Graduated from Kenan-Flagler Business School (#20 Undergrad Business Program in US) at the University of North Carolina in 2019 with a 3.7 GPA and a second degree in Peace, War, and Defense (think international relations, war & peacetime history).

Interned at Cisco in Data & Analytics (non-tech role) before returning full-time post-graduation as a Program Manager for a Data Education program (3 years). Had a large amount of responsibility, leadership, and impact in this role including increasing net profits from $300k in FY19 to $1M over course of 3 years and year-over-year increases of 63% in class offerings and 75% in net profits. Also co-designed & implemented an enterprise-wide, multi-level Data Literacy program from scratch, which grew to top-ranking internal Education Plan with 5000+ graduates in less than 2 years.

Switched teams to become a Business Analysis Manager (managed the analysis work, didn't manage any people) on a Sales Effectiveness team for the Service Provider customer segment. Used excel and tableau to deliver business performance analysis, strategic insights, etc. to Sales leadership. Learned a lot about conducting and presenting data & analytics, but had less of an impact due to market downturn and constant org changes. Was already planning on applying to MBA and was in process of studying for GMAT when I was laid off in April as part of the big tech layoffs. Prior to this, I was promoted 4 times within Cisco, 3 times within Data Education team, and once on Sales team.

Scored 675 on GMAT Focus (82 Quant, 86 Verbal, 82 Data Insights) on first attempt, don't plan to retake.

Due to awkward timing of the layoff, am considering not taking on another full-time role prior to MBA (which would mean a little over a year break from work). Primary reason for this is that I worked 2-3 jobs throughout highschool and college, then immediately went into full-time work post-grad, so I'd like to take advantage of the time off.

During time off, I plan on travelling, volunteering, taking some certifications, and preferably doing some type of immersive program to learn Spanish. During the Clear Admit roundtable with LBS a few weeks ago, I asked the admissions director about this and, while he acknowledged the awkward timing, he suggested I do a bit 'more' during my time off (join a board, do some contract work, etc.), otherwise the break will be a bit of a turn off for admissions. Would really appreciate some feedback / ideas on what to do during my time 'off' and how to frame the lay-off to employers.

Will be visiting IESE, LBS, Cambridge, and Oxford on an upcoming trip over the next month. Plan to visit HBS and Wharton after I apply. I would like to apply to HBS, Wharton, and LBS first round and IESE, Cambridge, and Oxford 2nd round. I'm also open to other M7s.

Also, I was deferred from Harvard for undergrad and ultimately denied, is this something HBS can see or will care about?

As for post-grad, I am relatively open to role type and industry but for the purposes of applying, I am targeting a management role at a tech or energy firm that combines analytics and program management with some intersection with government/non-profit work. Long-term, I'm interested in a CSR role crafting mutually-beneficial programs / relationships where the company is able to profit from giving back i.e. install telecom infra in developing countries for free but ensure x-year contract. But happy to have a few roles before this to learn various sectors, skills, cultures, etc. that I can them use later on.

Hope this wasn't TMI - I appreciate any insights and feedback you'll be able to provide. I love the podcast! Have been binging it for the last few weeks and have listened to 20 or so episodes so far. :)