SOP for MBA in Netherlands

If you are looking for an MBA programme which is globally recognized, provides skill development, and allows you to customize your MBA by choosing from different expertise tracks, Netherlands can be a great study abroad destination for you. Focusing on practical oriented approach, MBA programme offered in Netherlands universities prepares students to excel in organizational leadership and entrepreneurial management. When it comes to selecting candidates for MBA programme, Netherlands Universities’ application process involves a CV assessment, to begin with, and then essays or a written Statement of Purpose (SOP) that focusses on experiences and skill assessment, come into play.

MBA Admissions in the Netherlands

Do note that not all universities or B-schools ask for an SOP for MBA in Netherlands as the application process is more inclined to be objective. Majority of the B-schools have either essay questions or a requirement for a motivational letter. For instance, here are the top B-schools in the Netherlands for MBA and the type of essay questions they ask.

In this article, we will help you tackle these questions to help you write an impressive answer.

1) Rotterdam School of Management

Program: International Full-time MBA

Essay 1: Share how you've already been a force for positive change in your world. Your example can be large or small, global or local, but must highlight the positive impact you've had through your efforts. Tell us your story (500 words)

OR

Discuss how the RSM MBA will prepare you to become a force for positive change, either in your personal or professional life. (500 words)

Optional Essay: Please feel free to supply any additional information that you believe would be helpful to the Admissions Committee (Ad Com) in making the final decision on your application. (50 words maximum).

Answer tips

• For the required essay, you have an option to choose one from two essay prompts. Before deciding, you must brainstorm few ideas and select the one which can bring out your skills and experiences in a better way.
• Write a rough answer first; the word limit can be taken care of later on.
• If you are confused about which one to answer, write an answer for both of them and see which one is more appealing and highlights your personality and skills.
• Break down the essay question and pick out the key or focus words, such as ‘positive change’, ‘positive impact, ‘through your efforts’, and so on. Focus words would help you concentrate on answering what is asked and not waver away.
• DO NOT LIE! Do not create a fantasy situation, but be truthful about the situations that you describe.
• Be genuine and highlight your contributions and discuss the impact they have created.
• As the question suggests, it can be a minor positive change too, so if you have a lot of situations to discuss, pick that one change that can be comparatively small in size but the impact was huge.
• Although, this is the time to boast about your skills, do not forget to highlight the contributions of your team or other members involved in that process (if any). This is where you can highlight your leadership and teamwork skills.
• If you are choosing the second essay prompt, research about RSM MBA, its curriculum and programme offerings and include them in your essay to have an impressive response.
• Before finalizing the essay, give it a thorough read and even ask for feedback from your family or friends. Another pair of eyes can do wonders to recognize the missing details.
• Pick the optional essay only if you have anything additional to add that is not already discussed in your CV/resume. As the word limit is only 50, try to highlight your achievements or involvement in other activities such as social work, etc., to strengthen your application.
• Do not repeat details that have already been mentioned in your CV.
• It is also a good medium to explain your gap years in study or professional life for genuine reasons (if any).

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2) TIAS School for Business and Society

Program: Full-time MBA

This B-school expects the applicant to answer ALL the four short answer questions:

1. Give an honest description of who you are as a person. Put emphasis on the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths as well as those that could be improved. In addition, describe the main factors, which have influenced your personal development. (75 words)
2. Describe your short-term and long-term career aspirations and your reason for pursuing an MBA, and why now is the best time for you to join our MBA. Additionally, what is it about TIAS Business School you think will help you reach your goals (150 words)
3. What can you contribute by means of your particular skillset and expertise to your MBA peer group? (150 words)
4. Describe when you were part of a team and the process/intended outcome wasn’t what you expected. What was your role, what did you learn and what would you maybe do differently? (150 words)

Answer tips:

• All four essays need to be answered in a way that no situation or answer is repeated.
• The first answer is wholly about personal development. Do not highlight weakness, rather say that you are working on improving this quality and give an example of how you are managing it.
• The second answer is a goals statementand how this school can help you achieve it. Be clear and specific with your answers. Explain your goals in detail and how or what change you would like to bring in.
• The third essay should highlight your skill set and learn to date, and how it can help in enriching class interactions. Further, what uniqueness you can bring to the class should be explained.
• The fourth essay tends to draw out a learning experience from your past. It does not need to be a failure per se but any minor setback that you faced. Explain your learning and what other methods you should have followed for a successful outcome.

Other universities like the Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences and the ESB Business School ask for a motivation letter or self-introduction letter during the application process. A Letter of Motivation (LOM) or Motivational Letter is a one-page essay or letter that explains your objectives, motivation, and goals related to the course/program. You can check out our article: How to Write an Impressive Letter of Motivation? for more information.

Read: Students Guide to the Netherlands

SOP for MBA in Netherlands Format

For universities that need an SOP, you may follow this general format of an SOP for MBA in Netherlands:

• Introduction:Begin with a concise and brief introduction that describes your goal and objectives, and reasons for pursuing an MBA in the Netherlands. This section should pique the reader's interest and set the tone for the remainder of the piece.
• Body Paragraphs:This area should be divided into paragraphs and contain information on your academic background, strengths, successes, future goals, and reasons of selecting the university. Make sure that all these points are connected with the help of logic. There must be a seamless flow in your writing and the Ad Com must not be confused while reading your SOP for MBA in Netherlands.
• Conclusion:Summarize your main points and emphasize why you are the greatest fit for the MBA programme in the final paragraph. Make sure that the conclusion gives a sense of closure to the Ad Com and convinces them of your candidature for an MBA programme.

Things to Keep in Mind While Writing an SOP for MBA in Netherlands

• Specific Details: It is important to add specific details about you and your experiences in the SOP as Netherland Universities seek MBA candidates who can be transformed into capable leaders. Your SOP for MBA in Netherlands Universities must highlight your specific skills and capabilities, proving your worth as an MBA candidate.
• Customize SOP as per Dutch Universities’ requirements: Avoid using same SOP for applying to every university in Netherlands. As MBA programmes are quite competitive, it is essential to go through specific university’s guidelines and requirements before penning down the SOP. You must tailor your SOP according to the particular university.
• Clear Goals and Motivation: As your SOP is different from your resume, you must ensure that the SOP for MBA in Netherlands must include a specific instance which motivated you towards MBA. Also, your short term and long term goals must be clearly specified in the SOP.
• Proofread: It is a must to make your SOP grammatically error free. Thus, you must proofread it to check for sentence structure and grammar. Getting a second opinion could be a great option.

Now that you are aware of various aspects of MBA admissions in the Netherlands, make sure to take your application process very seriously. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.