MBA Insider: Admissions Q&A October 9, 2008, 6:25PM EST

ESADE Admissions Q&A

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Camila de Wit
ESADE

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We develop personal relationships with our recruiters. We have career-service specialists developing relationships on the ground level with recruiters all over the world.

Q: Are you taking any steps to protect yourselves in terms of career development in light of the financial crisis (Businessweek.com 9/18/2008, "B-Schools: Perspective on Financial Crisis")?

A: Only 15% to 20% of our students took jobs in banking. Consulting accounted for 25%, and the rest were in industry. We're well-positioned because our placement wasn't as relevant as, say, London, where 40% go into banking. We're developing relationships. Because of our size, we're helping students one by one. The main message we're sending them is to be prepared. The same companies from last year are returning to campus this year. But they're taking eight instead of 15 hires, for example. It's more competitive. You have to know why that company is right for you and why you're right for that company.

But there are pockets of opportunity, too. For instance, there are opportunities in the Middle East. An attaché from Saudi Arabia recently reached out because the country wants to attract talent and make the most of ESADE's location in Barcelona. There's an advantage to our location because there's a clear link with the Middle East, Latin America (because of the language), the U.S., and even Asia. India and China are huge markets in admissions and recruiting. Singapore is a big market now. From a program perspective, we're looking at creating the best managers in modules based on geography. We give you a bit of language, culture, and discussion on doing business in that region. You need to be prepared for what's out there.

Q: What advice do you have for letters of recommendation?

A: One should come from a boss and the other a colleague who know you in a professional capacity and can vouch for what ESADE is looking for. We have [rejected] students because of their letters of recommendation. We call recommenders sometimes for a second opinion.

Q: Are interviews required of applicants?

A: Interviews are required for 100% of people who come to ESADE. There are two kinds of interviews: in person or by phone. In-person interviews provide us with more information. In person, candidates are required to do [an on-the-spot] case, an article with four or five questions to answer in a Power Point presentation. You'd be amazed at how much you learn about a person when he or she has to do a presentation. My advice would be to try and finish the case. We want comprehension and communication. The second part [of the interview] is trajectory up to this point—what have you achieved, why the MBA, etc. We also test competencies. We urge people to do the in-person interview when possible. If it is not possible, then we do the phone interview. People in admissions travel all year, so we hit many countries twice. We have open days monthly. On open days you can attend a class, meet students and alumni, attend a presentation on the school, and do your in-person interview. These open days are usually held the last Friday of the month.