Before MBA Protocol

Before applying to business school, I worked at a women-owned private credit firm, where I supported women in finance and invested in small businesses. I genuinely loved the mission-driven nature of my work, but my long-term calling had always been global health. My undergraduate studies, research, and early internships were all in global health, and I originally moved into finance because I wanted to understand how capital gets allocated and why so many important health initiatives struggle to get funded. My dream was to eventually return to global health and help bridge the gap between mission and sustainable financing.

Why MBA, why now

An MBA was always part of my long-term plan because I saw it as the best way to connect my finance background with my global health aspirations. I explored a number of adjacent opportunities, including venture debt, healthcare consulting focused on private equity, and other private credit roles, but none felt like the right bridge to my ultimate goals. At the same time, my firm was incredibly supportive of my MBA ambitions, and many of my mentors were MBA graduates themselves. Ultimately, I realized that business school would provide the network, credibility, and broader perspective needed to make a meaningful pivot.

My post-MBA vision is to return to the global health sector and help build sustainable financing models that can unlock greater impact. Throughout my time in finance, I saw firsthand how investment decisions shape entire industries, and I became increasingly interested in applying those lessons to global health challenges. The MBA helped me connect those experiences into a cohesive vision. Today, I'm excited about pursuing opportunities that sit at the intersection of finance, healthcare, and global development.

Why MBA Protocol

I first heard about MBA Protocol through a coffee chat with someone who had gone through the admissions process before me. She challenged me on my story and pointed out that while my experiences were strong, I wasn't yet communicating the deeper "why" behind them. She recommended MBA Protocol's storytelling resources, and after my introductory conversation with Heather, I felt understood in a way I hadn't with other consultants. Rather than seeing me as another finance applicant trying to pivot into impact, she immediately grasped the personal motivations behind my goals. That gave me confidence that MBA Protocol would help me tell a more authentic story.

The work we did together

The biggest shift was in how I approached storytelling. The modules helped me move away from writing essays that focused on accomplishments and toward essays that showed admissions committees who I was, what I cared about, and why my experiences mattered. Beyond the tactical aspects of the application process, the community was incredibly valuable. Having a cohort of people going through the same highs and lows made the process feel much less isolating, and it was especially rewarding to reconnect with many of them at admitted students weekends.

MBA Admission Results

I earned a 328 GRE (163 Quant, 165 Verbal) and received interview invitations from Harvard Business School, Wharton, Columbia, Yale, and Duke. I was admitted to Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School with a full-tuition scholarship, Yale School of Management with a full-tuition scholarship, and Duke Fuqua with a Forte Fellowship and $100,000 per year in scholarship support. I was also waitlisted at Wharton. Professionally, I was promoted to Senior Associate during the application process.

Advice to other pivoters

Start earlier than you think you need to, especially when it comes to testing and reflecting on your story. The strongest applications are built over time, not rushed together a few months before deadlines.

Be honest with yourself about why you want an MBA and whether it's truly necessary for your goals, because it's a significant investment of both time and money.

If you decide it's the right path, take full advantage of the opportunity and approach the process with intention.

The highlighted sentences are the ones quoted above.

Before MBA Protocol

The bulk of my experience has been in social media at a digital marketing agency that specializes in B2B companies in the tech sector. I also had a 5-year tenure as a marketing manager at a business services company and that’s when I started considering an MBA – I had a general understanding of my role in growing the company but lacked the tools to transform my marketing area into a growth engine. I knew an MBA would help me close the knowledge and skills gaps that I’d noticed over the years. I wasn’t strictly sure about what role or career path I wanted for my future, but I did know I wanted to grow.

Why MBA, why now

I like that working in a marketing agency allows you to see a variety of customers and helping them solve different problems. Post MBA I would like to expand on that and go into consulting. It seems like a natural extension of my current experience and what I hope to gain from the MBA.

While I do have a business background from my undergrad (I majored in Marketing), an MBA will help me strengthen those foundations and provide a stepping stone for me to approach consulting firms with confidence and a solid set of skills and experience from the consulting projects I will participate in during the MBA.

Why MBA Protocol

The “call to adventure” philosophy really resonated with me. It helped me reframe this journey full of uncertainty that I was about to embark on into something to be excited about.

I knew I made the right choice because I knew I could count on anyone in the team for whatever I needed, and the community we ended up creating in our cohort was incredibly supportive; it was genuinely one of the most enjoyable things about this entire process.

