MBA Essay Guidance 2025-26: Michigan Ross School of Business
June 11, 2025
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Building Your MBA Resume
Your MBA resume is not just a list of your job titles and responsibilities – it’s your chance to show admissions committees the impact you’ve made, the leadership you’ve demonstrated, and the trajectory of your career. Here’s how to make your resume stand out:
1. Focus on Impact, Not Just Duties
Admissions committees want to see what you accomplished, not just what you were supposed to do. Replace generic job descriptions with specific, quantifiable achievements. For example, instead of saying “Managed a sales team,” try “Led a sales team of 8 to exceed quarterly targets by 30%.”
2. Highlight Leadership and Progression
MBA programs are looking for future leaders. Show evidence of promotions, increased responsibilities, and leadership roles both in and outside of work. Did you mentor a new hire, lead a project, or launch an initiative? Make sure it’s on your resume.
3. Be Concise and Results-Oriented
Your resume should be one page, with each bullet point starting with a strong action verb and focusing on results. Use numbers and data to back up your claims wherever possible.
4. Include Extracurriculars and Community Involvement
Top programs value well-rounded candidates. Include meaningful volunteer work, extracurricular leadership, or community service – especially if you took on a leadership or organizational role.
5. Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Don’t use company-specific jargon or acronyms.
- Don’t crowd the page – use white space and a clear font.
- Don’t include irrelevant or outdated information.
Tip: Before you submit, ask yourself: “Does every line of my resume show impact, leadership, or growth?” If not, revise or remove it.
School-Specific Guidance
Customizing your MBA resume for each business school is a critical step that demonstrates you understand and align with the unique values and priorities of each program. While all top MBA programs look for leadership, impact, and career progression, each school has distinct characteristics and expectations that you should reflect in your resume.
How to Customize Your Resume for Different MBA Programs
1. Research Each School’s Values
Begin by reviewing each school’s website, program details, and admissions blog. Identify what the school emphasizes—such as leadership, entrepreneurship, teamwork, social impact, or innovation—and tailor your resume to highlight experiences that align with these themes.
2. Highlight Relevant Skills and Achievements
If a school is renowned for finance (e.g., Wharton), emphasize your quantitative, budgeting, or investment experience. For schools with a focus on entrepreneurship (e.g., Stanford GSB), showcase your innovation, startup work, or new initiatives you’ve led. If a program values global perspective (e.g., INSEAD), highlight international projects or cross-cultural teamwork.
3. Adjust Section Order and Content
Rearrange your resume to put the most relevant information first. For example, if a school values leadership, move your leadership roles and achievements to the top. If academic excellence is a priority, highlight your education and academic honors early on.
4. Show School-Specific Fit
Briefly mention projects, roles, or interests that connect with the school’s culture or strengths. For example, if applying to a program known for sustainability, include any experience with environmental or social impact initiatives.
5. Maintain Clarity and Brevity
Regardless of customization, keep your resume to one page, use clear formatting, and avoid jargon and acronyms that may not be universally understood.
Examples of School-Specific Resume Customization
Tip: Before submitting your resume, review each school’s admissions website for specific guidance or preferences, and ensure your resume clearly reflects the qualities and experiences that school values most.