mcgill mba essays

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• Two years minimum of relevant full-time post-graduate work experience
• Transcripts from undergraduate and other graduate degrees
• Two professional letters of reference
• TOEFL or IELTS (when applicable)
• Three essay questions
• GMAT or GRE
• Curriculum vitae Interview (by invitation)

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McGill Desautels MBA Sample Essays

Free samples from past clients, mcgill desautels mba sample essays for 2023-24.

Please complete the following questions on separate pages and submit them as one PDF document.(500-word limit per question)

• Why do you intend on pursuing an MBA at this point in your life?
• Describe your mid-term and long-term visions for your post-MBA career path and how will the Desautels MBA program add value to your future career?
• What qualities would you look for in an MBA classmate when working on a team project and describe how your background and leadership skills will enhance the experience of others?
• Describe a difficult decision you made and the process that you went through to make it.

McGill Desautels MBA Application Essay Example- 1

Essay 1: why do you intend on pursuing an mba at this point in your life describe your mid-term and long-term visions for your post-mba career path and how will the desautels mba program add value to your future career (max. 500 words) .

I have over five years of experience working as an engineering consultant in the construction industry. I have led teams and supervised all phases of the project from conception to completion. I have also gained extensive client management experience in a broad range of sectors including airports, hospitals, and commercial buildings. These experiences have led me to collaborate with cross-functional teams which has equipped me with skills like leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving. 

However, as an engineering consultant, my solutions and their impact are limited to the technical side of the projects. Now I want to expand my horizons beyond technical challenges into the business domain as well. This is where I believe pursuing an MBA can provide the right platform to fill in the gaps in my business knowledge. Post-MBA, I would like to leverage my five years of experience as an engineering consultant in the construction industry and the knowledge acquired at Desautels to grow my career into a project manager within the construction industry. In the long term, I see myself in a senior management role and eventually a CEO leading a construction or project management company.

The construction industry is not immune to changes in other sectors. In particular, it has been impacted by advances in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and even machine learning and robotics. These things have changed the way the industry works and to be a successful manager in a dynamic industry, I need to be equipped with strong business, analytical, strategy, and operational skills that can only be achieved through theoretical and practical management education. 

While searching for my ideal business school, what resonated the most with me was Desautel’s holistic curriculum with a deep focus on organizational strategy and leadership development through a rich elective curriculum, experiential learning, and the international study trip. I believe mandatory courses like ‘Finance’, ‘Strategy’, and ‘Operations’ along with electives like ‘Managerial Negotiations’, and ‘Cross-Cultural Management’ would be a perfect fit for me to fulfill my knowledge gaps and upskill myself. 

To complement the rich elective curriculum, the experiential learning opportunities would allow me to build on my skills and expose me to cross-cultural insights. Over the years I have had the opportunity to interact with clients from different cultural backgrounds but my experience is restricted to the Indian market. Experiential programs like the summer internship and the international study trip can provide me with the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience in an international environment. 

During the MBA the student clubs like Graduate Business Technology Club, Graduate Women’s Association, and the Net Impact – McGill Chapter would provide excellent avenues for me to access a wide range of resources, gain knowledge from the diverse experiences of the cohort and prepare myself for today’s challenges.

Overall, after evaluating my prior experience, and discussing my goals with my mentors, I am convinced that an MBA from Desautels would be a perfect stepping stone for me to progress in my career and achieve my goals.

Essay 2: What qualities would you look for in an MBA classmate when working on a team project and describe how your background and leadership skills will enhance the experience of others? (Max 500 words)

Over the five years of my professional experience, I have developed an appreciation of what my peers bring to the team in terms of their perspectives, motivation, and passions. I truly believe it’s the personalities of who we are outside of work that define our professional ethos and behavior in a professional environment. 

The biggest thing I would love to see in my peers is passion. Passion for something, anything, whatever makes them feel alive. I myself am passionate about dancing. I have learned and professionally trained in 5 Latin American dance forms. It helps me disconnect and destress and teaches me the importance of working as a team in sync, dancing has also helped me build lifelong relationships outside of work. I feel these activities outside of the classroom will help me build strong relationships with my classmates.

The second quality which I would like to see and can contribute myself to the cohort is the openness to different perspectives and diverging opinions. I think that the biggest challenge business leaders face today is to create a workplace that is inclusive of genders and different perspectives. As a woman working in the construction industry, I have personally faced biases in my professional projects. As a team manager, I pay special attention to removing such biases from my actions be they gender-oriented or culturally influenced. As a future business leader, I would love to have peers who understand the value of diversity and inclusivity and work towards uplifting each other.

I also realized through my journey that a lot of the time the bias starts at an early age, especially in the underprivileged sections of society. Through my own experience, I am deeply motivated to empower girls to excel in life. I have contributed towards the high school education of a girl child and have continued my support towards her ongoing engineering education. I believe having the motivation and social work exposure makes me more humble and empathetic which then shows up in my work at the office as well. It would be lovely to have peers who are taking their own initiatives and are motivated to make the world a better place. 

Lastly, through my professional work, I have developed a strong understanding of technical and project management skills. Going forward, I want to work in a project manager role, and to reach this goal I want to develop a deeper understanding of strategic, financial, and operational aspects. In business school, I want the opportunity to refine these skills not only through a theoretical education but also by learning from the diverse real-life experiences of my peers. Hence, I would like to work in a team with classmates who come from different backgrounds so that I can gain from their specialized knowledge and have a well-rounded experience during team assignments.

