Can you start by introducing yourself?

My name is Anushka Jain, and I am a recent graduate in marketing and media business from the University of Delhi. I graduated from the College of Vocational Studies, majoring in marketing, and will be going for my master's program, MIM, International Business Specialization at IE, in January 2022. For the time being, I am learning Spanish to brush up on my skills for Spain. 

At what point in life did you decide to go for a MIM over an MBA?

When I was in my second year, I had a few plans because I started preparing for different exams such as the CAT and GMAT. But my primary motivation was to study abroad as I wanted to get international exposure. It was then that I made up my mind that I wanted to do something after I graduated. I also did not want to find a job and work then, so I decided to pursue a MIM over an MBA because of the work experience usually required. I instead wanted to boost my career through study at this early age rather than work experience.  

At what point did you decide to go for a MIM over an MBA?

When I was in my second year, I had a few plans because I started preparing for different exams such as the CAT and GMAT. But my primary motivation was to study abroad as I wanted to get international exposure. It was then that I made up my mind that I wanted to do something after I graduated. I also did not want to find a job and work then, so I decided to pursue a MIM over an MBA because of the work experience usually required. I instead wanted to boost my career through study at this early age rather than work experience.

What schools, except IE, did you consider? What were your thoughts when applying to these schools?

When I started applying, there were a lot of schools that I considered, mainly in Europe, such as HEC, ESADE, Imperial, ESSEC, and Bocconi. When I started preparing, I could not retake the GMAT as I had already taken it twice, and it wasn't my cup of tea.

After this, I started working with Dr Hubert on the in-house tests. He tutored me personally for three months before I started applying and writing the in-house admission test to colleges like Vlerick, WHU, ESMT Berlin, and ESADE. For IE Business school, I took the ieGAT. Even though I got accepted to ESMT Berlin, Vlerick Business School and IE Business School, I chose IE, as its MIM program ranks #6 globally.

I am excited by Spain's culture, food, and as a dancer, their various dance styles like flamenco, tango and salsa. I also got a scholarship for Women in Business from IE. All of this motivated me to go to IE, and I can't wait to join them soon.

What is the reason for choosing just European schools, and why not the US?

I have seen my dad travelling worldwide since I was a kid. He used to go to Europe because he had a business there, and I was quite attracted to it. Countries like Italy, Greece, Spain, and Amsterdam are historically beautiful, and the culture, food, people, and dance were something I wanted to experience. On top of all that, Europe is the MIM hub.

What would be your expectations from the MIM program at IE?

I've made a whole plan for what I want to do there, so my expectations are high. I want to network with people, be part of societies, attend the career phase, and meet people from all over the world. IE has students from 89 global nationalities attending there.

How is the interview process and the overall admission process? Was it difficult during the covid? How did you manage?

The process was a bit longer than the other schools to which I was applying. First, you have to make an application wherein you prepare your essays, SOPs, get the LORs, etc. Once you are done with the application, you must register for either the GMAT or ieGAT. I took the ieGAT. Two interviews are ahead after you get an email from them that you are qualified. One is the Kira Interview, and the other is like the GMAT. Dr Hubert helped me throughout my preparation for the ieGAT and the Kira Interview phase, making me well aware of the questions I would face. 

What advice would you give somebody starting their master's journey?

Don't lose hope. In my case, the GMAT did not work out well, but there were in-house tests, and I got what I wanted in the end. Also, look for the program best suited for you. Try your best and be confident in the interviews as they are a significant part. Start working on your profile right now, be part of college societies and clubs, make your resume diverse, so it stands out. If you want a career boost at an early age, a MIM can be the best option for you!

You can also make it to a top-tier university in the UK, the US, and worldwide. Connect with us at The MBA Center to make your journey easier, get accepted to top business schools, and stand out from the crowd! We are here to help you successfully achieve your professional goals!