IMD Business School

“I feel privileged to be a part of the 2022 IMD MBA cohort, an incredibly diverse group of highly skilled individuals, each with a fascinating background and a story to tell. The best part of being in a small class with this group of classmates is the bonds that I have built. Indeed, the small class size makes a difference and gives us an opportunity to get to know each other well, but what was more fundamental was the attitude that people brought to IMD. IMD admits people who have leadership potential – people who are humble and reflective. This means that the students at IMD bring curiosity, and an open mind, facilitating relationship building, and creating bonds that will last a lifetime.” Bavly Obaid (‘22)

“My motivation for choosing IMD is its eminent focus on leadership, digital competencies, entrepreneurship, and a strong global outlook as means of equipping future leaders who want to make a difference for the world’s challenges…New and innovative solutions are needed to build a future for humanity and the planet. Getting business cases to solve major societal challenges will require business leaders with interdisciplinary knowledge, a strong set of values ​​and broad cultural insight. This is why I chose IMD Business School and is what I want to contribute to the people I work with.” Peter Holt Theisen (‘22)

The Program

Over one year, you will master the essential knowledge and skills needed to bring sustainability to organizations and your career. The experiential element of the program – which includes innovation and digital analytics labs, global expeditions and longer-term project work with real startups and multinationals – will give you actionable business insights that you can apply directly. Guiding your learning journey, our diverse and experienced faculty bring a wide spectrum of backgrounds, talents and cultures into each class, and can address your individual viewpoints due to our 1:2 faculty MBA ratio. 

Entrepreneurial 

The IMD MBA has a long-held emphasis on entrepreneurship, developing the ability to be agile and to apply an entrepreneurial mindset to complex challenges. Aside from being a part of the core curriculum, you will also spend your first few months at IMD working in teams with local startup ventures to help them develop their business plan, financial model and marketing strategy.

Global

From day one, you will be immersed in a global world. Your classmates alone bring a wealth of cultural insights, typically representing around 40 nationalities, with additional experience of working outside of their home country. During the program, you will work on global cases with international professors; travel around the world together exploring key innovation hubs during your Discovery Expedition; work with top management of multinationals for your 8-week International Consulting Projects; and you will meet and negotiate with top international recruiters.

Sustainability

Our program includes a sustainability framework designed to equip you with the critical thinking skills that all leaders will need in the future when it comes to the impact of our actions on society. These skills will help you to improve your ability to make difficult and informed decisions that will impact your future career in a complex and rapidly evolving world.

IMD MBA Participants

Each year we put together a select group of globally-minded students who want to make a difference. They pull together to get the most out of this intense year; they trust and help each other; they open their networks to each other; they graduate with bonds that last a lifetime.

The diversity and cultural experience within the class will help you to unlock your full potential. Statistically, on average students have between 3 to 8 years of work experience, the majority are in the 25-32 age bracket, they speak multiple languages, and they have all demonstrated their potential through their achievements, responsibilities, and work progress. They join us because they aspire to more. They want to develop, to play a role in a global world, to invest a year to build on their experiences. They want to let purpose power their future.

Career Development

Our Career Development Center will help you to continue your trajectory and meet your short and long-term career aspirations. Workshops, panel discussions, and guest speakers are organized to develop a solid foundation of essential skills, while networking, talent forums, and company presentations open up new opportunities. You will also work with an individual career coach to better understand what drives you and develop a personalized professional strategy. 

Our Career Development team collaborates closely with both the recruiting companies and our students to help you make connections that will lead to informed career decisions in a global world.

An Executive Alumni Network

After graduating, MBA alumni maintain strong ties to their classmates, while also benefitting from the wider global alumni network of over 100,000 executives. Classes return to the IMD campus year after year to celebrate their annual reunions or meet in different locations around the world. Alumni clubs in over 40 countries organize networking events and update learning experiences, and our MBA graduates are active in volunteering their ongoing support around the world. They help potential applicants through the decision process, mentor current candidates, take part in simulated interviews, and even frequently return as recruiters themselves. We are proud of the ties that we maintain with them.

Admissions

To find the right group for each class, our Recruitment and Admissions team offer various application possibilities throughout the year.

When assessing candidates, we look for leadership potential, international exposure and outlook, solid intellectual ability, strong career progression, interpersonal skills, integrity, and a desire to learn and contribute.

All applicants with a strong profile are invited for further assessment, either virtually, on campus in Lausanne, or at specific international locations. These assessment days allow us to really discover what makes you unique, while allowing you to experience our teaching style and to assess our fit with your goals.

IMD is committed to fostering the growth of diversity in the program and in the business world. Our scholarships seek to generate qualified applications from candidates who have something to offer to the class and society by reducing the financial barrier for those with potential, drive, and passion.

We encourage you to reach out to your regional advisor to ask any questions you might have, or to join one of our Admissions and Finance chats.

Conclusion:

Let purpose power your future. If you’re driven to own your career direction, develop as a leader, and create a positive and lasting impact: apply now.