Masters in Management Admissions Tips — The Admit Lab

Philippe Barr, PhD
8 min readMar 30, 2023

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If you’re considering graduate school, you may be debating whether a masters in management is the right program for you. As exciting and intimidating as this prospect may seem, it’s important to remember that thousands of students before you have taken on this challenging path and come out successful — so why not make it your next big decision?

In today’s blog, we’ll look at some key tips that can help guide your masters in management admissions process, demystify complicated application procedures, and put your feet firmly on the road to success. Stick around to get a crash course in masters in management applications!

What professional skills and knowledge can one get from masters in management?

A Master’s degree in management is an excellent way to deepen and broaden one’s knowledge of business principles and practices. As a student, you gain an understanding of the fundamentals of economics, accounting, finance, human resources management, organizational behavior, strategic planning, and decision-making. With this knowledge, you can develop the skills necessary to become a successful manager and leader in your chosen fields. Additionally, you can hone analytical skills for data-driven decision-making as well as problem-solving techniques for better performance in your future role. By taking courses that emphasize both theory and practice, you have the opportunity to gain a well-rounded perspective on how organizations operate with a focus on improving efficiency and productivity. This skill set makes graduates highly employable in any industry from small businesses to large corporations.

What type of career prospects can one get from graduating with a master’s degree in management

Masters in management provide students with a variety of career options. Those who complete the program can use their skills to pursue leadership positions in business, government, nonprofit organizations, and more. Common job opportunities include consulting roles, project managers, financial analysts, marketing directors, and human resource specialists. Furthermore, the degree also allows students to take on more specialized roles such as global business management or organizational leadership positions.

As businesses around the world continue to expand and become increasingly complex, having an advanced understanding of effective management strategies is essential for success. Those who graduate with masters in management have access to higher-level career pathways.

Additionally, those pursuing this degree have access to many professional development workshops that will help them further enhance their knowledge and advance their careers even more. The degree provides also provides many networking opportunities which help graduates connect with industry professionals and find job openings that might be a good fit for their skillset.

What are the major differences between MBAs and masters in management?

MBAs and masters in management are two post-graduate degrees that can provide individuals with the opportunity to enhance their professional skills. While both degrees offer similar advantages, there are several key differences between them.

The first major difference is the program structure. An MBA typically consists of core courses in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, and operations, while masters in management usually have a more general curriculum that incorporates elements of all business disciplines. In addition to this, an MBA program is usually more focused on developing leadership skills whereas masters in management are more tailored toward the specific goals of each student.

The second major difference between the two degrees is the amount of time it takes to complete the program. An MBA typically requires two full years and masters in management can be completed in one year or less.

The third major difference between an MBA and a master’s in management is the type of career options available after completion. An MBA is more likely to lead to higher-level positions in management, while a master’s in management can be helpful for lower or mid-level positions.

Do you need work experience to get admitted to masters in management programs?

Are you required to have work experience to apply for a master of management degree? The answer is no. And that is another difference compared to MBA programs. Most masters in management programs do not require extensive industry experience — many undergraduates apply just after completing their Bachelor’s, so business schools are open-minded when it comes to candidates from varied backgrounds and with different levels of experience. Nevertheless, gaining experience in a related field before starting your master’s may still be helpful for your education and will make you an attractive candidate amongst the competition.

What are the top masters in management programs?

The United States is home to some of the world’s top universities in management and business education. Such programs provide students with specialized skills, knowledge, and expertise in areas such as finance, human resources, accounting, marketing, and more. Among the best Master of Management (MM) degree programs are those offered at Duke, Harvard University, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Michigan Ross among others.

In Europe, top programs can be found at HEC-Paris, HESSEC, LBS, and Insead. These prestigious institutions offer a comprehensive curriculum that can help equip students with the necessary tools for success in a variety of career paths. Each program also provides unique access to influential faculty members who can advise and mentor new students through their studies.

What are admissions committees looking for in applicants to masters in management programs?

Since the degree does not necessarily require work experience, academic skills matter! Business schools seek evidence that the candidate can manage their demanding quant-based classes. Although it may be possible to offset questionable GPAs with impressive GMAT scores, weaker academic results are still likely viewed as an indicator of either insufficient determination or dedication — even if one has had successful internships.