The work we did together

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. I was of course nervous for the interview portion of the process, but knowing what makes me uniquely me and what I can bring to the table helped me navigate the anxiety. I mentioned earlier that I wasn’t sure what I wanted my career to look like on the other side of the MBA, but this journey really forced me to weigh my options and not only make up my mind but see the exact way forward.

During the process, I spoke a few times one on one with Heather, and she truly has an incredible ability to see you. She helped me connect the dots on aspects of my personal history that I later used in my essays, and I came to respect her opinion to the point of taking a leap of faith when she asked me to and submitting a particular application in round 2 after weeks of agonizing over it. She never for a second doubted that I would make it, even if I myself did at times.

MBA Admission Results

I got into Cambridge Judge Business School, my first choice, with a Cambridge MBA Distinction Award and an invitation to become a Forté Fellow. I’m also now a member of Wolfson College. It still doesn’t feel real. I think it won’t become real until the first day I’m actually on campus.

I also got admitted to Rotman Business School at the University of Toronto with a scholarship. I had 3 other schools in my roster: one of them rejected me, and I didn’t end up applying to the other two once I got an offer from Cambridge in December.

Advice to other pivoters

If you take this seriously, it’s possibly one of the scariest things you’ll ever do. You’ll question everything you thought you knew about yourself. At multiple stages, you’ll probably wonder why you’re doing this to yourself (especially when subjecting yourself to the GMAT multiple times like I did). You might want to put if off until you finally feel ready. Don’t wait.

The highlighted sentences are the ones quoted above.

Before MBA Protocol

Growing up in the DC area with two parents who served in the federal government sowed a deep appreciation and admiration for the work the US Government does. The work I do at Deloitte, partnering with federal agencies, feels akin to the service my parents provided.

Also, because of how massive Deloitte is, we get to play with some very cool problems the USG has. The level of experience and exposure I’ve received at the firm has affirmed my decision that this is the kind of firm I want to be at for a long time.

My goal going into the MBA process was to streamline my development to a partner level role at Deloitte. I was already in the consulting space, but I had seen directors and partners exhibit a level of nuanced analysis that I did not possess; this made me nervous about my long-term viability in the firm. When I asked them about how I could replicate their development path, each contact said their time back in school allowed them the time and space to take the deep dives into the work we do. Essentially, they would not have developed the level of nuance required to provide the level of service they provide for our clients.

Why MBA, why now

I was in a client meeting with a senior manager, who had done his MBA at UNC Kenan-Flagler, and I watched him effortlessly rip off strategic analysis for the client that, frankly, left me dumbfounded. After the meeting, I pulled him aside and asked “Gavin, how’d you develop the skill to be able to do that?” He laughed and said “That came from two years of a million case studies.” He emphasized that while the firm certainly provides a lot of opportunity to learn, the sheer volume of client demands prevents you from doing the deep academic dives a full-time MBA program provides.

If this was the work I wanted to do for the rest of my career, I knew I needed to take a two-year strategic break that would pay off twenty years down the line.

Why MBA Protocol

In 2024, I applied to four schools (Tuck, Darden, Ross, and McDonough) in Round 2 with little to no guidance. I went through the process trying to piece together tips I found online. I received one offer of admission, but felt like I really left meat on the bone looking back at my process; my essays lacked a punchy theme and my resume was all sorts of lackluster. I decided to use the material and test scores that I already had to try my hand again, this time in Round 1. This time I would seek optimal guidance, as I really did not want to go through this process a third time.

I remember thinking “I should look into that site that had all the rainbows and unicorns on it.”

While the website’s happy go lucky attitude stood out in my mind, what hooked me was Heather’s understanding and excitement for my story and previous efforts. She seemed to be fully in my corner before even giving MBA Protocol a dime and that certainly stood out to me.

Whether it was good marketing or not, I felt that I had a teammate from the get go.

The work we did together

I remember reading Brian’s reviews on P&Qs describing him as an admissions wizard, knowing exactly how to describe yourself for certain schools, and being somewhat skeptical before we met. Yet, Brian proved that he was in fact an admissions wizard and was able to add critical details to my story that I would have never thought to add if it were not for his suggestions.

Between my two application cycles, one thing changed: what kind of advice I was receiving on my essays.

I learned that I wasn’t great about talking about myself. Brian’s patience and objective feedback helped me tailor a story that seemingly wowed admission’s committees.

I walked away from my time with Brian understanding the importance of humbly selling yourself; a skill that I’ll need to continue to hone as I enter my MBA years and after in the consulting space.

