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An interview with an insider

Dr. Ming Lim, Chair of the Marketing Committee at the University of Leicester's School of Management, was kind enough to answer my questions regarding the MBA Program at the School of Management. The AMBA accredited MBA program is an intensive one-year program that begins in September for full-time students and all year round for distance learners. For those interested in learning more about the University of Leicester's MBA program should visit the program's very informative website at www.le.ac.uk.

Dr. Ming Lim, thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts and insights on the admissions process to Leicester University School of Management. This interview will allow applicants to better understand the admissions process and possibly have the opportunity to study business at one of the top leading business schools in the United Kingdom.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: At other universities students usually have to pass the GMAT in order to enroll in an MBA program. Why has the University of Leicester decided not to make this as one of their requirements?

Dr. Ming Lim: It should be noted, first of all, that many of the world's best universities have already done away with the GMAT as a reliable predictor of success in a school of higher education. They feel, as we do, that other key information provide a much stronger basis for our the admissions decisions, namely, prior educational achievement, English language competence, experience, references, and, moreover, that the GMAT reflects a somewhat conservative and narrow view of the capabilities necessary for an individual to benefit from higher level study of management. We think the GMAT requirement is potentially at odds with our more contemporary, distinctive view of management.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: The MBA from the University of Leicester is presently ranked 12th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2008. It is described as a "first class university" by the Guide, signifying its outstanding performance in the ranking profile. What do you think explains its ranking?

Dr. Ming Lim: We have also been described by the Times newspaper as being an "elite university without being elitist". This accolade describes how successful we have been in welcoming motivated students from diverse backgrounds. We are a dynamic university as a result. At Leicester, we now have the 'perfect storm' of world-class faculty, superb teaching, a very strong research culture, ongoing investment in our estate (Her Majesty, the Queen, has just opened our award-winning David Wilson Library), first-rate student accommodation and a city which is undergoing unprecedented regeneration and beautification.

All this, combined with the potent and ambitious leadership of our Vice-Chancellor and his team, make the University a highly stimulating place to work in right now. Students at Leicester are very, very happy and exude success, intellectually and socially.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: Are there any specific characteristics that you target in the applications to help you identify the "best fit" candidates?

Dr. Ming Lim: We do not 'target' characteristics as such. Obviously, we look at grades and overall performance in a range of academic as well as non-academic areas. One piece of advice I like to give candidates: whatever you do which you think is unusually interesting to the admissions committee, work hard at providing solid evidence of achievement. Identify and contact your referees early. Focus on practical matters like finance and budgets and be aware of what you need to do to graduate with a really strong degree.

For the MBA, we are keen to hear from applicants who have at least three years' of work experience in a wide range of industries and who can contribute actively to the school.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: How important are the application essays in determining who to admit?

Dr. Ming Lim: These play a part but it is important to emphasise that they complement, rather than replace, evidence of academic strength. Application essays are a useful demonstration of how well you argue your ideas, how well you write and how you think you can contribute to university life and to the lives of your peers.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: Regarding personal statements, what writing tips would you give to applicants?

Dr. Ming Lim: I would say this: spend time on organizing the statement in a logical manner. Do you want to highlight your academic achievements first? Or do you want to draw attention to your leadership, artistic, debating, athletic, abilities before tackling your academic interests? A jumbled mass of facts is confusing for the reader and does not do your application any favours.

Grammar is important! Finally, I would strongly recommend that candidates show their statements to a trusted adviser or friend (someone smarter than them!) who can be invaluable in pointing out errors, inaccuracies and so on.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: What do you love and hate to see in a personal statement?

Dr. Ming Lim: We like a well-structured argument which shows that the writer understands the purpose of the statement in the first place. A statement is not a chance for the writer to explain why their results are not "as good as they should be" or to describe their voyage of self-discovery, interesting though this may be. It is the chance for candidates to make a strong case for why they would benefit from an education at the University of Leicester (we like to know students have taken the time and trouble to attend our informative Open and Visit Days, have done their research through our website, have spoken to other graduates like yourself and so on, so any evidence applicants can cite on those matters always helps) and their strengths as a scholar, employee and leader of the future.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: How does having real world experience affect your application? What should applicants most heavily emphasize in their work experience?

