Skip to main content

LBS (London Business School) MBA Essay Tips 2012-13

Question 1 (500 words)

In what role or sector do you see yourself working immediately after graduation? Why? How will your past and present experiences help you achieve this? How will the London Business School MBA Programme contribute to this goal?


This is a different version of the short-term goal question. As most top Business Schools, London Business School wants to know about your past performances and evaluate your potential to reach your short-term goals. The school also wants to know how the MBA program contributes towards achieving your immediate goals.

First - Chart out your career path. Logically provide how you have pursued your career until now and LBS MBA will be the natural progression to achieve your short-term goals. Research thoroughly about London Business School MBA program by visiting the MBA programs page. Network with current Students and Alumni through campus visits, networking events, and LinkedIn. Make full use of the info sessions and MBA Tours by interacting with MBA Admissions Officers. When you have researched thoroughly and have valuable information about the courses and the experience, mention them in your essays.

Once you have done your research and have created the draft essay, click here for expert review.

Question 2 (200 words)

Where do you see your career progressing five years after graduation and what is your longer-term career vision?


London Business School wants to know whether you are aware about your weaknesses and strengths, the career path that MBAs in LBS follow after graduation, and your ability to convey long-term career goals. This is an extension of the previous question, and you should be clear about how immediate goals transform to five-year goals and long-term career vision.

It is tough to predict long-term (15-20 years) career goals, but you should have an overview about the career options that an LBS MBA can take after graduation. The 5-year goals should act as the foundation for your long-term career vision.

Our Essay Guide has specific examples and Sample Essays

Question 3 (300 words)

Give a specific example of when you have had to test your leadership and / or team working skills either professionally, or outside of work. What role will you play in your first year study group?


This is the space where you have to demonstrate your leadership and teamwork skills. Be very specific with your example. Remember, the second part asks about your fit with the LBS MBA Study group. Both the parts combined should be completed in 300 words.

What is a Study Group?

It is a group of six or seven people picked based on diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. Nearly 30% of your grades will be earned together with your Study group.

Therefore, the essay asks whether you are capable of working in a multicultural and diverse group. When you mention your teamwork and team building skills in the first part of the question, give one instance where you have worked with or managed a team from multiple locations or different ethnicity and backgrounds. Show how you were able to manage the cultural differences.

Question 4 (300 words)

Student involvement is an extremely important part of the London MBA experience, and this is reflected in the character of students on campus. What type of student club or campus community events will you be involved with and why? How will you contribute?


London Business School has over 70 student clubs. Some of the popular student clubs are professional clubs such as Energy Clubs, Consulting and Entrepreneurship. To show your interest in other cultures, mention your interest in regional clubs. If you had mentioned leadership with instances from your hobbies, mention how you would fit with interest and sporting clubs in LBS.

Question 5 (150 words)

London Business School offers a truly global and diverse experience. Describe any significant experiences outside of your home country or culture. What did you gain and how will your experience contribute to the School?


Mention the time when you had worked on a project abroad or the time when you took a vacation in another country. Focus on one instance where you learned about the culture in that country. Be respectful and relevant with the cultural experience.

Question 6 (300 words)

Give an example of a person who, in your opinion, has made a profound impact on the way the world does business. How will this person influence your contribution to your MBA Programme at London Business School?


This would have been an easy question if there were no second part. However, the second part asks how the person would influence your contribution in LBS MBA program. The first job here is to identify and list the qualities of the person you admire the most. It will be tough to mention a Business leader or a famous CEO, if you have not studied all aspects of that person. If it is someone whom you have worked with, then it becomes much easier to quote his or her qualities. It depends on how well you present the qualities of the person you admire the most. For help with this question or any essays in LBS MBA, request Expert MBA Admissions consulting service.

Recommended Resources

Review LBS MBA Essays
LBS MBA Admissions Consulting service


Taxonomy upgrade extras