Overall, I believe, more than technical skills, it’s my passion and motivations that have driven me to be successful and helped me make strong connections. That is why I would desire to have peers who have passions and motivation in addition to career-oriented aspirations. 

Essay 3: Describe a difficult decision you made and the process that you went through to make it. (Max. 500 words) – currently at 414

One of the most difficult challenges I have faced in my life is overcoming male chauvinism in professional projects. I vividly remember when during one of my design presentations, I was interrupted by a senior client representative and was told that as a girl, I wouldn’t be able to handle the engineering part of a construction project. I was flummoxed and did not know how to respond. My capabilities and knowledge were put into question even before I was given a chance to prove myself. As I looked around the room full of men, I realized that the bias against women was real. Post that meeting my manager made an off-hand comment that I should take a day and reconsider working on the project.

That day presented me with a choice – I could either give up and set a precedence that I can not handle difficult clients and projects or believe in my capabilities and take a stand for myself.

I belong to a family of civil engineers and my initiation into the construction industry was at an early age. Hence it didn’t come as a surprise to my family when I decided to pursue my career in the same field. Although my family warned me against choosing a career in the construction industry because it is traditionally male-dominated industry, I was encouraged to follow my dream. 

That day I vowed to never give up on my dreams. I decided that even though this will be an uphill climb, I refuse to let a man’s prejudice take away the credibility of my work.

I spoke to my manager, and he supported my decision to continue with the project, and we made a plan to improve the situation. For the next few meetings, my manager didn’t accompany me, so that I could take complete charge of the project. I also spoke to the other teams and requested them to let me lead team meetings so that I can prove myself. Everyone agreed that I deserved the chance to prove myself. Slowly, my client started trusting me with important tasks and I grew more confident in my work.

It was tough changing everyone’s mind and establishing my own importance, but this experience taught me how to overcome bias. I realized that the only way to fight bias is to never back down but to include everyone in the solution. This incident also taught me to relentlessly pursue my aspiration despite the bias that may exist. 

I genuinely believe women can be equally talented engineers and managers however the industry today does not have significant enough representation. Now I aspire to upskill myself and continue rising through the ranks so that one day I can leave a significant impact in the industry so that other girls are not afraid to pursue their dreams and take up STEM careers.

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McGill Desautels MBA Application Essay- 2

Essay 1: why do you intend on pursuing an mba at this point in your life describe your mid-term and long-term visions for your post-mba career path and how will the desautels mba program add value to your future career.

My immediate post-MBA goal is an Operations and Supply-Chain Management role with a prominent firm like GE Power. In the long-term, I will grow through the managerial hierarchy to take up a strategic leadership position in the operations domain in similar firms.

The first four years of my career in NTPC’s Operations domain enabled me to grasp on-field operational and technical competencies including crisis management skills. As part of the commissioning team in my latter tenure, I handled several pre-commercialisation activities and evolved to a people’s manager role. In due course,  As I grew in my profession, I developed a fascination towards strategic aspects of operation management and the larger spectrum of functional planes that must cooperate to make the business viable and robust. Moreover, being a part of the commissioning team of the 1600MW-capacity Lara project, I have realized that the criticality of the supply chain function in the success of an enterprise. The Covid-19 era has strengthened this conviction in me while it has also exposed the scope of optimization in this domain. Hence, I see tremendous potential in this domain. Also, while working with sophisticated consultants from Doosan, Hitachi, and Yokogawa during the erection phase of the Lara plant, I was inspired by their higher order thinking, finer people-management and decision-making skills. 

I believe I have absorbed the maximum technical and operational skills and team-management and client-facing skills to the best of my ability during my 7 years tenure at India’s biggest Thermal Power corporation. This is an opportune time, when the economies are recovering from the COVID setback, to invest in my future goals and aspirations. Hence, to successfully transition to higher order operations management roles, I must learn the holistic financial, strategic and sales aspects of an enterprise. I believe that a formal MBA can best address these gaps. 

After extensive research, I have found a fit in the McGill Full-Time MBA with its cutting-edge curriculum. A comprehensive plethora of modules, with electives such as Global Strategy and Leadership taught by stalwart professors like Smer Faraj and Robert J. David will introduce me to the several business administration nuances while the  International Economics and Strategy module taught by well-known international faculty will be the touchstone to my strategic-skills growth. I plan to leverage the International Study Trip to learn different cultural and community perspectives. Moreover, the Real Time Decision Classes will allow me to get an in-hand experience of the industry. Besides, the Integration Classes will help me to immerse myself in the real world business problems. The Student clubs will nurture my intellectual abilities while giving me an opportunity to connect with people from different countries. The McGill Case Competition Association is a unique platform where I will be able to sharpen my analytical skills. The diverse cohort, esteemed faculty and alumni base set McGill apart as an exceptional brand which I want to earn. Hence, I am convinced that the McGill MBA can help me achieve my career goals.

Essay 2: What qualities would you look for in an MBA classmate when working on a team project and describe how your background and leadership skills will enhance the experience of others?

“Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savoring the journey.” ― Roy T. Bennett. I believe this describes the best my journey which I have embarked on.

