For this edition of our Admissions Director Q&A, we visit Lausanne, Switzerland, to meet Paola Eicher, Associate Director of Recruitment and Admissions at IMD Business School.
Paola holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in International Hospitality Management from Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne. She has over a decade of experience in higher education, focusing on student recruitment and admissions. Before her current role, she was Head of Admissions and Recruitment at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva.
Read on for her insights into the IMD MBA program, what to expect during the admissions process, interview and more.
Clear Admit: What is the one aspect of your program that you wish applicants knew more about?
Paola Eicher: Our integration of individual sessions with a leadership development coach . These sessions provide an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth. Personally, they help students delve deep into their psyche, questioning assumptions, identifying core motivations, and fostering self-awareness. Professionally, they help students gain the soft skills needed to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, enhance decision-making, and improve communication skills. This self-discovery is essential for becoming a more resilient, empathetic, and authentic leader.
In addition, the holistic approach of our year-long leadership stream ensures that our graduates are not only prepared for their first post-MBA job but are equipped with the leadership skills to succeed throughout their careers and make a positive impact on their organizations and society. This is where IMD truly excels and stands apart from other MBA programs.
CA: Walk us through the life of an application in your office from an operational standpoint. What happens between the time an applicant clicks “submit” and the time the committee offers a final decision?
PE: When an applicant clicks “submit” on their application to the IMD MBA program, a rigorous and comprehensive process begins to ensure that we select those who not only have strong academic and professional backgrounds but who also align with our values and vision for leadership excellence.
1. Initial Review and Document Verification: First, we check the completeness of the application and verify the authenticity of all submitted documents. The application then undergoes three rounds of review by the Associate Director, the Director, and the Dean to evaluate the applicant’s qualifications, experiences, and potential.
2. Assessment Event: Applicants who pass these initial reviews are invited to a group assessment event where members of the Admissions Committee evaluate them through various exercises and interactions to gauge their leadership potential, teamwork skills, and fit with the IMD culture.
3. Interviews: Some applicants are also invited to a one-on-one interview to address any pending points or questions the committee might have, and allow them to further demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the program.
4. Final Admissions Committee Review: After the assessments and interviews, the entire Admissions Committee convenes to discuss each applicant in detail. Once the Dean has approved the decisions, the applicants are notified of their admission status.
CA: How does your team approach the essay portion of the application specifically? What are you looking for as you read an essay? Are there common mistakes that applicants should try to avoid? What is one key thing they should keep in mind as they sit down to write?
PE: When our team approaches the essay, we focus on understanding the applicant’s unique story, motivations, and leadership potential. We look for authenticity, clarity of thought, and alignment with IMD’s values. Common mistakes to avoid include being too generic, failing to answer the prompt, and not proofreading for errors. One key thing to keep in mind is to be genuine and reflective—show us who you are and how the IMD MBA will help you achieve your goals.
CA: Could you tell us about your interview process? Approximately how many applicants do you interview? Who conducts the interview (students, admissions officers, alumni) and what is the nature of the interview (resume-based, application-based, behavioral)? Will your admissions interviews be in-person or virtual for the 2024-2025 admissions season?
PE: Our interview process is designed to comprehensively evaluate the potential of each applicant. We interview approximately 40% of applicants, and for the 2024-2025 admissions season, they will have the choice to be assessed either online or in person on our campus.
By providing both in-person and online options, we ensure that all applicants have a fair opportunity to showcase their skills and potential, regardless of their geographical location. This rigorous process helps us identify individuals who will thrive in our program and contribute meaningfully to the IMD community.
The nature of the interview is holistic, incorporating resume-based, application-based, and behavioral questions to help us understand each applicant’s experiences, leadership potential, and fit with the IMD culture. A unique, in-depth half day assessment event with around 10-20 applicants allows us to test various essential skills such as Business Skills and Analytical Thinking, Presentation Skills, Collaboration and Teamwork as well as Agility and Stress Management through various exercises and activities.
CA: What is your testing policy? Do you offer exam waivers? Why or why not?
PE: We do not require standardized tests for English proficiency, as we thoroughly assess communication abilities during our assessment day. However, we do require applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores.
This policy ensures that we maintain high academic standards while also recognizing exceptional qualifications and professional achievements.
CA: In the application data form, many schools ask for information about work experience, activities, hobbies, and much more. What advice would you give to applicants as they approach this component of the application process?
PE: When filling out the application data form, it’s important to provide a holistic and authentic view of who you are. Here’s some advice to help you approach this effectively:
1. Be Comprehensive but concise: Ensure that you include all relevant work experience, activities, and hobbies, but be mindful of word limits and aim for clarity and brevity.
2. Highlight impact and achievements: Focus on the impact you’ve made in your professional roles, leadership experiences, and extracurricular activities. Quantify achievements where possible to give context to your contributions.
3. Showcase personal interests: Use the hobbies and activities section to showcase your personality and interests outside of work. This helps us understand what drives you and how you might contribute to the IMD community.
4. Consistency with your essays and interviews: Make sure the information provided in the data form aligns with the stories and experiences you share in your essays and interviews. Consistency reinforces your narrative and credibility.
5. Proofread: Carefully proofread the entire form to avoid any errors or inconsistencies. This attention to detail reflects your professionalism and commitment.
By providing a well-rounded and accurate portrayal of your experiences and interests, you help us gain a better understanding of your potential as a future leader and a member of the IMD MBA program.
CA: Tell us briefly about two popular courses at your institution.
PE: Next Generation Data Leadership and How to Speak Money: Taught by Jose Parra Moyano, these courses delve into AI, digital currencies, and data leadership, exposing students to cutting-edge knowledge in rapidly evolving fields.
Business and Society: Led by Sophie Bacq, this course focuses on social entrepreneurship and sustainability, emphasizing the environmental and social dimensions of business. As a renowned expert in social entrepreneurship, Bacq brings invaluable insights into the role of business in addressing societal challenges.
CA: Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your MBA program or admissions process?
For 2025, we are launching a redesigned MBA program that addresses the implications of living in an AI-enabled world. Leadership and fundamental human skills such as strategic thinking, pattern recognition, systems thinking, presentation skills, and strategic communication have become even more essential. We are introducing a new two-week module at the beginning of the program focused on these “transversal” skills, with ongoing tracking and grading throughout the year.
Additionally, we are launching a Future Lab module in Singapore in June 2025. This month-long experiential learning opportunity will immerse the entire cohort in one of the world’s leading tech hubs, focusing on AI and Digital Transformation.
These innovations, along with our startup projects, international consulting projects, the CHF 100,000 Venture Award, and various “labs,” emphasize IMD’s commitment to real-world learning and leadership development.
