St. Gallen M.A. in Strategy and International Mgt.

St. Gallen M.A. in Strategy and International Mgt. Introduction

33,000+

1

Strategy and International Management is a rigorous top-ranked Master and flagship program of the University of St. Gallen. One of the solid aspects of the program is the curriculum and the state-of-the-art amenities, which are internationally recognised. Besides, the SIM program has ranked 1st according to the Financial Times for eight consecutive years. 

Through the program, one shall learn in a collaborative environment that fosters effective teamwork and individual leadership. In addition, the program aids in providing excellent management skills. Apart from that, it shall help one understand, develop and enhance one’s leadership style through various projects as well as seminars and individual coaching.

St. Gallen M.A. in Strategy and International Mgt. Class Profile

The class profile of the SIM (Strategy and International Management) is one of the exciting aspects of the program, particularly for the diverse range of characteristics that the program instils in the students, such as

1. Global Mindset
2. Critical and Creative Thinking
3. Analytical Aptitude
4. Self-Reflection
5. Maturity and Integrity

Besides, the following are the critical aspects of the class profile of the 2021 intake –

St. Gallen M.A. in Strategy and International Mgt. Acceptance Rate

The University of St. Gallen is one of the institutions that do not provide acceptance rate information. This could occur because a university has programs where an applicant only needs to meet admission requirements to enrol and does not have to compete with others.

Program and Curriculum of St. Gallen M.A. in Strategy and International Mgt. 

The SIM’s interdisciplinary curriculum includes intelligence, broad sympathy, scientific literacy, and practical utility. It provides one with the tools to deliver the extraordinary results required to have a significant social impact. The program, in particular, focuses on one’s professional and personal development, communication, interpersonal effectiveness, and ability to solve complex assignments.

The SIM curriculum consists of 90 ECTS and lasts for three whole semesters (1.5 years). It is founded on the fundamental disciplines of strategy, leadership, finance, marketing, organisational behaviour, and international management. These majors’ advanced courses are supplemented by a selection of SIM Integrative, which allows one to investigate significant management challenges of this era by taking a holistic approach to the relevant management disciplines.

Core Electives

• Marketing and Consumer behaviour
• Organizational behaviour and change

Eligibility and Requirements (How to get into St. Gallen SiM) 

Eligibility

One may apply to this Master’s programme if you hold, or will have, one of the following degrees from a recognized university before the start of the programme:

• University Bachelor of Science in Economics (at least 60 ECTS credit points in the economic core areas of Business Administration and Economics, as well as at least 6 ECTS credit points in Mathematics/Statistics)
• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (or a related major) from a recognized university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) with a minimum average grade (not rounded) of 5.00 in the Swiss grading system (German/Austria 2.00, Netherlands 7.5) in the degree certificate (at least 90 ECTS credit points in the core areas Business Administration, Economics, Law, and Mathematics/Statistics; 45 ECTS credit points in Business Administration).
• A Bachelor’s and Master’s degree program completed concurrently in the same discipline with at least 270 ECTS credit points.

Degree Requirements

If the following criteria are met, your degree programme will be recognised:

• Your final degree certificate was issued by a university recognised in the country where you studied.
• You have completed at least 80% of your course work at an accredited or recognised university.
• You have completed at least half of the coursework at the university that is awarding the Degree.
• You meet the minimum requirements for admission to your home university’s Master’s degree programme.

GMAT and GRE Requirements

The total score is considered when evaluating GMAT scores, whereas when evaluating GRE scores, both the Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections are decisive. If you take the tests more than once, the test with the best results will be considered.

Test results must be no more than five years old and submitted electronically by GMAC or ETS before the application deadline. It is critical to state the University of St. Institution Gallen’s Code. If you have not done so, please instruct GMAC or ETS to send us your test results as soon as possible (institution code GMAT 5RK-QG-10, GRE 7202).

English Requirements –

Following are the English language requirements – 

When you apply, you are not required to provide proof of language proficiency. It is your responsibility to ensure that your command of the language of instruction is adequate to allow you to successfully complete your studies. At the start of the study, at least C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is recommended (CEFR).

CV Requirements – 

Outside of your studies, commitments and activities such as work experience, internships, exchange semesters, or extracurricular and social activities are only considered if you provide proof. List all of these activities on your curriculum vitae and include documentation in the supporting documents section.

On your curriculum vitae, you must include two references: one academic and one professional. Make certain that you use the SIM style template. English is required for the curriculum vitae.

The SIM contacts the provided referees at their discretion. If this is the case, they will receive an email inviting them to schedule a 10–15-minute phone call with a SIM Admissions Committee member.

Essay Requirements –

As part of your application for the Master of Strategy and International Management (SIM-HSG), you must write and submit an original essay.

You are asked to critically reflect on a relevant question in the SIM essay. You are encouraged to express your thoughts on the topic of the question in a structured manner while remaining true to your personal style. The strength of the argument, evidence of critical and creative thinking, communication skills, and structured reasoning should take precedence over the use of literature or content research.

The essay question for the 2022 intake is:

“Education is a powerful agent to bring about fundamental change and spur progress and the 

well-being of humanity and our planet. In fact, every human being is endowed with immense potentialities that can be revealed through adequate education. In your personal view, what is the one most precious quality that business leaders of tomorrow must possess, and why?”

Video Interview Requirements – 

The SIM video interview comprises a series of pre-recorded questions on a variety of themes in which you can express your thoughts and opinions.

You will receive an email from the SIM Management Unit inviting you to complete your video interview within five days of successfully submitting your online application. You can register online using the link provided in the invitation, where you will find complete instructions on how to proceed with the recording of your interview. 

