How to Submit a Strong LIS MBA Application

At LIS, we’ve designed an MBA that breaks the mould. It’s built for a changing world — and for people who want to shape it. Rooted in six major shifts defining the future of business and society, our interdisciplinary MBA reimagines business education for the 21st century.

Because the LIS MBA is unlike traditional programmes, we know the application process can feel different too. In particular, we’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate an openness to interdisciplinarity — the ability to think across boundaries, adapt to complexity, and connect dots others might miss.

That’s why your CV and critical reflection are so important. Below, I’ve put together a few tips to help you submit an application that brings your experience and perspective to life.

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1. Crafting a CV That Highlights Interdisciplinarity

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A standard CV follows a chronological structure, outlining roles, dates, and responsibilities. That’s still helpful. But if you want to show us your interdisciplinary mindset, consider blending in a functional or hybrid format. Try grouping experiences under themes like Strategy & Innovation or Cross-Functional Project Delivery, especially if you’ve worked across industries or roles that don’t follow a straight line.

Focus on transferable skills: data analysis, stakeholder engagement, leadership, or systems thinking. Crucially, give us the context and outcomes. What impact did you make, and how did those skills contribute?

It’s easy to fall into the trap of listing responsibilities like a job description. Instead, emphasise your impact. For example:

“Reduced operational inefficiencies by 30% by applying agile methodologies (originally developed for tech) to a nonprofit education programme.”

Finally, if your career path has been varied (which we welcome!), help us understand the story behind it. For instance:

“Completed a data science bootcamp to bridge the gap between policy analysis and predictive analytics.”

A great CV shows more than your track record. It shows your curiosity, adaptability, and the thinking behind your choices.

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2. Writing a Strong Critical Reflection

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Once your CV is ready, it’s time to turn to the critical reflection. Instead of a personal statement, we ask you to reflect on a podcast episode (from a list we provide), representing different ideological perspectives. Your task? In ~500 words, tell us what you have done, or will do, differently after listening.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Start with your current thinking: Before listening, jot down where you stand on the topic. This will help frame your thinking when listening to the podcast and provide a reference point when writing about how your actions and behaviour on the subject change.
• Listen actively: Note your reactions. What challenged you? What confirmed something? What surprised you?
• Ask yourself big questions: Did this shift your perspective? Did it spark new ideas? How did it make you feel — and why?
• Move to action: What are you doing (or planning to do) differently as a result? We’re not just looking for thoughts, we’re looking for change. However big or small, tell us what steps you’ve taken or will take.

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Ultimately, we want to see self-awareness, openness to challenge, and the ability to connect personal insights to broader systems. This isn't about having the "right" view, it’s about being intellectually and emotionally agile in a fast-changing world.

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3. Final Application Tips

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Before you hit submit, a few final checks:

• Ensure your CV includes dates of employment, qualifications, education history, and any relevant professional memberships.
• If required, include your English language test result.
• Give both your CV and reflection a thorough spelling and grammar check.

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For the critical reflection, remember this isn’t about telling us what went well. Focus on the moments that truly shaped you, including times of challenge, uncertainty, or change. Reflecting openly on these shows real emotional intelligence and growth.

And finally, don’t be afraid to connect your reflection back to your interdisciplinary experiences. What patterns or principles have you carried across different roles? What unique insight do you bring? And how might the LIS MBA help you scale that impact?

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One Last Thought

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The LIS MBA is shaped by its participants as much as by its faculty. We care deeply about who you are, what you bring, and where you want to go. If you’re thinking about applying, and wondering if your story ‘fits’, our advice is simple:

Be bold. Be honest. And show us how you think.

We can’t wait to read your application.

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