Yet that doesn’t imply that all applicants must have majored in economics or business. While many prospective students often mistakenly assume that schools are in search of only those with business backgrounds to join their master in management classes,the truth is that less than one-third (35%) of accepted applicants have studied business or management degrees; MiM programs value a variety of student profiles and seek an array of diverse candidates. Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Law Maths/Science, and Social Sciences are all common backgrounds found in applicants. Liberal Arts students are also highly encouraged to apply, as long as they have a solid GMAT score in the quantitative section and some background classes such as statistics.

How can applicants stand out from others to get admitted to masters in management programs at top business schools?

Students looking to stand out as an applicant for masters in management programs can demonstrate their commitment to the field and their enthusiasm for learning through various initiatives.

Demonstrable professional experience

Candidates need to have some type of work experience before applying, so obtaining internships after graduation can be beneficial. Many companies may require two or three internships on a CV to meet their criteria. Although they don’t need to all be from well-known corporations, having multiple experiences that give you breadth and align with your future career plans will make an even greater impact.

Concrete career plans and professional goals

MM admissions teams are eager to learn about your motivations, ambitions, and goals. To make a compelling case for yourself, it is essential that you accurately communicate what drives you and the impact you hope to have after graduating from the program. It is important to articulate your plans clearly so that admissions committees can envision how earning the degree will help carry out those long-term aspirations of yours. During your journey, it’s reasonable to assume that your aspirations may alter along the way; however, for you to be successful when applying to the program, you must demonstrate that you’ve taken time and effort to understand where you’re headed and why.

Forging an effective career roadmap requires introspection on how your past studies correspond to where you want to go. Some schools may even require two potential career paths — a plan A and B — which can be difficult for those with limited job experience. When MiM admissions are choosing between candidates of similar backgrounds, they need assurance that the school is set up to guide them toward their post-graduation professional goals.

Evidence of leadership and engagement

When you don’t have experience in the professional world, participating in extracurricular activities and demonstrating leadership skills become even more important. Involvement with your local community speaks to your values, personality traits, potential for leading others, and eagerness to make a lasting impact.

When outlining your college experience, be sure to reflect on what matters most to you and how you’ve been able to make an impact on the undergraduate community. Though you may not yet have a professional title, it’s important to recognize the successes of your academic achievements as well as those outside of class.

Letters of recommendation

Your letters of recommendation offer the admissions committee a valuable window into how you are perceived by others. Schools seek clear evidence that you’re a well-rounded candidate who is capable of excelling in their program-someone with the leadership skills, interpersonal savvy, team dynamic aptitude, and character to make an impact on campus. Academics are essential but schools need applicants ready to contribute to both the classroom and the wider community.

When applying to masters in management, it is ok to submit an academic recommendation in addition to either a professional or internship reference. Try and obtain feedback from someone who can speak specifically about your qualifications and leadership capabilities — ideally a direct supervisor that you worked closely with during an internship. If you are utilizing an academic recommendation, it is best to ask a professor who knows you well or with whom you have had close collaboration. Alternatively, if your extracurricular activities include any form of leadership roles and experiences, seeking a recommender from that arena can be another option.

Most importantly time management is essential. Although it may be difficult to juggle both studying and deciding your next move simultaneously, planning ahead is absolutely vital. From GMAT or GRE prep and tests to writing essays and attending interviews, don’t wait until a few weeks before the deadline to work on your applications and start early!

Looking for more free insights?

To wrap it up, we’ve highlighted a few of the challenges and milestones that are critical in the masters in management admissions process. The key advice to keep in mind is to make sure you stay informed, organized, and confident throughout your application journey. If you want more guidance on your way, The Admit Lab offers various master’s application services tailored to meet all the requirements of your target schools. Don’t hesitate to sign up for a free admissions consultation if you would like to find out if you have the right profile to get admitted into the master in management program of your dreams.

Originally published at https://admit-lab.com on March 30, 2023.

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Philippe Barr, PhD

I am Philippe Barr, founder of The Admit Lab, a graduate school admissions consultancy that helps students get admitted into grad school: https://admit-lab.com/