find out how the oncampus recruitment is happening in IMD these days. 1. Do you see the same participation from companies as last year or relatively less? 2. Whats your overall thoughts on finding jobs after the MBA from IMD? 3. Have the 2009 batch been kind of successful in finiding good opportunities?
Looking forward to get some perspective from you..
Thanks Sidharth
Siddharth,
To answer your questions
1. The # of companies are higher than last year. The offers are holding and are getting better this month. 2. I do not understand the dimension you want me to answer your query. However I attempt: IMD positions you the best in the job market. Potential recruiters are very respectful when evaluating you for their openings. They recognize the potential and quality of the candidates. 3. 2009 seems to be doing very well. The salaries are up and the offers are coming in quite strong. On a Nov end timeline basis we would be below the 2008 batch in terms of # of people with job offers, but the offer rates have significantly picked up.
However you need to understand that an IMD MBA is not JUST about jobs and to think of it on this terms only is doing injustice to yourself and the institution. An year at IMD shapes you for a future leader role. The vagaries of the economy do not change that part.
I am new to this forum.I have been reading your posts on this thread.Can you pls have a look at my profile and tell me whether it fits to get an entry into IMD/INSEAD?
Profile
B.E from NIT/REC Karnataka in Electronics and Telecom Exp : 7 years by Jan 2010 in IT Industry Domain -Airline domain IT services Roles -Offshore/Project Lead Travelled to US in B1 visa for a month So Intl Exp -just 1 month Decent Acads Average Extracurriuclars Giving GMAT by Jan 2010 end.
I want to do 1 year MBA and targeting BSchools abroad.After MBA, I look forward to take a career in consuting.Though I am quite late,applying to these Bschools in third round carries a chance?Also is international Exp an important factor in admissions to these B Schools?
I am new to this forum.I have been reading your posts on this thread.Can you pls have a look at my profile and tell me whether it fits to get an entry into IMD/INSEAD?
Profile
B.E from NIT/REC Karnataka in Electronics and Telecom Exp : 7 years by Jan 2010 in IT Industry Domain -Airline domain IT services Roles -Offshore/Project Lead Travelled to US in B1 visa for a month So Intl Exp -just 1 month Decent Acads Average Extracurriuclars Giving GMAT by Jan 2010 end.
I want to do 1 year MBA and targeting BSchools abroad.After MBA, I look forward to take a career in consuting.Though I am quite late,applying to these Bschools in third round carries a chance?Also is international Exp an important factor in admissions to these B Schools?
Your comments will be helpful.
Thanks
Hi,
Prima facie the profile looks competitive. However two factors are of paramount importance.
1) The career profile. IT is an over represented category in India. What exactly do you do? Leadership demonstration and steady career progression needs to be communicated. 2) Coherence in career strategy and strong communication of your case.
In any case your profile needs to stand out on all parameters. In most cases as Indians, we do fail to see the uniqueness we bring.
International exposure though important is not mandatory. The crux here is to asses whether you have worked in an international setting. I did not have an international experience but I did work in a lot of international teams and traveled to countries.
A good GMAT score and a good application should get you a look in. Then on its your preparation, skill and luck.
As to your question on IMD & INSEAD fit, my belief is that the two schools are different. You need to be sure about what you want from an MBA and decide which school to go to. From your profile both schools would be interested in looking at you.
Hi You may PM if you have queries and information you dont want to share in a public forum. However I would strongly suggest posting general queries on the forum as it would benefit other readers. Regards SJ.
Education: B.Tech - IIT (merit-cum-means scholarship) PGDM - IIM (amongst top 10% in marketing) GMAT - plan to give by Mar'10
Work experience: 6.5 years for Class of 2011 Domain: Sales, distribution, branding, marketing in large FMCG/Retail companies in India
Extra curricular: Winner of multiple inter/intra college competitions, active involvement in cultural programs
My questions: a. No international exposure - will this be held against me? b. Would like to go back to industry (international marketing profile) - which college between IMD / Insead would suit me better? c. Any special focus that I should look at / highlight towards ensuring admission?
Education: B.Tech - IIT (merit-cum-means scholarship) PGDM - IIM (amongst top 10% in marketing) GMAT - plan to give by Mar'10
Work experience: 6.5 years for Class of 2011 Domain: Sales, distribution, branding, marketing in large FMCG/Retail companies in India
Extra curricular: Winner of multiple inter/intra college competitions, active involvement in cultural programs
My questions: a. No international exposure - will this be held against me? b. Would like to go back to industry (international marketing profile) - which college between IMD / Insead would suit me better? c. Any special focus that I should look at / highlight towards ensuring admission?
