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The ESSEC Business School’s Master in Management (MIM) program is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and global recognition. A pivotal component of the application process is the set of essay questions designed to assess candidates’ motivations, aspirations, and personal qualities. Crafting thoughtful and authentic responses to these essays is crucial for a successful application.
ESSEC MIM Essay Questions 2025
While the specific essay prompts may vary annually, applicants can anticipate questions that delve into their motivations, career objectives, personal values, and potential contributions to the ESSEC community. The following table outlines common themes based on recent application cycles:
Essay Number Prompt Word Limit
1. Please tell us your motivation for applying to this program. (400 words)
2 .How do you envision your professional career? (400 words)
3 .How will you contribute to this program? (400 words)
4 .Tell us the experiences that have shaped the person you are. (You can illustrate these
by outlining situations you have encountered in academic, professional, or personal contexts. 400 words)
5 What matters most to you and why? 400 words
Note: These prompts are indicative and may change. Applicants should refer to the official ESSEC MIM application portal for the most current essay questions.
Crafting Effective Responses
To create compelling essays, consider the following strategies:
1. Authenticity: Share genuine experiences and reflections. Authenticity resonates more than embellishments.
2. Clarity and Conciseness: Adhere to the word limit and ensure your essays are clear and to the point.
3. Specificity: Provide concrete examples to illustrate your points, demonstrating self-awareness and introspection.
4. Alignment with ESSEC Values: Research ESSEC’s mission and values, and reflect on how they align with your personal and professional goals.
5.Proofreading: Ensure your essays are free from grammatical errors and typos. Consider seeking feedback from mentors or peers.
ESSAY – 1
Tell us the experiences that have shaped the person you are. You can illustrate these by outlining situations you have encountered in academic, professional or personal contexts. (400 words maximum)
Growing up, I developed a deep appreciation for sustainability through hands-on practices at home. My family and I adhered to eco-friendly habits, such as avoiding fertilizers and pesticides when planting and rigorously recycling household items. We always used reusable bags, consistently refusing plastic, which ingrained in me a strong sense of environmental responsibility. This early exposure to sustainable living has become a lifelong commitment, shaping my values and actions to this day.
In 7th grade, I participated in the NASA Ames Space Settlement Design Contest. Our proposal on sustainable living in zero gravity reached the final round, allowing us to present our ideas to NASA. This experience sparked my interest in science and technology, teaching me the importance of collaboration, innovation, and perseverance.
My mother, a school teacher, provides free home tuition to underprivileged children. She instilled in me the belief that knowledge grows through sharing. Throughout my academic journey, I've embraced this principle. In 10th grade, when my classmates struggled with the electricity chapter in physics, I patiently taught the entire class, reinforcing my understanding of the subject and the value of knowledge sharing. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I volunteered at my village ashram and encouraged friends, family, and ashram visitors to donate to nearby orphanages struggling with finances due to lockdown restrictions. I also regularly donate gently used clothing to orphanages and underprivileged individuals in my village.
For a course project aimed at improving garbage management in my country, I conducted a study on underground waste transportation systems successfully implemented in Singapore. I proposed implementing pneumatic or vacuum technology in urban areas to transport waste directly from collection points to processing facilities, reducing traffic congestion, operational costs, and environmental impact.Secondly, for rural areas with lower waste generation, I suggested a community-based approach involving composting biodegradable waste, recycling materials locally, and selling non-biodegradable waste to recycling chains through scrap dealers. These tailored solutions address the unique needs of both urban and rural settings, leveraging existing infrastructure to create a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly waste management system.
These experiences have taught me that true happiness stems from passion, love, discipline, gratitude, and goal-oriented pursuits.
ESSAY – 2
Please tell us your motivation for applying to this program. (400 words maximum)
In the short term, I want to become a sustainability consultant and use my technical and business skills to help companies adopt eco-friendly practices while improving their operations. In the long term, I want to lead ventures that use technology and sustainability to solve global environmental challenges.