My NTPC career started with a lot of surprises. I started my career with NTPC as an Operation Executive, and after 7 years of tenure and 2 promotions, I think it could not be better if I would have been posted in any other department. Firstly, I got acquainted with the philosophy of the thermal power plant and secondly it helped me to develop my leadership potential as well as my analytical skills. During the first four years in the Farakka project I got several opportunities to sharpen my technical expertise. In 2015 and 2016 I was in the renovating team of two 500 MW units, which I believe was a golden opportunity to grasp the automation and logics in my early days in NTPC. Besides, as NTPC is a public sector undertaking company, I was appointed micro-observer for two polling booths in a Bangladesh-bordering village during the general elections in 2016. It was one of the most memorable experiences I ever had in my career which further helped me realize my people management and organize skills. 

My transfer to Lara, Chattisgarh in 2018 became another milestone in my people-skills learning. In the commissioning phase I witnessed several unseen problems that contributed to my individual and professional growth. While laying the pipeline for the water-pump house, approximately 40km away from the main plant, the local villagers rose in severe opposition fearing damage to their farmlands. I took my team and demonstrated to them that there would be no harm done. Parallely, training and working with the inexperienced local workers and from different parts of India helped me expand my horizon.

Thus these seven years with NTPC have taught me to interact with different demographics, inspire change, adjust to circumstances and derive creative solutions. And now I want to expand my horizon by having a degree with a batch consisting of people of different nationalities and professional backgrounds. Besides, while working with several agencies such as Doosan and Hitachi I have realised that to reach the solution to a particular problem there may be several approaches, but to achieve the best result in a fixed timeframe it is also necessary to have a holistic idea of the entire project. Moreover, to successfully complete a team-project it is also necessary to sum up all the efforts from each team-member. However, to thrive in a leading multinational company it is also necessary to have a clear idea of the finance and strategic operations. I want to propel my career in my domain while having a 360 degree view of the business world and that is only possible if I can gain the in depth practical knowledge of these two areas of an enterprise, and for that my batchmates need to be empathetic, open minded and they should also be ready to share their own experiences. Also, they should be supportive and also willing to take responsibilities. I believe that the diverse cohort that I will get in McGill will surely help me to enrich myself and my multidimensional experiences will also help my batchmates to learn about the problems of a developing country like India.

Essay 3: Describe a difficult decision you made and the process that you went through to make it.

In 2013, during the final year of my undergrad in Jadavpur University, one of the premier institutes in India, the on campus recruitment opened the door for several opportunities before me. I was selected in Tata Consultancy Services, Cognizant, Tata Chemicals and Indian Oil Corporation through campus recruitment process. 

However, I further challenged myself by taking the highly competitive national level Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering after my final semester, and among ~30000 applicants, I secured All India rank 4th, that helped me to secure admission into Indian Institute of Science and Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (2 of the best technical institutes in India),  and also to get a job in NTPC Ltd. (the electricity powerhouse of India). 

I felt confused that time because on one hand I could opt to go further in my academic career and on the other hand I could start my professional career. Moreover, I had options for two different core sectors- Oil and Electricity. I had always dreamt for a degree from the IITs. Hence, I was lured towards getting my Masters done from IISc or IIT Bombay. This was my chance to live my dream. However, my family lacked the resources to support my higher studies.  Instead, I was expected to support my family financially. 

After spending numerous sleepless nights, finally, I made up my mind to join NTPC on 12th  August, 2013, and that decision I do believe changed my life forever. NTPC was  the fastest growing  among the public sector undertaking companies. The new-found struggles of staying in a remote location in NTPC’s hostel at Singrauli, the simplicity of village-life changed my perception towards life and I became more self-reliant and confident.

For example, when I joined the Farakka Barrage in 2015, the laborer’s staged a massive agitation for wage increase, forcing us to stop three 500MW capacity-units. I initiated an empathetic conversation with the workers, to which they responded positively to understand their main issue was the maximum number of days for which they could earn wages. I raised with the senior management and finally the number of working days per month raised from 22 to 26. Within two years I got the opportunity to be a part of the renovating team of two 500MW units, and that experience truly helped me to shape my career trajectory. Thus the first four years in Farakka helped me to develop my people management skill as well as my technical expertise.

My transfer to Lara, Chattisgarh in 2018 became another milestone in my people-skills learning. Handling the resistance from local villagers during the plant construction and ultimately befriending them was a major lesson in empathy. These struggles made me more grounded and people-oriented.

Hence, that game changing decision seven years back has not only enabled me to recognize my capabilities but also helped me to build a holistic idea of how the business of a large corporation is growing amid several challenges of a highly competitive market.

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• McGill University MBA Essays

Specialized Tips and How to Create Essays

Table of Contents

Mcgill university mba essays 2023-24, mcgill mba essay 1: personalized tips, mcgill mba essay 1: sample answer, mcgill mba essay 2: personalized tips, mcgill mba essay 2: sample answer, mcgill mba essay 3: personalized tips , imperial mba essay 3: sample answers, deadlines for 2024 entry.

The McGill MBA program for the academic year 2023-24 offers a transformational educational experience designed to upskill students for leadership roles in an ever-changing global business landscape. With its campus at Montreal Canada, McGill provides students with a unique opportunity to gain international exposure and develop a global mindset.