Better essays acted as a domino for everything later down the line. My essays allowed me to script a better interview pitch of why me and why this school.

Interesting note: very late in the game, probably with two weeks from my submission dates, I heard a Tuck AdCom reader say something along the lines of “I don’t want to read an essay like X.” Well, my main Tuck essay read exactly like X.

I went to Brian, nearly in a panic, and said “we need to burn it down and start over.” He very calmy told me to check myself and trust him. My story was excellent and anybody would love to read it. I trusted his judgement, knowing he had done this a hell of a lot more times than me, and it paid off.

I truly believe that Brian’s ability to sherpa my story into something more strategic is the reason I went from 1 acceptance in R2 of 2024-2025 to 6 acceptances on R1 of 2025-2026.

MBA Admission Results

Dartmouth Tuck, Class of 2028!

Advice to other pivoters

There are a TON of MBA consultants out there. You may feel compelled to go with a certain consultant because they are the biggest name out there (one that I knew even before starting this process) and they seem to provide results. I too felt the draw of the big name, but something in my gut said the team at MBA Protocol actually had my best interests at heart and I was going to get their full undivided attention.

You, as a client, need to feel an extra level of care as you go into this process. The money, time, and what’s riding on this effort dictates that. I fully felt that I was Brian’s only priority as we were going through the essay drafting process

Personally, you need to understand what your story is and why you’re about to do what you’re about to do. Not only does an MBA require a hefty tuition, it requires maximal effort that I don’t think many prospective MBAs understand.

Each of the top 25 schools offers you a chance to be back in the classroom with really smart people and be on a campus that has tangible energy and opportunity to change your life.

You need to do the work to make that happen, though.

The highlighted sentences are the ones quoted above.

Before MBA Protocol

My current title is Executive Director, HRIS, and I work in Higher Education. I have been in my position for over a decade and have been with the institution for over 25 years. I had actually planned on staying in my position and retiring early (i.e., early 50s)

Why MBA, why now

I had attended a Women in Leadership conference through Columbia Business School that was sponsored by my department. It was an incredible experience to see the impact that these women in leadership have made in their industry and organizations. That experience showed me that I still had a lot to contribute and it inspired me to pursue an EMBA so that I can accelerate my path to the next step. Eventually, my ultimate goal is to be part of the Executive Leadership of the university focused on operations.

I wanted to have a solid grounding in the business fundamentals. I feel like this is the missing piece to helping me be a more well-rounded leader. The EMBA will also help accelerate my path forward.

Why MBA Protocol

I was looking for MBA consulting firms to work with as I wanted to give myself the best possible chance of getting into business school. I stumbled upon Angela’s videos on the sister channel, Career Protocol. I loved the colorful videos, the upbeat music, and the UNICORN! The videos were fun and serious at the same time. Angela has solid frameworks that really helped me get to my core story. I don’t particularly enjoy talking about myself and I feel that MBA Protocol really helped me find my voice.

The work we did together

MBA Protocol helped me home in on my story and helped me convey that authentically. My coach, Heather, was especially a great resource. It’s been over 25 years since I was on the other side of the interview table and Heather did a mock interview with me that shifted my perspective. It allowed me to be less nervous and be confident in myself and what I accomplished.

Heather really cared about me and helped me communicate my story. She was able to plug in the gaps in my essays or help me convey it in a different way that made things land much more emphatically. She was always willing to answer any questions I had and was very supportive through the entire process. When I shared feedback that I got from Angela at the LFG huddles, she incorporated those into our one-on-one sessions. She was also willing to help my supervisor with the recommendation for the program. She was one of my biggest cheerleaders and I am very grateful to have her as my coach.

MBA Admission Results

I only applied to one school - Columbia - and I was admitted to the EMBA Class of 2028!

Advice to other pivoters

It’s a big decision - not just for you but for the people around you. Make sure you have your support team behind you (spouse, family, and friends) to help you through the rough parts and celebrate with you through your successes.

The highlighted sentences are the ones quoted above.

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.

Advice to other pivoters

If you have even an inkling of interest in pursuing an MBA, I would start by gaining clarity on your career goals. Ask yourself: Why do you want to enter that field or industry? What motivates you? What are your passions? Where do you want to live, and what do you ultimately want to get out of an MBA? From there, I would begin building a list of prospective schools. The application process will force you to do some real soul-searching, so having that foundation mostly in place before you begin will save you a significant amount of time. And the earlier you start test prep, the better — outside of clarifying your career goals, it's the one component you'll want to tackle first

The highlighted sentences are the ones quoted above.

