Kseniia Gorodnichaia, OSU Fisher’s MBA Class of 2027
Age: 29
Hometown: Moscow, Russia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Bachelor degree in Advertising and Public Relations with a focus on brand management (GPA is 3,67 out of 4)
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 7 years in brand management and communications. Started in PR, transitioned into brand communications, and later became Brand Manager at a multinational agricultural corporation, where I was responsible for managing a B2C export FMCG brand across MENA, including brand plans, assortment strategies, media and communication campaigns. Achievements include leading a career project with 14 million reach and launching a podcast with 75% retention rate, multi-market campaigns that reached millions, boosted engagement over 4x, and improved both sales and brand perception. In parallel, I provided pro bono branding support to startups, reinforcing my mission to make marketing accessible for small businesses. Also, my background spans client and agency work, giving me the ability to quickly diagnose business challenges and turn insights into results. Sparked interest in consulting, applying expertise to diverse companies in strategic and branding challenges.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After seven years in brand management, marketing, and communications, I wanted to scale my skills beyond one company or industry. I realized that consulting would allow me to help multiple organizations shape their brand and marketing strategies, while also growing into a global leader. To make this pivot successfully, I need a U.S. business education, structured consulting experience, and a strong professional network. Now is the right moment: I bring enough expertise to contribute to my peers, and I’m ready to challenge myself in a new business environment.
Why did you choose Ohio State Fisher?
Fisher stood out for its collaborative culture, rigorous program, and strong corporate connections. I was drawn to the experiential learning model, where students engage with real clients and solve complex business problems. For me, Fisher is the best environment to transition from brand management into a consulting career focused on growth strategy and consulting. Additionally, Fisher has a myriad of different communities, such as entrepreneurship and women in business. It also has a strong alumni network, which is important for international professionals.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring both scale and accessibility: experience managing multimillion-reach campaigns for large corporations (career initiative reaching 14 million people and a podcast with 75% retention rate), and hands-on pro bono work with small businesses and startups (building the foundation of a strong brand with a limited budget). This dual perspective allows me to contribute unique insights in class discussions—balancing creativity with analytical decision-making and entrepreneurial spirit. My colleagues describe me as strategic, adaptable, and collaborative. I also thrive in multicultural environments, having led cross-functional teams across emerging markets like MENA.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
It is difficult to come up with fun stories now, but I love snowboarding, calligraphy and billiards. Snowboarding helps me make quick decisions under pressure, while calligraphy trains my patience and focus. I also love billiards, called “Free pyramid” or “Russian pyramid”, which has a 12-foot table with narrow pockets–it helps me to stay competitive.
Why I chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations with a focus on brand management – the turning point came at the age of 17, when I watched the movie “Wag the Dog”, and this became the starting point of my interest in marketing and its ability to shape perception. I wanted to be a part of this world. I wanted to use it for good.
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting in marketing and brand strategy, with a focus on helping companies grow and differentiate in competitive industries. Long-term (really long (10-15+ years)), I aspire to build an international consultancy that empowers businesses—especially small and mid-sized ones—with innovative, data-driven AI-powered and affordable branding solutions. Before that, I want to contribute to a consulting agency.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I spent time reflecting on my achievements throughout my career and academic experience, as it is difficult to look back at your past accomplishments and set a realistic goal that you are passionate about when working full-time. This clarity of purpose and previous experiences made my essays and interviews stronger.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would start case prep earlier, since consulting requires a specific skillset and mindset. That’s why I am here, at Fisher.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The stress of test preparation (the English language exam). What helped me get through it was breaking the preparation process into small, achievable steps and reminding myself of the bigger vision.
What is your initial impression of the Ohio State Fisher students/culture/community?
Welcoming, supportive, and ambitious. From day one, I felt that people here are not competing against each other, but rather pushing each other forward.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
Consulting & Strategy Club to gain structured case prep and recruiting support, Marketing Association to deepen my functional expertise, and Women in Business to connect with other aspiring leaders. And if I have free time, I would love to join a billiards community to play American pool, because my love for billiards comes from that.
What is one thing you have learned about Ohio State Fisher that has surprised you?
The personal attention from faculty and staff—it feels more like a tight-knit family than a large university. And I do appreciate it as much as I can, because it is also important to me.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Diving into real-world projects with companies through Fisher’s experiential learning opportunities. I’m especially excited to apply my brand management and communication background to solving business challenges in an international and U.S. context.