The McGill MBA program application process includes three essay questions, each requiring a response of 500 words. These McGill University MBA Essays provide applicants with the opportunity to showcase their experiences, aspirations, and motivations for pursuing an MBA at McGill.

McGill MBA Essay 1

Why do you intend on pursuing an MBA at this point in your life? Describe your mid-term and long-term visions for your post-MBA career path and how will the Desautels MBA program will add value to your future career. (word limit: 500)

Writing a response to the essay question requires careful consideration of the provided pointers. Here are some tips and guidelines to help applicants effectively address each aspect of the question:

• Mid-Term and Long-Term Goals: Clearly outline your mid-term and long-term career aspirations, specifying the roles, industries, and impacts you aim to achieve. Describe the responsibilities associated with your desired roles and how they align with your professional background and experiences.
• Skills Enhancement: Reflect on your current skill set and identify areas where you need refinement or acquisition of new skills to achieve your career goals. Value of
• Desautels MBA Program: Research the specific offerings of the Desautels MBA program, such as electives, professors, clubs, and societies, that align with your career goals. Discuss how these resources will contribute to your skill development, networking opportunities, and overall growth as a future leader in your chosen field.
• Impact and Community Culture: Consider the impact you aim to make in your industry or community in the long run and how the Desautels MBA program will prepare you for this endeavor. Highlight the enhanced community culture at Desautels and how it will support your growth and development as a professional.
• Personal Motivation: Explain why you have chosen this particular moment in your life to pursue an MBA and how it fits into your overall career trajectory. Emphasize your passion for continuous learning and professional advancement, demonstrating your readiness to invest in your future success.

My professional tenure, especially the Bank of America project as an employee of an industry giant Tata Consultancy Services exposed me to vital backend technology in the BFSI sector. The experiences here equipped me to contribute to the Test Data Provisioning team, facilitating interaction with diverse backgrounds.

In the past during my academic pursuits, I actively participated in extracurriculars, including drama and dance, fostering teamwork and leadership. These were vital skills that helped me seamlessly lead agile teams at TCS. After three years, I opted for a career-enhancing MBA journey, taking a hiatus to focus on personal growth.

During this break, I ventured into entrepreneurship by monetizing my hobby of baking. Concurrently, I collaborated with NGO Pehlay Akshar, volunteering to impart essential English skills to government school children, embodying my commitment to social responsibility. Post MBA, I want to build upon my passion by working in the Food and Beverage industry with firms like Restaurant Brands International or Goodfood in their product and service management domains.

Working in such firms would develop my skills in product life cycle management and allow me to work cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, and marketing teams. In the long run, I hope to start my own company in the food industry relying on my previous entrepreneurial experience.

The industry-specific knowledge as well as the network that I would have acquired over the years would contribute immensely towards fulfilling my long-term goals. Through the establishment of my venture, I hope to contribute to economic growth by creating job opportunities, implementing sustainable practices, and engaging with local communities by supporting education and healthcare initiatives.

Desautels, renowned for its rigorous academic programs designed to provide a strong foundation in business principles, would help me prepare for the complexities of international business. The one-week Base Camp and core courses such as Leadership and Professional Skills, and Real-time Decisions will be an outstanding learning experience.

Furthermore, from the 50 specializations that Desautels offers, I can tailor my studies to fit into the product management domain. Its esteemed faculty including Dennis Sakalauskas, and Laurette Dube will aid my well-rounded education, addressing strengths and weaknesses. The experiential learning program of the 10-day international study trip, internships and exchanges can be an amazing opportunity to learn more about global business.

Working closely with the team at Career Management and mentors, I can explore opportunities and be equipped to adapt to the real world. Moreover, collaborating with peers will enhance my market awareness and personal brand savvy for career advancement. With a vast alumni network, Desautels’s opportunities to connect with fellow students, alumni, and industry leaders will prove valuable even in later parts of my career.

Lastly, clubs like the Desautels Graduate Asia Club and the Desautels Graduate Women’s Association (DGWA) would be a beyond-the-classroom experience to meet new people and be involved in extracurricular activities. Overall, I firmly believe that pursuing an MBA at Desautels would serve as an ideal catalyst for advancing my career and realizing my aspirations.

You can check tips from McGill College Business School itself at - Tips for writing your personal statement!

McGill MBA Essay 2

What qualities would you look for in an MBA classmate when working on a team project and describe how your background and leadership skills will enhance the experience of others? (word limit: 500)

Writing a comprehensive response to the McGill University MBA essays question requires careful consideration of the provided pointers. Here are some tips and guidelines to help applicants effectively address each aspect of the question:

• Qualities for Successful Teamwork: Highlight essential qualities such as communication abilities, reliability, willingness to learn, and a proactive attitude that you value in MBA classmates for effective teamwork.
• Previous Teamwork Experiences: Share specific experiences where you collaborated with others in a team setting, detailing the tasks you performed and the positive outcomes achieved through your leadership and collaboration skills.
• Promoting Inclusivity and Diverse Perspectives: Provide examples of how you have promoted inclusivity, encouraged diverse perspectives, and fostered a supportive atmosphere within teams or groups you have worked with in the past.
• Connection to Background: Establish a connection between your background, including your professional experience and leadership skills, and how these qualities will enhance the experiences of your peers at McGill University.
• Support and Contribution: Express your willingness to impart knowledge and support the development of your classmates, demonstrating your commitment to contributing positively to the McGill community.
• Excitement for Collaboration: Share your excitement about collaborating with individuals at McGill University, emphasizing your eagerness to create a remarkable impact through teamwork and collaboration.