Look forward to hearing from your end. Regards.
Hello,
Your profile looks promising. IIT brand will ensure you get a look in.
Key elements that the admissions would be looking at
- career progression. - reason of lack of international exposure. - maturity and adaptability.
As mentioned in the earlier posts, INSEAD and IMD offer different propositions. IMD is for people with significant experience who have a grasp over basic management tools (with your MBA from IIM you fit the bill on this one).The focus is on leadership and preparing you for international roles in middle - senior management.
As far as career interests are concerned the career services is one of the best in the world and works with you individually to ensure your goals are met.
It would not be appropriate for me to suggest between the two schools. Individual needs and aspirations make the choices between the two world class institutions meaningful.
As far as special focus is concerned - just ensure your motivation for an MBA matches with what the school has to offer.
I have read the whole thread and I am not getting one thing (I am sure you can help me and others on this)...
You said : Tip: Understand you motivations, find the school that matches you. Remember it is a marriage. The most beautiful people do not necessarily make the best spouses.
I do know my about Motivations what does MATCHING YOUR SCHOOL means ??
How come my Goal be a determining criterion while opting INSEAD/IMD/LBS etc.
Have you completed your MBA from IMD? If yes, could you share your experiences with the career services and with the companies that came to IMD (including the interview process etc)
Also, could you tell me how does my profile look: 1. Indian Female with 8 yrs of exp in IT Industry. career progresion - from s/w analyst to team lead (moved from a member of 2 to a team of 1 - Project Manager in US - team of 22 (onsite and offshore) - gradually started handling multiple projects parallely - then moved to strategic consulting out of my own interest and earned lot of business for the Co and saved lot of money for client by my strategic consulting...... 2. Been in US since 2.5 years 3. Worked for Indian, European (offshore and interacted with them actively) and US Customers 4. Academics - Gold Medalist in MS from BITS and Graduation 5. GMAT - 670 6. community service - taught poor children, blood donation, and many other services 7. Extracurricular - Regional level Badminton player, poetry writing, passion for dance, and participated in many inter/intra competitions.... 8. Future goal - IT Strategic consulting in management onsulting company
Hello all, Did anybody use 'Assess your chances' on IMD website? I got a reply saying that there seems to be a good fit between my profile and IMD MBA requirements. But I don't have any international exposure. I want to know, is this a standard reply or do they really point to the weakness in the profile?
My stats are as follows: Undergrad: IIT Bombay (graduated top of my class) Masters: US (fellowship)+ 2 yrs doing research 1st Job: Worked for a Startup in electronics product development with 5% ownership. Sold company in 2006. 2nd Job: Another startup in electronics product development and manufacturing.
Total Work Ex: 6 years in industry + 2 yrs academic research Career Goals: To start own company or work for a VC depending on how things develop.
Yet to take the GMAT's (thinking of applying for 2011 intake) Due to the flat heirarchy of startups, my "business card position" does not reflect my full range of roles. Given, IMD's preference of mid to senior level management, would my current job title of an Sr. Engineer be a problem?. Also, the startup I currently work for will really take a hit from my departure and so I cannot reasonably expect a decent reco from my current company without jeopardizing my position. Is it ok for me to get reco's from my previous company?
Could you give me some feedback on my chances? Also, would you recommend any other schools in Europe for someone with my background? My immigration situation in the US does not permit me to apply to US schools. I am guessing INSEAD would be one such school.
The IIT pedigree & the international exposure is a definite advantage. Entrepreneurship is surely not a negative point. The admission committee is very interested in balancing the class with varied experiences.
The watchout area would be
1) Intelligently communicate scope of the start up projects. Learnings and growth. 2) Responsible leadership - How will the impact of your departing on the start up be mitigated. This coupled with the fact that you do not have a reco from the current employer could be (possibly) an issue. 3) Your motivation. How does IMD fit into your career aspirations. Why IMD? Also the move from the US to Europe needs to be justified. I do not understand the immigration issue.
All the best. Hope this helps Regards Shibu James.
Hi Shibu,
Thank you very much for helping people out.
My stats are as follows: Undergrad: IIT Bombay (graduated top of my class) Masters: US (fellowship)+ 2 yrs doing research 1st Job: Worked for a Startup in electronics product development with 5% ownership. Sold company in 2006. 2nd Job: Another startup in electronics product development and manufacturing.
Total Work Ex: 6 years in industry + 2 yrs academic research Career Goals: To start own company or work for a VC depending on how things develop.
