Did you earn your undergraduate degree in a non-business field at a US-based institution but are longing to build international business knowledge? Are you an international student who sees a future working in Europe but lacks the connections and knowledge to secure your dream entry-level position? If so, a Master in Management (MiM) degree from a top European institution might be the perfect next step.
These early-career, pre-experience degrees are very popular in Europe and can lead to great jobs at multinational companies. INSEAD lists some of these employers as recruiters of its MiM graduates: Apple, Procter & Gamble, Google, L’Oréal, Bain & Company, and Deloitte. If you missed out on international options during or after your undergraduate studies, the MiM degree can put you back on the business fast track.
Who Typically Pursues a European MiM?
European MiM programs are tailored for students who have fewer than two years of work experience and typically hold undergraduate degrees in non-business fields. These programs are especially attractive to the following candidates:
- International students seeking global mobility
- Graduates aiming to work in consulting, finance, or tech
- Those looking to gain a competitive edge before pursuing an MBA later
What Makes Europe’s Top MiM Programs Stand Out?
Let’s explore some of the leading MiM programs across Europe:
emlyon business school (France)
- Known for its action-based learning
- Offers a dynamic curriculum with real-world business projects
ESCP Business School (Multiple campuses)
- Provides six campus options: Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris, Turin, and Warsaw
- Offers a fast-track, 14-month, dual-degree program with China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) to provide exposure to business in China
ESSEC Business School (France)
- Offers dual degrees and global study opportunities
- Known for its emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability
- Boasts a revolutionary “Next generation campus”
- Has partnerships with many top international universities including MIT, Yale, and Tsinghua
- Features a flexible curriculum with more than 20 specializations in such areas as Management and Public Affairs
- 99% of MiM students employed within three months of graduation according to the 2025 Financial Times ranking
- Has a significant proportion of internationally based students (40% in the Class of 2024)
- Boasts a highly international cohort and faculty, with 45 nationalities represented in the Class of 2027
- Emphasizes leadership development and global business perspectives
London Business School (LBS) (UK)
- Known as a prestigious institution with access to global recruiters
- Gives MiM students the opportunity to take electives alongside MBA students
- Provides strong career services
- Offers students the option to complete a one-year MBA at LBS in the future after completing the MiM program
Nova School of Business and Economics (Portugal)
- Recognized as a rising star in Southern Europe with strong corporate ties
- Offers a modern campus near Lisbon and a vibrant student experience
SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy)
- Located in Milan, a European business and fashion hub
- Combines academic excellence with practical business exposure
University of St.Gallen (Switzerland)
- Consistently ranked the top MiM program globally by the Financial Times
- Renowned for its strong alumni network and career placement in consulting and finance
- Also offers a variety of master’s programs including Master in Strategy and International Management, Master in Banking and Finance, Master in General Management, and Master in Marketing Management
What’s the Curriculum Like?
Most European MiM programs span 10 to 24 months, depending on the school and whether internships or global exchanges are included. Core subjects typically include the following:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Strategy
- Leadership
- Organizational behavior
- Data analytics
- Digital transformation
Many programs offer specializations or tracks in areas such as finance, marketing, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Real-world consulting projects, internships, and global immersion experiences are common features.
Application Requirements
While each school has its own criteria, most European MiM programs stipulate the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree (often non-business)
- GMAT/GRE scores (some schools waive them)
- Essays and letters of recommendation
- English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native speakers
- Interviews (often virtual)
Application rounds typically begin in October and run through spring, with multiple deadlines.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of top European MiM programs land roles in these fields and companies:
- Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte
- Finance: Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, HSBC
- Tech: Google, Amazon, Microsoft
- Consumer goods: L’Oréal, Unilever, Nestlé
Career services at these schools are robust, often rivaling those of MBA programs. Students benefit from alumni networks, career treks, and personalized coaching.
Why Choose a European MiM Over an MBA?
If you’re early in your career, an MiM degree offers a faster, more affordable route to business education compared to an MBA, which typically requires three to five years of work experience. Many MiM graduates later pursue MBAs at top schools, often with stronger applicant profiles thanks to their MiM foundation.Europe’s top MiM programs offer a compelling blend of academic excellence, global exposure, and career acceleration. Whether you’re looking to launch a career in consulting, finance, or tech or you simply want to build a strong business foundation, these programs can be a transformative step.
The Stratus team is knowledgeable about not only MBA degrees but also other specialty business master’s programs such as MiM. Sign up for a free one-on-one consultation with one of our experienced counselors today to learn more about the application process!