Before MBA Protocol

I taught elementary music in the United States and China for seven years. I loved it, but I always felt something was missing. I discovered that I was passionate about scheduling, data analysis, and how those impact the workplace. I currently work as a program coordinator at a non-profit and am excited to see how this path grows as I continue working while earning a part-time MBA.

Why MBA, why now

I decided on an MBA because I thought it would expose me to a world that I knew little about and where I could combine my people and data skills. Originally, I didn’t have a specific goal, but MBA Protocol helped me define my “why”.

In the short-term, I plan to work in strategy and management consulting to further round out my business knowledge. Long-term, I either want to work in non-profit organizational culture consulting or non-profit leadership. I’ve developed this vision by considering the impact that I want to have. I want to make sure everyone, especially those working in non-profits, can thrive by developing work environments where people are supported and balance is possible.

Why MBA Protocol

Before I found MBA Protocol, I applied to one online program and got rejected. I decided to try again, and the results I achieved this second time with MBA Protocol’s help far surpassed what I would have imagined possible.

I learned about MBA Protocol through Forte. I really loved how Angela focused on each person’s story and brought joy to the application process. After speaking with a few MBA coaches, I felt that MBA Protocol offered the best package for what I wanted. I loved the group meetings and options for individual help when needed.

The work we did together

Before MBA Protocol, I was unsure of my goals and MBA potential. I didn’t know what I wanted to do post-MBA or how to share my background in education as a strength. Through the Discovery process, I learned a lot about myself, my priorities, and my strengths.

What set Heather apart was how quickly she saw me. After one meeting and reading my Discovery document, she articulated things about who I am that no one had ever put into words before. She helped me uncover things about myself I genuinely didn't know. She was honest and encouraged me to stretch my vision for myself. She pushed me further than I thought possible without ever making promises she couldn't keep. Instead of only trying for online programs, I decide to aim even higher and include some elite part-time programs in my school portfolio.

MBA Admission Results

I was accepted to and received scholarships from schools I wouldn't have even applied to without Heather pushing me. What still amazes me is how I was able to present myself in a way that MBA programs genuinely connected with.

Advice to other pivoters

Be open to the entire process. Applying for an MBA, especially with MBA Protocol, is an opportunity to grow and develop personally beyond helping you get into a great school.

The highlighted sentences are the ones quoted above.

Don't Stop Believing!

I worked on MBA applications last year without any guidance or knowledge as to what I was doing. I got into some lower ranked schools, but knew I could shoot higher and opted to try again. I happened upon some YouTube information videos from the MBA Protocol / Happy at Work team, enrolled in their course after a consultation, and connected with Heather shortly thereafter.

Heather not only agreed with me that I could level up and gain acceptance to top 10-20 programs, but she also took a personal interest in my doing so. We worked together in one-on-one sessions as we went over two applications that became the scaffold for the other four I sent in for Round 1 2025, and met through team calls every week to check in. We "slow-walked" my application as Heather was genuinely interested in reading about my personal and professional journey, and we fine-tuned several stories I brought to the table that showcased the best of me. She was always excited to see me, and we cheered on updates no matter how big or small. There were challenging moments through the process where my strong convictions wavered, but her belief in me never did.

As she predicted, I got into one of my two top choices despite below median test scores and unconventional (and not exactly prestigious) work experience. The prospect of attending an Ivy League MBA program still feels unreal as a small-town northeastern kid through and through, but that is exactly what will happen this fall! And it would not have been possible without the support of Heather, as well as the entire MBA Protocol / Happy at Work team and fellow future students I've met along the way. I cannot wait to get started on campus!

The highlighted sentences are the ones quoted above.

A Fruitful Journey!

Working with MBA Protocol was truly a turning point in my MBA journey. From day one, I felt like I’d finally found people who genuinely believed in me and my story—even at times when I struggled to believe in myself. With my main coach and Heather as my supplemental coach, I gained writing and interviewing skills that I’ll carry with me throughout my entire career.

MBA Protocol also excels at building a real sense of community. Being surrounded by others who were navigating the same phase of life made the process both motivating and grounding. Under my coaches' guidance, I received interview invitations from 5 of the 6 schools I applied to, all T25 programs, except for my safety, and ultimately earned an acceptance to my top-choice school with a half-tuition scholarship and a full-ride to my safety. I couldn’t be more grateful for their support, expertise, and faith in me. Highly recommend!

The highlighted sentences are the ones quoted above.