How MiM Programs Build Real-World Confidence

In the world of business, being adaptable and confident is just as crucial as having technical know-how. Recognizing this, masters in management (MIM) programs at top schools like ESCP Business School, ESMT Berlin and HEC Paris are focusing on helping students build the self-assurance they need to thrive in the job market. 

And they’re not alone — around the globe, other MIM programs are following suit, developing creative strategies to empower students with the self-confidence they need to succeed.

Skills That Will Benefit The Job Hunt

The emphasis on self-confidence is no accident — it’s a direct response to what the market demands. Marianne Conde Salazar, brand and communications director at ESCP Business School, believes that employers increasingly value soft skills, like adaptability and empathy.

“Whether it’s active listening, empathy or the ability to build consensus, these competencies all stem from one fundamental trait: a deep self-awareness and confidence in one’s own unique strengths and differences,” she says.

Sophie Schaefer, deputy director of the career development center at ESMT Berlin, echoes this, pointing to the need for resilience in a competitive job market. 

“The job search process can often be time-consuming and stressful, making it crucial for students to build resilience and be prepared for potential rejections,” she explains. 

With the economic uncertainties of today, self-confidence helps students stay focused even when facing setbacks.

Michael Scott, associate director of admissions at HEC Paris, adds that confidence is crucial when dealing with “challenging and ambiguous situations, which are a consistent feature of today’s business landscape”. 

For HEC, it's all about helping students develop the poise to present their ideas, make connections and thrive in diverse teams — skills that go beyond the classroom and into the real world.

Innovative Ways to Boost Self-Esteem

To ensure that students leave with more than just academic credentials, business schools have taken unique approaches to building self-confidence. 

At ESCP, it’s about a well-rounded experience. The focus is on intellectual, professional, personal and even physical growth. 

“We provide a rich combination of general culture and specialized knowledge to broaden students’ intellectual horizons,” says Conde Salazar, adding that physical well-being is also part of the equation. 

The goal is to produce leaders who are not only knowledgeable but also comfortable in their own skin.

ESMT Berlin takes a more personalized approach, offering one-on-one counseling sessions and a new mentorship program where alumni and experienced students offer guidance. 

Schaefer explains: “Our alumni and experienced students offer guidance to current students...helping them to feel more confident as they pursue their desired career paths.” This kind of tailored support helps MiM candidates recognize their strengths, even when they might be feeling the pressure of competition from their peers.

Meanwhile, HEC Paris combines hands-on learning with exposure to cutting-edge academic research. “The classic elements of a top business education — internships, consulting projects and international exchanges — are complemented by exposure to interdisciplinary research and case studies focused on new technologies and business models,” says Scott. 

This mix of traditional methods and forward-thinking content helps students develop the edge they need to navigate global business settings with confidence.

Beyond these top business schools, other MiM programs worldwide are also prioritizing the development of self-confidence in their students. 

At INSEAD, for example, there is a strong focus on leadership development through simulations and role-playing exercises that place students in high-pressure decision-making scenarios. 

These experiential learning opportunities help students gain the confidence to lead and make strategic decisions, even when faced with uncertainty.

Connecting With Peers for Personal Growth

London Business School emphasizes peer learning and collaborative projects, encouraging students to lead diverse teams and present solutions in front of their peers. 

This approach is aimed at helping students become more comfortable with public speaking and more confident in their ability to articulate their ideas in a global context.

In the bigger US market, programs like the MiM at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business offer leadership labs and workshops designed to help students identify their leadership style and strengths. 

Fuqua also uses self-assessment tools like 360-degree feedback, allowing classmates to provide evaluations of each other, to provide MiM students with a clear view of how others perceive their strengths and areas for growth. This feedback loop is key to building a strong sense of self-awareness and, by extension, self-confidence.

The results of these efforts are clear. For MiM students going through internships and job applications, self-confidence can help set them apart from the pack. 

Whether it’s through developing deeper self-awareness at ESCP, getting tailored support at ESMT, engaging with innovative research at HEC, or refining leadership skills at schools like INSEAD and LBS, the self-confidence these programs cultivate helps students stand out in the early stages of their careers.

Through offering support and focusing on real-world skills, MiM programs are helping shape the next generation of business leaders — ones who don’t just meet challenges but tackle them head-on, with a belief in their own abilities.