In terms of technology, you’ll need a computer or laptop with a microphone and webcam, as well as a quiet location to eliminate distractions.

The video interview deadline may differ from the usual application deadline; this information will be communicated in the email invitation.

Application Information

The academic year begins in the autumn semester. The application is submitted via the internet. CHF 250 is the application fee.

Application Documents

• Digital passport photo
• Signed “General Provisions of the University of St. Gallen”
• Passport or ID card and, if applicable, a Swiss (permanent) residence permit
• Curriculum vitae in English – style template
• Supporting documents for extracurricular activities
• Evidence of linguistic proficiency in English
• Essay in English
• GMAT or GRE test (official or unofficial score report)
• Higher education entrance qualification (Swiss Matura, foreign secondary school leaving certificate)
• Degree documents, if available. Otherwise, current official transcripts from each university attended (including exchange programmes and transcripts from unfinished degree programmes). The current transcript must show at least 120 ECTS credit points for courses taken so that we can process your application. In the case of double degree programmes or “joint degrees”, transcripts from each attended university, including explanatory notes on the course programme, must be submitted.
• If any of the documents are not issued in German, French, Italian or English, you must also submit a certified translation of the document in German or English. Please observe our guidelines “Certified documents and translations”.
• Only one file can be uploaded per bullet point. You can use online tools such as online2pdf.com to create PDF files or to combine several pages into one PDF file. Please make sure the files you send to us are legible so that we can process your application without delay.
• Swiss citizens need their Swiss social insurance number (AHV number) for the application. If you do not know your insurance number, please order a duplicate of your insurance certificate from the Swiss Central Compensation Office in good time.

St. Gallen SiM Deadlines

Between October and April, the SIM Admission Committee holds four admission rounds. All complete applications that were received on time are evaluated, and an admission decision is made. After the admission round’s deadline, the video interview is supposed to be filmed.

St. Gallen  SiM Employment

Students pursuing the SIM programme are allowed to participate in the work opportunities initiatives taken by the SIM Management Unit. For instance, numerous vacancies can be found on the HSG’s website, the HSG institutes’ websites, and the Career & Corporate Services’ websites. Also, working hours for international students are limited to 15 hours per week. Besides, to work in Switzerland, students from outside the EU/EFTA region require a work permit.

In terms of the employment opportunities, the SIM program shall help you prepare for a career in Management, Consulting, Financial Services, or Entrepreneurship. Before graduation, it is customary for students to have more than one tempting offer to choose from, all of which pay well by international standards.

Because of their close ties to the programme and the University, leading multinational firms in a wide range of industries and sectors are eager to hire SIM students, usually before graduation. 

89%

St. Gallen SiM Alumni Info

As a SIM student, one gets an opportunity to be a part of a strong, diverse, and vibrant global community of around 900 students, alumni, staff, and teachers from over 60 countries. The SIM is a close-knit group where members can seek aid or guidance on professional or personal concerns.

Some Famous Alumni

• David Nydegger – Consultant 
• Josef Ackermann – Banker
• Peter Wuffli – Businessperson
• Mathias Shilling – Venture Capitalist 

We have a 97% Success Rate In Helping Applicants Get Into Top Schools Like

Interview Questions for St. Gallen SiM

As the application procedure also includes a series of pre-recorded interview questions, similar to Kira’s interview, we have tried to combine a few of them for you!

Initial Questions –

1. Who is (your name)? Who are you? Could you introduce yourself to me? What do you bring to the table?
2. What are you engaged in currently?
3. Why did you opt for your current job profile?
4. How important is this job for you? Does your company really serve its motto?
5. What forces you to get out of the bed?
6. What are your short-term and long-term goals? How close do you think you are to achieving them?

Questions on Teamwork and Leadership –

1. What does leadership mean to you?
2. Do you think you are a leader? If you do, what makes you one?
3. How would you define your style for leading people?
4. Did you ever lead a project? What are the strengths and weaknesses that you learned while leading that project in particular?
5. Who is a successful business leader for you? 
6. Talk to me about an incident wherein you resolved a conflict as a leader. 

Behavioural Questions –

1. Talk to me about your parents and your initial upbringing.
2. How did your childhood influence you?
3. Would you define yourself as a risk-taker? If yes, why do you do so?
4. How would you define your personality?
5. What are the strong aspects of your personality?
6. What was the last time when you were the most decisive?

Questions to Gauge Your Aptitude to Pursue Global Education –

1. Talk to me about the cultural aspects of your life. What do you bring in terms of your culture to the University of St. Gallen?
2. Talk to me about your international experiences and what you learned from them. 
3. How would you be able to deal with the challenges you might face in terms of dealing with a diverse group of people at the university?
4. How would you contribute to the diversity at the university?
5. Talk to me about a recent international news affair that might have caught your attention.

What makes St. Gallen SiM Unique

Well, numerous reasons!

Eclectic Curriculum –

The SIM offers an outstanding management education with a tough curriculum that blends the research-based, academic rigour of a Master of Arts with the practice-oriented approach of leading SIM programs.

Eminent Faculty –

As a SIM student, you’ll have access to a top-tier faculty that includes award-winning academic scholars and senior lecturers in management, as well as a large number of carefully selected industry and academic guest lecturers and executives.

Double Degree, gosh! –

Whether you choose to pursue an exclusive SIM-SIM double degree, a University of St. Gallen double degree programme, or an exchange semester at a partner university, international exchange programs can help you achieve a wide range of educational and intercultural goals.

Its Switzerland! Duh –

With around 75,000 residents, St. Gallen is a historically distinctive town with a variety of businesses, street cafés, taverns, and clubs. With its baroque church and the Abbey Library, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Abbey District has international significance.

FAQ’s