Client stories / Peter

Client story · Kellogg

Peter clarified his career goals while applying for business school

Peter got into his top choice school despite a rough undergraduate record.

Peter got into Kellogg, his top choice
Representative image, AI-generated

Client name changed for confidentiality
Representative client image (AI-generated)

Admits
Kellogg
Pre-MBA
Clinical Trial Project Lead in a Biotech firm
Test
333 GRE
Post-MBA goal
Healthcare; Consulting

Before MBA Protocol

I was working in a biotech startup as a project lead in clinical trial development as well as accounts payable specialist for the past two years. Before that, I was a lab bench scientist working in drug discovery within the same biotech startup for four years.

By the time I began working with MBA Protocol, I knew I wanted to pivot away from a pure R&D science role to one of corporate-facing clinical trial development and strategy in order to improve drug approval pipelines.

Why MBA, why now

My pivot would require knowledge in business development and an understanding of the corporate and legal dynamics in the healthcare industry, which I lacked. The right MBA program would enable me to fill these major gaps and equip me with the network and resources to make the pivot.

No change in my post-MBA vision when I left MBA Protocol, but the process of self-discovery from working with them enabled me to later make adjustments to my post-MBA vision with confidence once I began my MBA. One month into the program and my immediate post-MBA career goal is aimed at healthcare consulting; I still wish to remain in the healthcare industry with the goal of improving drug approval pipelines, but general consulting experience would best prepare me for future roles in business development and strategy in clinical trial planning and execution.

Why MBA Protocol

When I firmly committed to applying for an MBA, I had fewer than 2 months and unfinalized test scores before my target application deadlines in Fall 2025. Given my time constraints, I was drawn to MBA Protocol for the concise and information-rich nature of Angela’s video presentations on Youtube. I can confirm that these reflect their high-impact, proven approach to advising prospective MBA students.

The work we did together

The clarity in self-knowledge I gained from working together did not end with the conclusion of the MBA application cycle, but continues to inform me even now as a current MBA student in how I navigate life and career decisions. For the longest time I dismissed pursuing consulting as a career possibility due to a perceived lack of ownership compared to my current role as project lead, but I now recognize it as an integral transitional step in my personal and professional growth for the near future. I have no doubt that understanding myself better after MBA Protocol allowed me to become more comfortable in making that adjustment in my career trajectory.

MBA Admission Results

Despite a very difficult undergraduate record, I was admitted into my top MBA program of choice. The guidance and support I received from MBA Protocol were crucial in maintaining the focus and morale I needed for the two month sprint to complete my applications in time.

Especially notable is the resolve I carry going into my MBA. I left my current job and moved cities in February 2026, and though I am busy attending classes, looking for new employment, and establishing new roots in a city and campus I had never visited, I find myself prepared to navigate it all with a clear purpose and direction in mind thanks to MBA Protocol.

“I have no doubt that understanding myself better after MBA Protocol allowed me to become more comfortable in making that adjustment in my career trajectory.”

Peter, Kellogg

Advice to other pivoters

Networking is always valuable, but in particular connect with those who share a similar background as you who have made the same pivot you plan to make. There’s already enough uncertainty and friction in the job market as is.

More client stories

See all client stories
  • Patricia

    Cambridge Judge

    Patricia

    From social media marketing to consulting

    Admitted to Cambridge Judge, her first choice, and Toronto's Rotman, with $28,000 in scholarships.

    “I had to dive deep into my personal and professional history, which helped me own my story and become more confident when telling it, knowing that I have as much a right as anyone else to pursue an MBA and to earn my place in a program.”

    Read Patricia’s story

  • Julie

    Chicago Booth

    Julie

    From venture capital investor to founder

    Admitted to Wharton, Booth, and Kellogg, with $335,000 in scholarships, including a full ride plus stipend at Booth.

    “I now feel a lot more confident about telling those stories as well.”

    Read Julie’s story

  • Emily

    Harvard Business School

    Emily

    From private credit to healthcare leadership

    Admitted to HBS, Columbia, Yale, and Duke, with $500,000 in scholarship offers.

    “That gave me confidence that MBA Protocol would help me tell a more authentic story.”

    Read Emily’s story