London Business School Executive MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines [2020 – 2021]

The LBS EMBA website expresses the program’s emphasis on “Connect, Collaborate, Create.” The 2 application essay questions reflect this approach and value. The questions, although quite different, both ask you to discuss how you’ll connect with the LBS EMBA program, classmates, community. Of course, collaboration is inherently creative, and LBS students and alumni are (in my anecdotal experience working with many) creative problem solvers at work and outside work and creative in finding ways to contribute. I suggest keeping these values on the radar screen as you conceive and draft these two essays. And a tip: these questions can overlap a bit, so read both and think through your answers to ensure you make the best use of this space to make your case.

London Business School Executive MBA application essays

LBS Executive MBA essay #1

Please provide a personal statement explaining how you will contribute to the experience of others on the programme, and how the Executive MBA programme will benefit you. (600 words maximum)

How interesting that the question starts not with you and your goals, but with what you will contribute to your classmates’ experience. Be guided by that priority. That doesn’t mean you have to start your essay with that point, but, rather, be substantive. When you are allocating space to different components of the discussion, do not shortchange this contribution point. Rather, provide thoughtful examples rooted in experience, and specify how it might be helpful or worthwhile to others in the program – it’s an opportunity to spotlight your understanding of the LBS EMBA cohort. 

The part of the essay discussing how the program will benefit you should contain your career goals (you may emphasize immediate, short-term, intermediate, or long-term, but I suggest keeping most focus and detail on immediate through intermediate goals) – what are the learning needs these goals engender, and how will the program meet those needs? You can also address anticipated personal growth benefits of attending the program.

LBS Executive MBA essay #2

Describe what it would mean to you personally to be an alumnus of London Business School, what you believe membership of the community represents, and how you would give back to London Business School in the future. (600 words maximum)

This question is also about your connection to the program; its focus is fit, your fit with the program.  And it’s really 3 questions, so let’s look at each separately.

• What it would mean to you personally to be an alumnus of LBS: First, note that they don’t just ask about the EMBA program, but about LBS broadly. Respond in kind. Identify and discuss key elements of LBS that are meaningful to you, move you, impress you, and/or excite you. Explain how being connected to this institution and its community will enhance and enrich your life.
  
  
• What membership in this community represents: first, keep the idea of “community” central in this part of your discussion. In a community, no one is an audience or a viewer – everyone is a participant. Everyone has a role and responsibilities. Describe your prospective role in this community in specific terms – and reference specific elements, qualities, and aspects of the LBS community, to show you understand it and appreciate its unique character.
  
  
• How you will give back to LBS in the future: Again, LBS, not just the EMBA program. And note the emphasis here on “future.” This part of the essay question may overlap with the previous one, but specifying future means you should also have a practical plan or ideas to actually make that participation happen and ensure it’s productive, helpful, beneficial. Again, reference specific opportunities that already exist, whether alumni groups, clubs, projects, etc. – and feel free to present new ideas as well.

If you would like professional guidance with your LBS Executive MBA application, check out Accepted’s MBA Application Package, which includes advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the LBS EMBA application.

London Business School EMBA remaining deadlines for January 2021 intake

Deadline 2	22 September 2020
Deadline 3	13 October 2020
Deadline 4	11 November 2020

Source: London Business School EMBA website

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

Cindy Tokumitsu has advised hundreds of successful applicants, helping them gain acceptance to top MBA and EMBA programs in her 20 years with Accepted. She would love to help you too. Want Cindy to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related Resources:

• Why MBA, a free guide
• EMBA: The Ultimate Guide for Applicants
• How Do You Deal with Criticism? MBA Admissions Committees Want to Know