Dr. Ming Lim: Candidates are not applying for a job, as such, but we still value transferable skills, such as writing, organizing and time management skills, all of which are evident in jobs which a candidate might have held in the past. Applicants should emphasize what they have learned through work experience.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: How important are recommendations? What constitutes a great recommendation?

Dr. Ming Lim: Recommendations are important. They provide important information about an applicant from informed and generally authoritative sources. It is crucial that applicants identify referees early -- a thesis supervisor, a tutor, lecturer, teacher - and alert them that they will be called upon to provide a reference when the time comes. A good recommendation will state how long the referee has known the applicant, in what capacity and what his or her observations are about the applicant in a number of areas and why they think the applicant would be an asset to the University and programme to which he or she are applying.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: Would you say that applying early is a plus?

Dr. Ming Lim: A few years ago, I would have advised applicants simply not to miss the deadline. The situation now is different. Our recruitment figures are growing more strongly than ever and the University's reputation attracts many high-quality applicants much earlier than in the past, so yes, make a clear decision and go for it!

Karin Schroeck-Singh: Let's talk about waitlists. What is the size of the waitlist and are there any tips for those students who are on the waitlist?

Dr. Ming Lim: The waiting list varies from year to year and students will be duly informed of their progress.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: Would you say that full-time admissions are a bit harder to get into than the distance learning admissions?

Dr. Ming Lim: The criteria are the same. There are practical considerations for full-time students, of course, which they should consider and get sorted out before coming to the university. In the vast majority of cases, students are well-prepared and ready to hit the ground running.…

Karin Schroeck-Singh: What changes to do you expect to see at Leicester University (in the School of Management) in the coming years regarding admissions?

Dr. Ming Lim: No major changes are planned at the moment. We are, however, continually updating our curriculum, introducing market-tested programmes which are innovative and relevant so that our graduates continue to be in demand by employers.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: What distinguishes Leicester University and its students?

Dr. Ming Lim: There are two aspects to the experience of being at the University of Leicester which make us unique, in my opinion: the academic stimulation, first of all, and, secondly, the social/recreational buzz we offer. I think what makes the University distinctive is the fact that we combine a vibrant, world-class educational experience with an enviable location and environment for cultural pursuits of all kinds. We are located in the heart of England (making London and other major cities fantastically accessible) and we also have a fast-growing, sophisticated city centre only a 15-minute walk away. On top of all that, we have beautiful, spacious parks and gardens all around the campus, making this an extremely attractive environment to work and live in. We offer very good links with companies in the region and are extremely well-connected, in research terms, with many fine universities in the U.K. and overseas.

On top of all this, every department has its unique character and qualities. At the School of Management, for instance, we nurture research and scholarship in 'critical management', an orientation which infuses our teaching and research with multidisciplinary perspectives and the latest thinking on topical debates in all the key business areas: accounting, finance, ethics, and marketing.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: Is there anything else you would like us to know about the School of Management of Leicester University?

Dr. Ming Lim: It may be helpful for applicants to know that ULSM has developed innovative programmes in Management for undergraduates. Students have the option of studying Management with Modern Languages, Computing, Engineering and Mathematics. We have also recently introduced two exciting programmes: the BA in Management Studies with Economics and the BA in Management Studies with Politics.

The Leicester MBA is AMBA accredited. The Association of MBAs is a globally recognized standard of excellence for business schools and students can rest assured, therefore, that they will be gaining a programme which meets the exacting standards of AMBA. At the postgraduate level, we also offer MSc degrees in Accounting and Finance, Finance, Management, and Marketing. We are very experienced in offering a high-quality distance learning and part-time study programme and these options are very much welcomed by students from around the world as well. If readers are interested in finding out more and applying, please visit www.le.ac.uk/graduateoffice/pgprospectus.

Karin Schroeck-Singh: Dr. Ming Lim, thank you very much for your time, it is truly appreciated.

Copyright: Karin Schroeck-Singh, Dr. Ming Lim (University of Leicester)

Image Credits:

Colin Brooks, ABIPP, Chief Photographer, University of Leicester