Yet to take the GMAT's (thinking of applying for 2011 intake) Due to the flat heirarchy of startups, my "business card position" does not reflect my full range of roles. Given, IMD's preference of mid to senior level management, would my current job title of an Sr. Engineer be a problem?. Also, the startup I currently work for will really take a hit from my departure and so I cannot reasonably expect a decent reco from my current company without jeopardizing my position. Is it ok for me to get reco's from my previous company?
Could you give me some feedback on my chances? Also, would you recommend any other schools in Europe for someone with my background? My immigration situation in the US does not permit me to apply to US schools. I am guessing INSEAD would be one such school.
IMD positions itself as a full time MBA program when in my opinion, it is an Executive MBA program. IMD stresses "leadership" and the ages of the students appears older than the other schools with more work experience. My experience is that they are disorganized and have a haughty attitude. So I didn't apply and happily applied to INSEAD. In my opinion a much better school.
Never mind the fact that Switzerland is undergoing a tremendous upheaval right now regarding immigration. The recent minaret ban is emblematic of the kind of xenophobia stirring in Switzerland and that will translate into a difficulty finding employment. My best friend was the head of recruiting for a Forbes 100 multinational. When I asked him what he thought about IMD he said "who's that?"
Just my opinions and experiences!
Also search Google and the forums about employment in Switzerland. Recently they reduced the amount of visas they are giving to foreigners for work in order to help the native Swiss. I would rather go to a school that is recognized around the world rather than regionally when spending that kind of money. Just my opinion. Also research how many people are interviewed versus how many are accepted. IMD invites everyone to them for interviews. Others will have alumni interview you in YOUR region. IMD has no problem to bring you there for an interview so long as it's on your dime. Right?
Do a Google search for the climate in Switzerland in regards to immigrants. Tell me what you find. THEN tell me you still want to go there
IMD positions itself as a full time MBA program when in my opinion, it is an Executive MBA program. IMD stresses "leadership" and the ages of the students appears older than the other schools with more work experience. My experience is that they are disorganized and have a haughty attitude. So I didn't apply and happily applied to INSEAD. In my opinion a much better school.
Never mind the fact that Switzerland is undergoing a tremendous upheaval right now regarding immigration. The recent minaret ban is emblematic of the kind of xenophobia stirring in Switzerland and that will translate into a difficulty finding employment. My best friend was the head of recruiting for a Forbes 100 multinational. When I asked him what he thought about IMD he said "who's that?"
Just my opinions and experiences!
Also search Google and the forums about employment in Switzerland. Recently they reduced the amount of visas they are giving to foreigners for work in order to help the native Swiss. I would rather go to a school that is recognized around the world rather than regionally when spending that kind of money. Just my opinion. Also research how many people are interviewed versus how many are accepted. IMD invites everyone to them for interviews. Others will have alumni interview you in YOUR region. IMD has no problem to bring you there for an interview so long as it's on your dime. Right?
Do a Google search for the climate in Switzerland in regards to immigrants. Tell me what you find. THEN tell me you still want to go there
Hello Melissa,
All the best with your applications to INSEAD. It is indeed a very good school. I hope you get through. You are right, one must only apply to schools that match ones profile and priorities.
Please note that this forum is to assist people who are sure of their interest in IMD. It is definitely not a canvassing forum or an opinion sounding board. I would appreciate readers with no interest in IMD not posting their opinions on this site. May be we could have another thread for sharing opinions about business schools.
I agree with you that this forum is not an opinion forum but I also believe that when there is a forum on a top B-school it should provide an opportunity to highlight both positives and negatives of a B-school. I neither accept nor reject Melissa's feedback fully on IMD but one thing is for sure that IMD is not transparent enough in its selecton process. This is one area which requires immediate attention of school authorities and feedback by someone like you can definitely improve the process. For one - IMD needs to have a clear policy on re-applicants. I was one of the re-applicants to IMD this year. Last year I was waitlisted and then denied admission. In my feedback call, I was specifically asked to re-apply in R1 and come to Switzerland for interview. When I re-applied this year, I was not even invited for interview. I have written to both Admissions Director and IMD admissions to give me some reason why I was not called for interview and why was I encouraged to re-apply this year but didnt get any response. I dont want to generalize this example but all the potential applicants should be careful in applying to business schools since its an expensive process (more so at IMD). I hope you will take this feedback positively. I still have very high regards for the uniqueness of the MBA program at IMD.
- Project Manager in US - team of 22 (onsite and offshore) - gradually started handling multiple projects parallely - then moved to strategic consulting out of my own interest and earned lot of business for the Co and saved lot of money for client by my strategic consulting......