If you’re seeking an international education in an innovative new facility in the middle of a European city’s financial district, then you should consider applying to the International MBA program at Madrid’s IE Business School. Scheduled to open in September 2021, the new IE Tower skyscraper will host 64 classrooms – all with natural light and intelligent control and lighting and 4 of which boast a 360-degree structure. Beyond learning, the Tower’s 50,000 square meters will also house a heated swimming pool, gymnasium, sports courts, art exhibition areas, rehearsal spaces, and meditation areas. 

IE sees the mission of its new building as not only training tomorrow’s business leaders but also serving as a hub for the development of entrepreneurship in Madrid, in particular featuring a Venture Lab and FabLab to foster student startups and design projects, respectively. 

IE’s International MBA program is a one-year program that requires at least one 5-week immersive experience – Start-Up Lab for aspiring entrepreneurs, Business Impact Lab for students interested in hands-on experience in management or strategy with a corporation, Social Impact Lab for those interested in preparing for global not-for-profits and social enterprises, Techlab for those interested in the business potential of disruptive technologies, or a 7-11-week internship for students seeking experience in a specific sector, industry, or role. 

IE International MBA application question

The IE International MBA application requires only one full-length “essay,” which applicants may either submit as prose (250-650 words) or as a presentation/visual format, a distinctive option at IE. The prompt is:

What is the most important thing that you would like us to know that is not in your resume or application?

Since the application form is in fact also very brief, very little will be revealed in it about how you lead nor what has uniquely driven you to the areas in which you have made an impact. Applicants may wish to share an example from their past in which they have adhered to IE’s values of innovation to drive impact and lead change. You may also have space to include how this experience has refined your goals and reasons to pursue the IE International MBA. 

Since IE welcomes creativity, you may discover that a visual presentation rather than prose allows you to cover more ground. Don’t make the mistake of delivering 10 PowerPoint slides that are covered with words in an attempt to circumvent IE’s word limit. Instead, recognize that this submission is meant to capture the admissions committee’s interest in you, not summarize your entire life. 

Video interview requirement

After submitting your application, applicants will be directed to a 20-30 minute assessment and video interview session with Kira Talent. 

IE International MBA application timeline

IE offers two start dates for its International MBA program, one in September and another in January. With rolling admissions to each of these programs, any time of year is a great time to apply!

Source: IE MBA website

For expert guidance with your IE International MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Packages, which include comprehensive guidance from an experienced admissions consultant. We’ve helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to top MBA programs and look forward to helping you too!

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify the essay questions, instructions and deadlines.***

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Related Resources:

• Why MBA, a free guide to show you how to determine your MBA goals and weave them into compelling essays
• Early Career Management and European MBA Programs with Jamie Wright, a podcast episode
• How to Practice for a Video Interview or Essay