Embarking on an MBA journey, I am aware that the transformative experience lies not only in individual growth but in the collective synergy that emerges through collaborations. Having a dedicated team can amplify the knowledge and skills of each member, creating a solution that a single member could have never envisioned. Team projects in an MBA curriculum, especially, mirror the multifaceted challenges of the professional realm, demanding a diverse set of skills and perspectives to navigate successfully.

As a teammate, I would look for people with diverse skills to make valuable contributions to the overall success of the project. This will require a strong work ethic and the ability to articulate ideas, listen actively, and contribute to discussions. Further, the dynamic MBA environment presents unforeseen challenges, which necessitates my fellow peers to be adaptable and possess quick thinking and decision-making abilities.

Since every member would envision stepping into a leadership position in their specific industry, while leadership roles may rotate, having a team member who can take initiative and motivate others, in my opinion, is extremely valuable. My background blends STEM academics with diverse professional experiences, encompassing a biotechnology and biochemical engineering graduate and being the sole candidate qualifying for a national-level interview with a leading IT company.

During my tenure at TCS in the Bank of America project, I was able to understand the fundamental parts of testing, especially regarding how things were in the backend of an application. I have contributed to the Test Data Provisioning team by identifying an alternate solution to a dreaded recurring request. Thus, my solution-oriented mindset helped reduce manual work.

Further, I was once tasked with a skit assignment in school, where I altered the show's ending while adhering to the overall theme. Apart from acting in it, I directed and trained my team members, who put forth a good performance. Further on, in college, I trained two teams of girls who had never acted to participate in a Mime competition.

While only one team ended up winning the prize, my initiative broke gender stereotypes about only men being able to perform stunts for such a competition. From the next year on, more girl teams were competing alongside boys. These endeavors have also been an opportunity to improve my teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.

Furthermore, I am currently volunteering with a Mumbai-based NGO, Pehlay Akshar, which aims to equip government school children with communal English. This is a great initiative that opens up doors for these kids and strives to bring equality within the different sections of society. Currently, we are working with ten schools in Mumbai, and with the upcoming changes in digital content that we are planning, we aim to expand to another 21 schools within Maharashtra.

At McGill, I wish to combine my life experience with classroom learning and create a cohesive environment for others and myself. I aspire to fabricate a network of professionals that will help to lead to a successful future with a global impact.

You can check tips from McGill University School itself at Personal Statements | Career Planning Service

McGill MBA Essay 3

Describe a difficult decision you made and the process that you went through to make it. (word limit: 500)

Crafting a compelling response to the McGill University MBA Essays question requires careful consideration of your professional experiences, motivations, career goals, and the specific offerings of the ESCP MBA program. Here are some tips and guidelines to help structure your essay effectively:

• Context and Challenges: Describe the context of the difficult decision you faced and the challenges involved. It could be from your professional, academic, social, or personal experiences.
• Significance of the Decision: Reflect on why this decision was significant for you. Clearly state the goals you aimed to achieve through the decision-making process.
• Decision-making Process: Discuss the process you went through to make the decision, emphasizing your analytical and quantitative skills. Outline the various factors and risks you assessed to reach a conclusion.
• Leadership and Teamworking Qualities: Reflect on your leadership and teamworking qualities through this example. Explain how you navigated the decision-making process, engaged stakeholders, sought input, and collaborated with others to gather perspectives.
• Challenges and Conflict Management: Highlight any challenges or conflicts you encountered during the decision-making process and how you managed them effectively. Discuss any compromises or alternative solutions you explored.
• Outcome and Learning: Reflect on the outcome of the decision and what you learned from the experience. Discuss any lessons or insights gained that have influenced your approach to decision-making in the future.

Though I was aware of the concept of discrimination based on gender, I had never really experienced it firsthand. This was until the last year of my undergraduate degree; a vivid memory particularly stands out, when men had always occupied the role of Arts Club Secretary. During my final year, however, we had a candidate who was more than qualified for it, but being a woman, most of the other party members opposed her candidacy.

Despite being at the forefront of most of the extracurricular activities pertaining to arts in the past three years, they believed she could not handle the role of Secretary because of its responsibilities, which involved a lot of fieldwork, team management, and late-nighters. These reasons seemed quite dismissive and extremely unfair to us, and we presented examples of female leaders to refute them.

Witnessing this gender bias within my community heightened my awareness of the need to challenge ingrained norms and advocate for equity but it would be difficult to do so in a male-oriented space. But this unjust opposition had fuelled my determination, and together with a handful of like-minded friends, I resolved to confront stereotypes.

To counter the resistance, we drew parallels between the candidate's capabilities and the achievements of notable women leaders in business and politics. Drawing inspiration from the success stories of Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Indira Nooyi, Margaret Thatcher, and Indira Gandhi, we put our foot down that the female candidate could also walk in step with other party members in fulfilling her role in the Arts Club. Eventually, the members relented, allowing the female candidate to stand for election.

