Mr. Strategy Manager

Hi Mr. Strategy Manager, this is Julie-Anne Heafey with mbaMission. I love your experience in the leadership development program at the F500 company, and your CPG background as well. Both of these will help you stand out from the army of finance and consulting folks who apply. Not only do you bring this desired perspective, you’ve got good stats and what sounds like a strong employer pipeline to top schools. Assuming you execute well on the essays and interview, I like your odds very much! My advice to you is not to forget to demonstrate your fit with Darden. Really be thoughtful about why Darden is the best place for you to pursue your MBA and how you’ll contribute to the program and thrive there. Wishing you the best of luck!

Hello, it’s Lisa Cummings of Stratus Admissions. I hope you are staying well amid the lockdowns and shutdowns. Your stats hit right about at Darden’s averages making you a solid candidate for their program. When I was on the adcomm at Sloan we looked favorably on candidates who had been through leadership development programs, knowing that participants usually get great experience and exposure in them. Your work in CPG will bring a different angle to the cohort. I’d want to hear more about the impact you have been able to have at work and where you have been able to take or make opportunities to highlight your leadership skills. I love your community involvement which should help you answer additional essay or interview questions. Are you still a Big Brother? What have been some of your best experiences in that program. What role do you play at Pridelines. Any way to showcase some leadership experience there? Post MBA what is drawing you to consulting. What kinds of engagements were your friends involved in and what skills did they use and gain in that work. How do you see you background as having prepared you to be a consultant? Good luck and stay safe!