The ESSEC MIM program is a great opportunity to learn more about operations and supply chain management. I am especially excited about courses like Supply Chain Management: Strategy and Organisation and Supply Chain Analytics and Tools, which will help me improve my ability to plan, organise, and apply data-driven solutions. Also, courses like Operations and Technology Management and Purchasing and Procurement Management will help me learn more about operational efficiency and sustainable procurement processes. These courses match my goal of improving business operations while keeping things sustainable.
ESSEC offers me the chance to work as an apprentice while I continue my studies. This experience will help me apply what I learnt in class to real-life business situations, especially when it comes to sustainability projects. It will also help me learn how to solve problems and build a strong foundation for my career as a consultant. In addition, I plan to take the Global Manager in Asia Track, which teaches how to manage businesses in different cultures. This track and the Asian Strategy Consulting Project will let me work on projects for global companies like Capgemini. These experiences will teach me how to help businesses find solutions that are sustainable and still make money. ESSEC's focus on global learning and real-life projects will help me reach my professional goals.
ESSEC, because of its strong alumni network, will help me in connecting with people who have done well in business, and sustainability will give me valuable guidance and advice for my future career. These connections will help me overcome challenges and build sustainable ventures, which will help me reach my career goals. Also, it will help me build long-term relationships and make sure I am part of a supportive, dynamic community of professionals around the world.
The MIM program at ESSEC is the perfect combination of academic rigour, global exposure, and hands-on experience that aligns with my personal and professional goals. I am excited to be part of the ESSEC community and look forward to shaping a sustainable future.
ESSAY – 3
How do you envision your professional career? (400 words maximum)
My professional trajectory is driven by a passion for leveraging technology to create meaningful, sustainable impact. I envision my career as a journey that synergizes my technical expertise with my commitment to environmental stewardship.
In the short term, I aim to establish myself as a Sustainability Consultant specializing in innovative technologies. My primary objective is to assist companies in transitioning to circular economy models, simultaneously enhancing their environmental performance and financial outcomes. Specifically, I aspire to join BCG's Sustainability Strategy and Transformation practice, where I can contribute to corporate decarbonization initiatives. In this role, I intend to develop data-driven strategies that balance environmental sustainability with economic viability, guide businesses towards responsible practices that ensure long-term success in an increasingly sustainability-focused market, and focus on Sustainable Operations, particularly in optimizing procurement and supply chain processes.My approach will involve implementing waste reduction strategies, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable methodologies that benefit both the environment and business operations. Key areas of focus will include sustainable sourcing practices, improving energy efficiency in production, and minimizing the environmental impact of logistics.
Long-term, I aspire to assume a leadership position where my decisions can significantly influence global sustainability practices. This could manifest as an executive role at a firm like BCG or founding my own company dedicated to sustainable innovation. In such a capacity, I would spearhead large-scale initiatives promoting circular economy models and sustainable technologies across diverse industries. If entrepreneurship becomes my path, I aim to develop cutting-edge, environmentally beneficial technologies and assist global corporations in integrating sustainability into their core operations.
Throughout this journey, I want to be committed to mentoring the next generation of sustainability professionals, sharing knowledge and experiences to nurture future leaders in this field. My goal is to inspire leadership to take bold actions that align profitability with social and environmental responsibility, while remaining at the forefront of technological innovation in sustainability. Ultimately, I strive to drive transformative change that benefits businesses, communities, and the environment alike.
ESSAY – 4
How will you contribute to this program? (400 words maximum)
I am eager to contribute my diverse skill set and experiences to ESSEC's Master of Management (MIM) program. My background as a technology entrepreneur, coupled with my dedication to sustainable development and social responsibility, uniquely positions me to add value to the ESSEC community. As the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of HarleyGrow, an agritech startup specializing in sustainable agriculture solutions, I have cultivated a robust set of leadership and innovation skills. Our team successfully developed IoT-enabled hydroponic systems that significantly improved crop yields while drastically reducing water consumption compared to conventional farming methods. This experience has not only sharpened my strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities but also deepened my understanding of the intersection between technology, sustainability, and business management. I am confident that these competencies will contribute meaningfully to the collaborative and innovative environment of the ESSEC MIM program.