Not only did she secure a resounding victory, but the college fest organized that year became one of the city's most memorable events. This experience affirmed my commitment to challenging biases and championing inclusivity in all facets of life. Realizing the impact of my college experience, a profound sense of responsibility to combat biases and foster inclusivity has taken root within me. The incident served as a catalyst, reinforcing my commitment to meritocracy.

The unwarranted resistance highlighted the necessity of assessing individuals based on their abilities rather than conforming to preconceived notions. As a future leader, I acknowledge the imperative to champion fair and transparent processes prioritizing merit and competence, ensuring equal prospects for all.

Beyond this, the episode emphasized the significance of active listening, understanding diverse perspectives, and empathizing with those facing marginalization or bias. Looking forward, this transformative encounter inspires me, propelling my dedication to contributing to a world where leadership is defined by competence, unwavering dedication, and a complete commitment to dismantling barriers for everyone.

You can check the McGill MBA admissions page to get more information.

McGill is one of the MBA colleges in Canada, hence the competition to get admission would be cutthroat. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the application deadlines for McGill's MBA program are as follows:

Useful Links:

• McGill MBA GMAT Requirements: GMAT Score Requirements & Tips
• McGill MBA Fees & Expenses
• McGill MBA Salary & Job Prospectus
• McGill MBA Interview Questions

The McGill MBA essays provide an exceptional opportunity for candidates to highlight their achievements, goals, and capabilities in alignment with the program's values and expectations. Crafting responses that not only meet but exceed these criteria will captivate the admissions committee and differentiate applicants in the competitive landscape of MBA colleges in Canada .

By meticulously tailoring their essays for this segment of the application process, students can leave a memorable impression, significantly enhancing their chances of admission. This strategic approach is pivotal in positioning oneself favorably within the bustling arena of potential MBA candidates.  

Your one-stop consultancy for MBA applications.

Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University, Canada

McGill has completely revamped its MBA and made it more flexible with 12, 16, and 20-month program options. For the intake of Fall 2020, Desautels has 3 application essays. Let’s debrief them.

Essay Debrief

1. Why do you intend on pursuing an MBA at this point in your life? Describe your mid-term and long-term visions for your post-MBA career path and how will the Desautels MBA program add value to your future career? (500-word limit)

Let us start as usual by paraphrasing and breaking down the question above.

Why MBA? Why now? What are your short-term goals? What are your long-term goals? Why Desautels?

If you answer the above 5 questions you will have a pretty-good skeleton of what you want to say in your essay. Apart from the obvious written communication skills, ad-com wants to access your FIT to its program. Why have you decided to pursue an MBA at this point in time in your career? Why do you think McGill is the best school for you to achieve your goals? How will pursuing an MBA at Desautels help you achieve those goals? Here, your research about the school’s MBA program will come in handy. You have ample word limit to expand on your answers, so use it.

2. What qualities would you look for in an MBA classmate when working on a team project and describe how your background and leadership skills will enhance the experience of others? (500-word limit)

Let’s rephrase this question also, shall we? How will you go about selecting your MBA team? Why you? How will you add value to the classroom discussions? Why would your team members want you on your team? What achievements and leadership skills set you apart from the rest of the crowd? How do you add diversity to our group?

These are some of the ways the above essay question can be paraphrased. The ad-com here would like to know what qualities you value in your team members and why do you value them? Is it because you possess them yourself or you’re weak in that area and your team member will compliment you? The reason for selecting a quality is more important than the quality itself. The second part of the question is relatively simpler if you answer the questions above, you will not have much difficulty in approaching them. Ultimately, McGill wants to know what sets you apart. Mention your unique achievements and experiences that will add value to the diverse group at Desautels. Try to mention your inimitable qualities or experiences that make you stand out and will make you the right candidate for an MBA at McGill.

3. Describe a difficult decision you made and the process that you went through to make it. (500-word limit)

You have a lot of room to narrate an incident properly. So do it! We all have faced some or the other form of challenge or difficult situation in life. But it is important that you choose a rather unique and extremely difficult situation here. Think an ethical dilemma? Switching jobs? Firing your teammate? Here, McGill has not expressly asked for a professional situation but it is advisable to stick to professional ones only.

Help the reader understand the situation first. What was the scenario you were in and how was it rather unique and difficult one? Then dig deeper into your approach, how did you analyse the situation? What is your process to break down and analyse a challenge? How to do think in a crisis management scenario? What is your decision-making process? And then probably you can also mention what did you learn from the whole experience? One’s ability to learn from challenges makes him/her an effective leader.

Apart from the essays above Desautels application requires:

• Two References

If you’d like to discuss your profile and know whether Desautels, McGill is the right school for you or not then fill out  this form  and we can have a FREE call. Check out our tool  MBA Matrix , where you can search and compare more than 300 MBA programs.  MBA Matrix  contains deadlines, essay questions, all rankings, average GMAT scores and a lot more all in one place. You can say nice things to me on  What’s App !

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MBA Admissions Q&A: Desautels Faculty of Management

By Mike Grill

Montréal’s McGill University is home to the Desautels Faculty of Management , a member of this year’s top 10 business schools in Canada , according to QS’s MBA rankings. McGill is also the highest-placing Canadian university in the new QS subject rankings in business and management that are now available from our sister site, TopUniversities.com , and that considers a wider set of  master’s level education in the discipline.  

Here to focus specifically on securing a berth in the MBA program at the Desautels Faculty of Management, however, is the school’s associate director of MBA admissions, Antoinette Molino .

