Candidate:

Mr. Sommelier

About Me:

After graduating from college, I decided to pursue restaurant management and developed a love for wine, passing the notoriously challenging sommelier certification exam at 24. I’ve used my platform to mentor others, organize state-wide trade & consumer events, and raise money for hurricane relief, autism research, & women’s reproductive rights.

Schools:

Target School: Harvard

Considering: Kellogg SOM, Berkeley Haas, INSEAD

See More Profiles For: Harvard

Application Status: Open

Details:

Undergrad School: Tufts

Undergrad Major: Spanish & Economics

GPA: 3.62

GMAT: 710

Age: 30, Ethnicity: White

Extracurriculars: Organize fundraisers for a local non-profit that promotes women's health, Founded a running group for the hospitality industry, Started a local podcast during the pandemic to connect members of local beverage community

Work History:

Title: General Manager

Industry: Hospitality

Company: Wine Bar

Length of Employment: 3 yrs, 5 mos

Title: Wine Director

Industry: Hospitality

Company: Top Firm

Length of Employment: 4 yrs

Big Life Wins:

Selected by Wine Enthusiast Magazine for the annual “40 Under 40” Most Promising US Beverage Professionals. Ran 15 marathons around the world with a 3:11 personal record.

Post MBA Goal:

Leverage my experience working in the hospitality industry to pursue a career in marketing and strategy with an innovative, international consumer goods organization to help change the way individuals connect to a brand.

Odds:

Join in! Click here to assess the odds of Mr. Sommelier

The Experts Rate The Odds At: 15%

See what the industry experts have to say:

John A. Byrne, P&Q Founder & Editor-In-Chief | Odds Assessment: 15%

Well, wouldn’t any MBA class want it’s own sommelier? You would certainly think so. But HBS might not choose this vintage. Why? While your accomplishments are stellar and I have no doubt that you would do exceptionally well at HBS, your GPA, GMAT, your undergraduate institution and age are not aligning for a Harvard admit. So you would have to execute a perfect application with a very convincing story to talk your way in. Given your unusual background, it’s possible you can pull it off. You do a fantastic job in just this small format profile so I would love to see you do it. But the odds are against it. Still, don’t be discouraged. Toss that Hail Mary pass and someone might catch it. …

Well, wouldn’t any MBA class want it’s own sommelier? You would certainly think so. But HBS might not choose this vintage. Why? While your accomplishments are stellar and I have no doubt that you would do exceptionally well at HBS, your GPA, GMAT, your undergraduate institution and age are not aligning for a Harvard admit. So you would have to execute a perfect application with a very convincing story to talk your way in. Given your unusual background, it’s possible you can pull it off. You do a fantastic job in just this small format profile so I would love to see you do it. But the odds are against it. Still, don’t be discouraged. Toss that Hail Mary pass and someone might catch it. Kellogg would be a great place for you, and INSEAD should definitely want you in a class.

4 years ago Read the full review
mbaMission Odds Assessment: 15%

Hi, it’s Nisha from mbaMission. Congratulations on obtaining your sommelier certification! Having watched the documentary “SOMM” I’ve learned how incredibly difficult it is. I love your community involvement as well.

I think you’d bring a very unique perspective to any MBA class. However, it’s a competitive process and you’re applying to top programs. To boost your chances (especially at ever-elusive HBS) I’d recommend retaking the GMAT to get closer to the schools’ averages. If you’re able to do this, tell your story in a compelling way (including how you’ve shown leadership and innovation in your hospitality roles to date), fully explain the motivations behind your goals, and make it clear what you want to gain from an MBA, I think you …

Hi, it’s Nisha from mbaMission. Congratulations on obtaining your sommelier certification! Having watched the documentary “SOMM” I’ve learned how incredibly difficult it is. I love your community involvement as well.

I think you’d bring a very unique perspective to any MBA class. However, it’s a competitive process and you’re applying to top programs. To boost your chances (especially at ever-elusive HBS) I’d recommend retaking the GMAT to get closer to the schools’ averages. If you’re able to do this, tell your story in a compelling way (including how you’ve shown leadership and innovation in your hospitality roles to date), fully explain the motivations behind your goals, and make it clear what you want to gain from an MBA, I think you will be a contender. Best of luck!

4 years ago Read the full review