Before MBA Protocol

Before joining MBA Protocol, I worked for an international law firm as a Compliance Billing Analyst. My role was heavily administrative and I felt like I wasn’t being intellectually stimulated or challenged. I wanted to pivot into marketing or strategy within entertainment tech/digital media or CPG.

Why MBA, why now

An MBA was the most strategic path to gaining industry experience and building an extensive network. I knew it would give me direct access to my target companies through on-campus recruiting. When I first began the application journey, I didn't yet have full clarity on my career goals — I simply knew I was ready to make a change from my current path.

My post-MBA vision is to pursue marketing within entertainment, digital media, or CPG. These are spaces where I've always thrived — collaborating across teams, analyzing trends, and thinking creatively — and where I believe my strengths align most naturally with the work. Beyond the craft itself, I'm drawn to marketing because I believe brands need more diverse perspectives and voices to authentically connect with and expand their reach to broader audiences.

Why MBA Protocol

I first learned about MBA Protocol through Forté's MBA Launch program. Angela hosted a webinar focused on career exploration through self-reflection — helping us uncover our core values and understand what truly drives us. I was drawn to her approach of finding meaning in our work and connecting it back to how we make the most of our two years in business school. Her experience as a Chicago Booth graduate and former BCG recruiter brought a level of expertise and credibility that felt truly unique

The work we did together

I've gained so much from being a part of MBA Protocol, but where I found the most value was in self-discovery and crafting my story. Before working with my coach, Heather, I was overwhelmed by the essay portion of my application — I didn't know where to begin or how to articulate my career goals. Through the Discovery Toolkit and deep conversations with Heather about my life and values, we were able to surface the key experiences and moments that shaped who I am and where I'm headed. Heather also had extensive knowledge of what each of my target schools valued in their applicants, and helped me tailor every essay to reflect that. Overall, I was able to approach my dream school applications with far more confidence than I ever could have had going through this process alone.

MBA Admission Results

In the end, I was accepted into my target school, USC — and I firmly believe the guidance I received from the coaches at MBA Protocol made it possible. From uncovering the elements of my background that make me stand out, to clarifying my career goals and building a strategy for school selection, their support was truly invaluable. I was initially accepted with no scholarship, but after following Angela's advice on scholarship negotiation, I was able to secure $90,000 over two years. These results exceeded anything I had imagined for myself — especially given that I applied with a 3.1 undergraduate GPA and a test waiver. It really is true that admissions is a holistic process, and that your story is ultimately what makes you stand out to adcoms.