What is the typical acceptance rate to the Desautels Faculty of Management MBA program?

The typical acceptance rate for the McGill MBA program at the Desautels Faculty of Management is 30-35% of the applicant pool.

What are the most important aspects of the McGill MBA application process?

Aside from academics, GMAT and work experience, leadership qualities are also very important, and we take into consideration an applicant’s extracurricular activities and drive. In addition, the interview is something that is very important, as this is where the candidate has the opportunity to demonstrate that they are the right person for the program.

What is one common mistake you see applicants make?

One mistake that applicants typically make is that the essays are not targeted to McGill and are very generic.

What is something you would like to see applicants do more often?

During the interview come prepared and be yourself. Let us know who you are. This is the time for you to shine and convince the interviewer that you are the right person for the program.

What does the McGill MBA application process look like?

All applications are completed online and all documents are uploaded. Once all unofficial documents are received the file is reviewed to determine whether or not the applicant is invited for an interview. Applicants meeting the minimum requirements are invited for an interview—which can be conducted in person or via Skype. Once an applicant is accepted, we then require the official transcripts from their home university.

How can a candidate overcome a lower GMAT score?

Although important, the GMAT is only one component of the admissions criteria. GPA, work experience, extracurricular activities, essays and references are also key to the decision-making process.

MBA admissions tips

Mike's remit covers content, SEO and blogger outreach. Outside of his work for TopMBA.com, he is an assistant coach for MLU outfit, the Portland Stags.

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McGill MBA: 2023-2024 Deadlines, Admissions, & Comprehensive Guide

The student-centered approach of the McGill MBA program enables students to complete their degree within flexible timeframes of 12, 16, 20, or 28 months. The standard full-time MBA program at McGill’s Desautels Faculty of Management comprises a cohort of 65-85 students, boasting an average GMAT score of 675. McGill University is a renowned Canadian institution for higher education, globally recognized as one of the leading universities. Situated at the heart of Montreal, a prominent hub for students in Canada and a top-20 global city, McGill’s Desautels Faculty of Management holds accreditation from the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). According to the QS World University Rankings 2022, the McGill Master of Business Administration (MBA) secured the third position in Canada.

The Full-time MBA Program 

Geared towards mid-career individuals aiming to elevate their leadership roles within their current business sphere or those seeking to embark on a fresh career journey in a different country, the full-time McGill MBA program caters to diverse aspirations.

McGill students have the option to choose between two program tracks: the 48-credit (MBA General) and the 54-credit (MBA Internship) programs. The distinction in credits corresponds to the duration of the internship component. The 48-credit curriculum can be fulfilled within a year. On the other hand, the 54-credit program spans 20 months for completion, although some students manage to finish it in 16 months.

The MBA program grants students the flexibility to personalize their MBA journey and achieve their degree at their preferred pace.

At McGill University, the Soutar Career Centre delivers individualized career coaching, tailoring it to each student’s career preparation and strategic planning. In addition to assisting students in interview readiness and coordinating recruitment events, the Soutar Career Centre also assumes a pivotal role in the admissions process by supplying evaluations for non-traditional candidates.

Participation in the internship and exchange program demands application and involvement in the selection process for McGill MBA students.

To ensure uniform proficiency in fundamental quantitative skills among all admitted candidates to the MBA program, McGill University mandates a mandatory two-week Base Camp course. This course commences a few weeks before the orientation, aiming to bring all students to an equal competency level.

McGill MBA Class Profile

The McGill MBA program has a close-knit class of 65 to 85 students from a diverse background.

Over 60% of MBA students at McGill are international students representing more than 30 countries. The image and table represent the typical class profile of the program.

Eligibility Criteria:

As discussed previously, there are various components that McGill evaluates during the admissions of its MBA program. McGill looks at the overall profile of a candidate; thus, each element of the McGill online application form is essential. To apply for the McGill MBA class of 2024, you should fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

• You should have an undergraduate degree or any equivalent degree in other disciplines
• Minimum 2 years of work experience after your undergraduate degree
• TOEFL or IETLS score
• GMAT or GRE score

Apart from the above documents to prove your eligibility for the McGill MBA program, you also need to submit the below documents:

• Two letters of recommendations
• Three Essay questions : find the essay analysis  here

Admissions Process

The admissions process for the McGill MBA consists of three steps:

• Download the MBA online Application(uApply): For the first step, you need to download the online application and make an account. After making an account, you need to mention your details with your education history.

Before applying, a non-refundable fee of $5,000 is payable, and once the application is received, McGill sents an email with your ID number.

• Essays 
• Reference letters: Two recommendation letters with the names and email addresses of professionals who were directly responsible for your evaluation needs to be submitted. McGill will automatically contact them and ask them to upload the references.
• Transcripts: All the transcripts related to your education should be uploaded.
• GMAT and TOEFL results: You can directly send the results of your GMAT exams to McGill University by putting the institution code: 0935. Similarly, for TOEFL results, the department code is “02,” and the code is: “0935.”
• An online survey regarding the McGill Admissions process also needs to be submitted.
• Once the university receives the application, shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, after which it takes up to four weeks for the final decision.

