The MBA decision: your gateway to transformative leadership
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the question isn’t whether you need advanced business skills—it’s how quickly you can develop them. An MBA program represents one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your professional future, offering far more than just academic credentials. It’s a transformative journey that reshapes how you think, lead, and create impact in an increasingly complex global economy.
The numbers speak for themselves: MBA graduates typically see substantial salary increases, with many reporting career acceleration that would have taken years to achieve through traditional paths. Beyond financial returns, an MBA opens doors to executive networks, entrepreneurial opportunities, and leadership roles across industries. However, the real value of an MBA extends beyond immediate career gains—it fundamentally changes how you approach problem-solving, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership.
Yet despite these compelling benefits, the path to MBA success begins long before you step into your first classroom. The most successful MBA candidates don’t stumble into their programs; they strategically prepare, positioning themselves not just for admission, but for maximum impact during and after their studies. This preparation phase is where careers are truly launched, networks begin forming, and the foundation for transformative learning is established.
Why preparation matters more than ever
An MBA program can be instrumental in helping you develop the leadership and management skills needed to advance your career, and for many, offers a robust return on investment. But to reach these goals and put yourself in a position to succeed at your program of choice, you first need to prepare for your MBA.
The competitive landscape for top-tier MBA programs has intensified dramatically. Schools are seeking candidates who demonstrate not just academic capability, but also clear vision, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to diverse learning communities. This shift means that preparation has evolved from simply meeting minimum requirements to crafting a compelling narrative of professional growth and future impact.
The modern MBA experience moves at breakneck speed, programs pack years of learning into intensive formats, expecting students to immediately engage with complex case studies, lead cross-functional teams, and apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges. Those who arrive unprepared often struggle to keep pace, missing opportunities to build relationships, explore career paths, and maximize their investment.
The advantage of early preparation
Starting your MBA preparation early creates multiple advantages that compound over time. First, it allows you to be selective and strategic rather than reactive in your school selection process. Second, it provides time to strengthen any weak areas in your profile, whether that’s gaining specific work experience, improving test scores, or building leadership credentials. Finally, early preparation enables you to begin building relationships within your target schools’ communities, giving you insights that purely academic research cannot provide.
Consider this preparation phase as your first MBA project—one where the outcome directly impacts the next chapter of your career. Like any successful business initiative, it requires clear objectives, strategic planning, and consistent execution.
MBA program options
IMD’s program, ranked #1 in Europe by both Bloomberg Business Week and Forbes, is full-time in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is designed for students and young professionals looking to develop reflective and responsible leadership skills in an innovative, entrepreneurial, and global business environment.
For those selected, it can be a life-changing journey with incredible networking opportunities and it is designed specifically for people with ambitions to make a real difference in a complex and rapidly changing world. If this sounds like a fit, you can add to your program wish list and you are already one step closer.
One more question before we begin the real preparation. Ask yourself: Why do I want to study for an MBA degree? It’s vital that you clearly define your reasons for wanting to complete the program. The format of your MBA course should reflect these reasons and take into account your current circumstances and existing commitments.
The steps prospective MBA students should take
1. Choose the right business school
Begin your research online but don’t neglect campus visits if you have the means and opportunity to see a campus in person. If you are open to more geographies than where you are currently living or working, opportunities for a world-class education and networking expand exponentially. You’ll also want to pick a concentration or focus and ensure this is offered by the schools you apply for.
2. Study and prepare your materials
You’re likely familiar with test prep books and courses from previous standardized testing, undergraduate admissions, and the GMAT. These are a useful start and can help prepare not only for admissions exams but also the technical coursework an MBA calls for. Practice questions are critical and timing yourself can help with the quick calculations required on assessments. Reading books and case studies on business development and leadership can also bolster your knowledge base. Keeping up with current events and business news can too.
3. Build your network before entering business school
Business school offers an incredible network but don’t wait until you’ve been admitted to start making connections. Alumni of your preferred schools can write strong and persuasive letters of recommendations on your behalf, but only if you’ve first established a meaningful relationship. Do your best to avoid the trap of asking an influencer or prominent executive you barely know for a reference. Instead, gather personalized, thoughtful references that show your impact on the lives of others and their work.
Shape your future with IMD’s MBA program
With those tips in mind, are you ready to define challenges, think critically, collaborate, and create impact with the most diverse MBA class in the world? You are invited to apply to join a select group of responsible, experienced and globally-minded participants who want to make a difference and who typically have the following profile:
- 3-8 years work experience
- 25-32 age range
- 680 average GMAT
IMD MBA admissions process
The IMD MBA assessment has been specifically designed to offer a more in-depth, mutual opportunity for us to get to know each other better. We will be looking to develop our understanding of the unique aspects that you will bring to the program. You should equally take this time to assess our culture, teaching style, network and vision because we want you to be able to get the most out of this year as possible. When choosing your application deadline, ensure you leave enough time to fully prepare in advance while also bearing in mind any other constraints that will influence your decision timing.
Further details
Once we have reviewed your application, successful candidates will be invited for an online interview and further assessment, which will include an elevator pitch, a team experience, class observation (where possible) and networking with members of the MBA team. Soon after acceptance of our offer and payment of the first deposit, we will run random background checks on some applications, to verify the authenticity of degrees and work history (including most recent salary).
If you would like to be considered for one of the IMD scholarships awarded with each deadline, discover the different options and criteria related to our Scholarship Page.
Assessment challenges
An alternate admissions route is to join one of our Assessment Challenges. These competition-style, local events aim to drive diversity in the class and each one comes with a unique scholarship opportunity.
Applicants from our Assessment Challenges are not eligible for our regular Admissions Process in the same year.
Before you submit, don’t forget to check out and check off each item on the MBA application checklist
- Degrees and Transcripts
- English Test
- CV
- Passport
- GMAT/GRE
- Recommenders
- Photo
- Application Fee
All documents need to be submitted at the time of the application. Missing documents may result in us having to move your application to the next deadline.
Good luck in your preparation and we look forward to your application!