Overview
A Master in Management (MiM) or in certain cases the CEMS Master in International Management, is a graduate-level degree designed for recent graduates or early career professionals looking to develop a broad understanding of management principles and practices. The MiM program typically covers core business disciplines such as finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and organizational behaviour. Unlike an MBA, which often requires at least 3 years of work experience, the MiM is tailored for individuals at the start of their careers. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, often including internships, group projects, and case studies to prepare students for leadership roles in various industries.
Career Pathways
An MiM graduate, in most cases, elects to choose a career path in either of the following,
- Consulting: As a management/strategy consultant at firms such as McKinsey & Company, The Boston Consulting Group, and Bain & Company among others, MiM graduates enter as business analysts or junior associates and work in teams to provide advice to organizations on strategy, operations, financial performance, and organizational effectiveness. In working with diverse clients across industries to solve complex business problems, junior consultants focus on conducting data analysis, assessing industry and market trends, and evaluating competitor performance to help organizations develop and implement long-term strategies.
- Finance: As an investment banking analyst, one primarily develops financial models by simulating M&A strategies, equity or debt financing, and financial restructuring. Analysts usually also prepare pitch books and presentations while the senior bankers often focus on deal origination, structuring, and negotiation.
- Technology: As a product/project analyst, one develops and implements marketing strategies to promote products and services. Another responsibility is conducting market research, advertising, and promotional campaigns. Over time, one manages the development and marketing of new products while also managing the product lifecycle, from concept to market launch and beyond.
- Marketing: MiM graduates often venture into strategic marketing roles that leverage traditional marketing theories with digital tools such as SEO, regression models, and clustering to tailor product offering to a wide variety of customers/clients. Such roles are prominent in companies that operate within industries such as retail, apparel, and consumer goods.
- Supply Chain Management: MiM graduates also pursue careers in supply chain management that encompass areas of procurement/purchasing, production, quality control, and logistics. In this role, supply chain specialists often focus on ensuring product availability, profitability optimization, mitigating supply chain breakdowns while also attempting to reduce the carbon footprint across the process.
Schools
The top ranked schools for the Master in Management/CEMS Master in International Management program are,
- HEC Paris
HEC Paris’ Master in Management program is renowned for its academic curriculum, electives, and optional gap year that allows students to gain relevant practical experience prior to graduation. Furthermore, the emphasis placed on certifications/leadership programs and language courses equip students to not only gain proficiency in relevant knowledge areas and skills but also integrate in French society to prepare for their careers upon graduation. Its modern campus, extensive global network, and strong ties to international businesses further draw students from over the world to the program in Paris.
- London Business School
London Business School offers a truly global business perspective and strong connections to several industries and functions. The Master in Management program that admits students with less than two years of work experience facilitates a knowledge base from students who come from diverse cultures, traditions, and academic backgrounds. In addition to the foundational courses in the first few months of the program, the electives offered thereafter allow students to tailor the program to their own preferences. Also, the Global Business Experience module further facilitates the holistic learning experience of a student on campus.
- University of St. Gallen
The MA SIM at the University of St. Gallen was the top ranked management program for over 5 years and is renowned globally for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong focus on management, strategy, and international business. Its modern campus nestled in the city of St. Gallen in Switzerland offers extensive research resources, and strong ties to international businesses in Zurich and Geneva.
- ESADE Business School
ESADE offers a comprehensive MiM program with a strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and global business. Students further benefit from modern facilities on campus, extensive faculty experience, strong industry connections, and an extensive alumni network.
- IE Business School
IE Business School offers a dynamic MiM program with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. The management program offers foundational coursework in management and further allows students to choose specialized courses among four areas – Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Marketing, and Digital Business. Students on campus in Madrid further benefit from the school’s state-of-the-art facilities, strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, and extensive alumni network.
- ESSEC Business School (France/Singapore)
ESSEC Business School, located in France and Singapore, is known primarily for its flexible program. Students in the MiM program benefit from the school’s international focus, innovative curriculum, and strong emphasis on leadership and management. Furthermore, in addition to the traditional coursework, the opportunity to engage in ‘Chair’ programs and consultancy projects facilitate holistic learning as one can apply theoretical learning and conceptual topics to real-world applications and scenarios.
- ESCP Business School
ESCP offers a 3-year program wherein students study foundational management courses in the first year, complete internships in the second year, and return to school to study electives in their preferred focus area in the final year. A key factor differentiating ESCP from other business schools is the location of campuses. With campuses in six European countries, students are presented with the opportunity to study in at least two countries thereby highlighting the international focus of the school.
- Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
Rotterdam School of Management situated in the port city of Rotterdam, Netherlands is renowned for its academic curriculum that incorporates elements of sustainability, innovation, and analytics. The MScBA Master in Management/CEMS Master in International Management at RSM involves foundational coursework across business areas, a consultancy project, and a thesis. Moreover, the student association (STAR) regularly organizes career events that draw international companies such as Unilever, Heineken, Philips, Nike, and ING among others to campus.
- ESMT Berlin
ESMT Berlin offers a rigorous MiM program with a strong focus on leadership, management, and international business. Students further benefit from the top-ranked German school in terms of a modern campus, strong industry connections, and extensive alumni network.
In addition to the schools mentioned above, other schools that are highly renowned include,
- Duke University: Fuqua (USA)
- Ivey Business School (Canada)
- University of British Columbia (Canada)
- Imperial Business School (UK)
- Warwick Business School (UK)
- EDHEC Business School (France)
- Grenoble Ecole de Management (France)
- UCD Smurfit (Ireland)
- National University of Singapore (Singapore)
- University of Melbourne (Australia)
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management (Germany)