Interviewing for a master’s programme can feel daunting, but with a bit of preparation and reflection, you can walk in feeling confident and ready to make a strong impression. Here are some best practices that can help you approach your ESCP interview in a way that’s strategic, yet authentic.
1. Research the programme – know what you’re getting into
This one might feel like a no-brainer, but it really is crucial. Spend time with the curriculum and explore the modules that genuinely interest you. Familiarise yourself with the structure of the programme, the learning opportunities, and the areas where you could really grow.
Knowing what you’re signing up for isn’t just about showing that you’ve done your homework – it also gives you clarity on why you want to do your master’s. When questions like “Why do you want to do your master’s?” come up, you can answer in a way that feels confident and natural, rather than generic. Your goal is to convey that you’ve thought about the programme seriously and that it aligns with your personal and professional ambitions.
2. Have a vision for after the programme
You don’t need to have your entire career path figured out, but it helps to know what you want to achieve from the master’s. This is a step beyond simply understanding the programme. It’s about imagining where it will take you.
Whether it’s exploring a new industry, building a network, or gaining specific skills, having a vision shows that you’re purposeful and forward-thinking. Admissions teams want to see that you’re ready to make the most of your time at ESCP and translate that experience into your future.
3. Understand how you work in a team
ESCP puts a strong emphasis on group work and collaboration. In fact, your ability to thrive in teams is almost as important as your academic performance. Be ready to reflect on how you contribute in group settings.
Think about your style, your strengths, and the ways you navigate challenges with others. This is also an opportunity to showcase your self-awareness – understanding how you operate and how you can support a team is a skill that translates directly into classroom and professional success.
4. Develop a point of view on the programme and the field
It’s not just enough to know the programme exists – it helps to have opinions about it and the wider field you’re entering. Whether your focus is general management or a more specialised track, show that you’re genuinely interested and that you’ve engaged critically with the subject matter.
Having a point of view can take many forms: a perspective on emerging trends in your field, an informed opinion on how certain strategies work in practice, or even reflections on challenges the industry faces. This shows curiosity and engagement– both qualities that help you stand out in an interview.
5. Embrace your individuality
Everyone brings something unique to the cohort, no matter their background. Think about what you could contribute, both inside the classroom and in informal settings.
Learning at ESCP is heavily shaped by interactions – discussions in class, group projects, and conversations outside the classroom all add to the experience. Highlighting your unique perspective, experiences, or skills shows that you understand the value of diversity in learning and that you can enhance the cohort dynamic.
Some additional tips
Practice, but don’t over-rehearse. You want to be prepared, but you also want to sound like yourself, not like you’ve memorized a script.
Prepare questions to ask them. An interview isn’t just about being evaluated; it’s also your chance to evaluate the programme. Asking thoughtful questions shows genuine interest and curiosity, but it also signals confidence. You’re not just hoping to be accepted – you’re making sure ESCP is the right fit for you too.
Be honest about weaknesses. If there’s something in your application that’s not perfect (a lower grade, a gap in your CV), address it directly if it comes up. Show what you learned or how you’ve worked to improve.
The interview is your chance to show who you are beyond your grades and CV. Come prepared, be yourself, and show them why you’d be an engaged, thoughtful, and valuable member of the community!