The tuition fee for McGill’s MBA program is CAD 101,500. The living expenses per year are estimated at CAD $24,000 CAD

McGill offers many awards and fellowships for international students such as

• Adam Dinkes MBA Leadership Award
• Dominic K.M. Lai MBA Fellowship
• Scotiabank Fellowships
• Samer Bekai-Saab MBA Entrance Fellowship
• Herschorn H E Graduate Award
• Kelly Family MBA Leadership Award
• Scott McDonald MBA Leadership Award

Course Curriculum

McGill University’s Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship serves as the institution’s focal point for entrepreneurship. It collaborates with 11 colleges to offer top-notch programs tailored to businesses in various stages of growth, from conception to being investment-ready. Since 1988, the Centre has played a pivotal role in establishing over 450 operational companies, resulting in the employment of more than 6,000 individuals. The cumulative funding secured by entrepreneurs aided by the Centre has now exceeded $1 billion. McGill University is recognized by Pitchbook Universities 2020 Ranking as the leading Canadian university in generating successful Female Founders and holds the second position for fostering competitive startup Founders overall.

Placements 

Career Advisors and Coaches

There are numerous full-time career coaches in the Desautels MBA program. Students are allocated a coach at the start of the program and begin working with their coach right away to create a clear picture of their skills and goal career path. Coaches continue to interact with students throughout the program, assisting with essential professional development curriculum learnings and offering individualized feedback and encouragement.

Stream Advisors

Students have access to outside oriented stream advisors in multiple functional areas, in addition to their full-time coaches: Corporate Strategy and Consulting, Marketing, Business Analytics/Technology, and Finance. Stream advisers spend a significant amount of time connecting with companies in order to better understand their employment requirements and industry trends. Stream advisers provide this information to Desautels Career Management and consult with students directly to enhance their professional preparation and job search plan.

Professional Development Programming

Desautels Career Management has created and executed a complete MBA professional development program that includes psychometric testing, skill-building seminars, and online resources, all of which are reinforced and supported by one-on-one coaching.

Curriculum elements include: 

• Self-awareness and strengths-based psychometric assessments
• Industry and functional overviews
• Tools and resources for identifying target career paths
• Job search process training and resources
• Skills-based workshops such as Excel, resume, cover letter, interview preparation, building relationships, personal branding, structured thinking and communication, etc.
• Multiple rounds of mock interview practice
• Cultural adaptation workshops for international students

Aside from the basic curriculum, Career Management provides a 5-day Consulting Career Prep Program, a series of interactive business analytics workshops and an Analytics Ambassador program, and a series of specialized finance seminars in cooperation with the highly acclaimed Marquee Group.

The Desautels MBA Mentoring Program

The Desautels MBA Mentoring Program at McGill provides mentoring connections, learning activities, and networking opportunities to mentees (students). This allows students to have meaningful discussions with mid- to senior-level business professionals, which will help them use their MBA experience in the workplace.

McGill MBA Full-Time Employment Statistics for 2023 are yet to be declared, the above statistics are from twenty twenty two.

Professional Management at McGill’s Desautels, located at the Soutar Career Centre, is committed to assisting students in developing their talents and exploring career choices that would allow them to finally accomplish their career goals. Innovative programs, workshops, and lecture series, along with an integrated learning approach, train and equip students to make a difference in their jobs for the rest of their lives.

McGill MBA Admission Deadlines for 2024

Application deadlines for McGill’s MBA program for the academic year 2023-2024 are:

Round 1: November 1, 2023

Round 2: january 15, 2024, round 3: march 15, 2024, round 4 (only for domestic applicants): may 1, 2024.

Please be aware that McGill MBA applications received after the specified deadlines will not be considered. Hence, it’s vital to strategize your application process and ensure timely submission.

1. What is the reputation of McGill University’s MBA program?  McGill University’s MBA program, offered by the Desautels Faculty of Management, has a strong global reputation. It’s consistently ranked among the top business schools worldwide. Its emphasis on rigorous academics, diverse student body, and strong industry connections contribute to its esteemed standing.

2. What are the admission requirements for McGill’s MBA program?  Admission requirements vary, but generally, applicants need a bachelor’s degree, GMAT/GRE scores, professional experience, strong references, and English language proficiency (for non-native English speakers). The admissions committee also evaluates applicants based on their leadership potential, academic achievements, and motivation for pursuing an MBA.

3. Can I pursue a specialization within the MBA program?  Yes, McGill offers specialized tracks within its MBA program, such as Finance, Marketing, Strategy & Innovation, and Global Strategy & Leadership. These tracks allow you to focus on your area of interest and gain expertise in a specific business field.

4. What experiential learning opportunities are available?  McGill’s MBA program emphasizes experiential learning through consulting projects, case competitions, internships, and real-world business challenges. These opportunities provide practical experience, networking, and skill development.

5. How is the faculty at Desautels Faculty of Management?  The faculty at Desautels consists of renowned scholars, experienced industry professionals, and experts in various business disciplines. They bring a wealth of academic and practical knowledge to the classroom, enhancing the learning experience.

In conclusion, pursuing an MBA at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management can be a transformative educational journey. With its stellar reputation, diverse student community, and emphasis on experiential learning, McGill’s MBA program equips students with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to excel in the competitive business landscape. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, switch industries, or start your own venture, McGill’s MBA program provides a solid foundation for achieving your professional goals. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a globally respected institution that fosters innovation, leadership, and academic excellence.

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