IMD MBA Recommendation Questions
The IMD MBA recommendation questions for entry in 2026 are here. IMD requires a single recommendation from a business-related source who knows you well, has worked directly with you, and who can highlight your professional achievements, interpersonal skills, teamwork, and leadership using their form.
2025-2026 IMD MBA Recommendation Questions
Section 1: Personal Information
What is your relationship with the applicant?
- Business partner (currently)
- Business Partner (previously)
- Buyer
- CEO/Managing Director (currently)
- CEO/Managing Director (previously)
- Client
- Colleague/Peer (currently)
- Colleague/Peer (previously)
- Family/Friends
- Line Manager (currently)
- Line Manager (previously)
- Mentor
- Professor
- Supervisor (currently)
- Supervisor (previously)
- Supplier
- Other
How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?
Section 2: Recommendation
Can you describe a significant professional accomplishment of the candidate? Detail a project or initiative where the candidate made a substantial impact. Highlight their role, the challenges they faced, and the outcome of their efforts. (500 words)
How would you evaluate the candidate’s leadership skills? (500 words)
In what areas could the candidate improve to reach their full potential? Identify any areas where the candidate could further develop, whether in their professional skills, leadership abilities, or interpersonal interactions. How might a program at IMD help them address these areas? (500 words)
MBA Applywire
I'm looking to apply to a deferred MBA program. I interned at a BB Investment Bank during my sophomore summer, and I will be returning to the same EB Investment Bank I interned at during my junior summer. Currently enrolled at a Top 30 US university.
Asian Female. T20 Undergrad w/ double major in Biology and Statistics. Decided in college to pivot into the game industry and have interned/worked at top gaming brands. Trying to pivot into product in gaming or start my own company in the game industry.
ECs: president of my gaming club in college, have spoken and continue to speak at numerous universities, conventions, and more regarding careers in video games. Mentored numerous students who want careers in gaming, especially for women/underrepresented genders/LGBTQ+. Served as a judge/advisor for one mentorship program. Created grassroots gaming community in UG in response to COVID that grew to 3000+ members in 3 weeks and had industry speakers, sponsors, and more. Also volunteer at my local aquarium educating the public about ocean conservation and the local wildlife.
Applying Round 2 to Stanford, Harvard, MIT, and Kellogg (MMM) with hopes of moving back to the West Coast afterwards.
Already got an admit from one of the T15 with no scholarship in round 1, applying to the rest in round 2.
I really need a scholarship to afford an MBA so will be applying to lower ranked schools as well. I currently work in Big 4 strategy team.
MBA LiveWire
To my fellow low GPA applicants, there is hope! Keep grinding