From Music Teacher to Strategic Leader
How Ilana upgraded her career from teacher and program coordinator to thought and impact leader.
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Ilana Got 8 Admits and $121K In Scholarships
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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.
Ilana’s Success Statistics
- Pre-MBA: Music Teacher and Administrator
- Test: 328 GRE
- Post-MBA goal: Strategy consulting
- Admits: Chicago Booth, NYU, Kelley, Tepper, UNC, Michigan Ross, and USC Marshall
- Total Scholarships: $121,000