At ESSEC, I plan to actively participate in group projects, case studies, and class discussions, sharing practical insights from my startup experience. I'm particularly excited about RISE's core courses, such as Responsible Leadership and Climate Change, which align with my aspirations of integrating sustainable practices into businesses. These courses will enhance my understanding of how businesses can address global problems while remaining profitable.
In addition, my volunteering work during the COVID-19 pandemic strengthened my commitment to social responsibility. I initiated a project to support struggling orphanages by encouraging donations, implementing digital payment systems, and streamlining operations through improved record-keeping. This experience enhanced my operational management and financial responsibility skills while providing insight into grassroots challenges. I’m keen to join the ESSEC Rotaract Club, where I can apply my leadership skills to drive projects focused on social responsibility and community service. My experiences have prepared me to help organize community outreach programs, coordinate charity drives, and lead initiatives raising awareness about important social issues.
I'm excited to bring my entrepreneurial mindset, leadership experience, and commitment to social responsibility to the ESSEC MIM program. I look forward to actively participating in both academic and extracurricular activities, collaborating with peers and faculty, and making a meaningful contribution to the ESSEC community.
ESSAY – 5
What matters most to you and why? (400 words maximum)
What matters most to me is continuous learning, exploring new places, and leading others. These values have been fundamental to my success, both personally and professionally. They have guided me through challenging situations and helped me achieve my goals.
In college, the only programming language I knew was Embedded C, primarily used for embedded systems. However, I soon realized the need to learn Python to broaden my skills. To gain practical experience, I joined Coding Ninjas and quickly mastered Python. This sparked my interest in data analysis, leading me to complete an Excel skills program offered by JP Morgan through Forage. This experience deepened my fascination with using data to derive insights, prompting me to learn tools like Power BI, Tableau, and SQL for working with larger datasets.
I also have a passion for travel and discovering new places. During my journeys, I've encountered diverse languages and traditions, creating unforgettable memories. Recently, I visited Goa and the nearby Satodi Falls. In Goa, I took charge of planning activities, selecting places to visit, and organizing meals. The trip to Satodi Falls was particularly memorable, as the low water levels allowed me to trek, adding an extra layer of adventure to the experience.
During my time at HarleyGrow, a company specializing in hydroponics, I had the opportunity to lead two critical teams: the software team and the IoT team, each comprising 4-5 members. My responsibilities included assigning tasks, preparing reports, and ensuring effective communication within the teams. We faced a dilemma about whether to develop an app or a website first. After consulting with my co-founder, I proposed splitting the teams to work on both simultaneously. I led the app team, while my co-founder managed the website design team. Within two weeks, we created the website using Figma and then proceeded to build it. This experience underscored the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals efficiently.
The skills I've developed in continuous learning, data analysis, and leadership, along with my passion for cultural exploration, align perfectly with ESSEC’s MIM program. I’m confident that my technical expertise and global perspective will enable me to contribute uniquely to the ESSEC community. This program will not only refine my abilities but also provide the platform I need to make a significant impact in the international business world. I am eager to leverage these experiences to excel at ESSEC and beyond.
Conclusion
The ESSEC MiM essay questions are your opportunity to showcase your personality, motivations, and fit with the program. By answering each question authentically and strategically, you can create a compelling application that stands out to the admissions committee. Remember to:
Be specific and personal in your responses.
Align your goals with ESSEC’s values and offerings.
Proofread your essays to ensure clarity and professionalism.
With these tips and examples, you’re well-equipped to craft essays that highlight your unique strengths and aspirations. Start drafting your responses today and take the first step toward joining one of the world’s top MiM programs at ESSEC Business School!
