The Leading Independent
Resource for Top-tier MBA
Candidates

Posts by Christina Griffith

About
Christina Griffith is a writer and editor based in Philadelphia. She specializes in covering education, science, and criminal justice, and has extensive experience in research and interviews, magazine content, and web content writing.
Published: July 7, 2025
Admissions Director Q&A: Donna Swinford of Chicago Booth
Get an insider’s view of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with Donna Swinford, Associate Dean for Student Recruitment and Admissions for MBA Programs, in this installment of our Admissions Director Q&A series. Donna is a longtime Chicago resident and has been at Booth since 1997. She joined the Office of Admissions in 2005 and has seen the admissions process at Booth from practically every angle over the course of her tenure serving in several roles including head of Operations and Evaluation before transitioning to her current position as Associate Read more
Published: July 3, 2025
Admissions Director Q&A: Rebecca Mallen-Churchill of ASU W.P. Carey
In this installment of our Admissions Director Q&A, we welcome back Rebecca Mallen-Churchill, Senior Director of Recruitment, Admission, and Financial Services for graduate programs at Arizona State University (ASU) W.P. Carey School of Business. Mallen-Churchill graduated from ASU in 2005; while earning her degree in theatre and Italian, she also discovered her love for higher education while working for the Graduate Admissions office. After gaining work experience in the hospitality industry and traveling the world, Rebecca returned to Arizona and joined W. P. Carey in 2013. In her time working with the graduate program’s Read more
Published: July 2, 2025
Admissions Director Q&A: Shari Hubert of Duke Fuqua
In this Admissions Director Q&A, we welcome back Associate Dean of Admissions at Duke University Fuqua School of Business, Shari Hubert. Hubert’s role is overseeing recruitment and admissions for the school’s portfolio of ten business degree programs. Before Fuqua, she was in charge of admissions for the Full-time and Evening MBA programs at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Hubert has extensive experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, and entered higher education after working for the Peace Corps as director of recruitment within the Office of Volunteer Recruitment and Selection. Her work is Read more
Published: July 1, 2025
HEC Paris Announces its “Campus of the Future”
HEC Paris has launched a €230 million (approximately $267 million) project to transform its campus in Jouy-en-Josas, France.  The plan calls for 40,000 square meters of campus space to be built or renovated around what the school is calling its three pillars. First, a new “Campus Heart” unifying all the academic programs will include a state-of-the-art library, collaborative workspaces, innovation labs, amphitheaters, a new 850-seat auditorium, and dining and leisure facilities. Second, the historic Château and its annexes are slated for complete redesign and reconstruction for executive education. Finally, the school’s historic academic Read more
Published: June 30, 2025
Admissions Director Q&A: Katy Radoll of UNC Kenan-Flagler
We welcome back Katy Radoll, Director of Admissions for the Full-Time MBA Program at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, in this edition of our Admissions Director Q&A. Katy was thrilled to join the UNC Kenan-Flagler team as the Director of Admissions for the Full-Time MBA Program in the summer of 2024. Prior to UNC Kenan-Flagler, she led Associate Recruiting at McKinsey in Atlanta and, before that, held several different roles at MIT Sloan, where she was part of the team that established The Asia School of Business in Collaboration with MIT Sloan (ASB) and Read more
Published: June 30, 2025
Top In-Person MBA Events to Check Out in July 2025
An essential part of the process when you apply for an MBA is events. On or off campus, formal or informal, in-person MBA admission events are opportunities for applicants to connect with current students and alumni, sit in on classes, meet the admissions team, and take campus tours. With the application season upon us, schools are ramping up their event calendars for prospective students. Here’s what’s on deck for July. Why Attend MBA Events? More than just another step in the process you want to check off your list, this is where you can assess for yourself whether a school Read more
Published: June 25, 2025
Real Humans of Google: Faye Phillips, Yale SOM MBA ’23, Program Manager
Faye Phillips, a Brooklyn native and Yale School of Management MBA Class of 2023 graduate, brought her background in public education to business school with a desire to explore the private sector and gain fluency in the language of business. After six years as a program manager with the NYC Department of Education, she pursued her MBA to build new skills, challenge herself, and connect with others who shared a passion for impact. Drawn to Yale SOM’s mission of educating leaders for business and society, Phillips appreciated the school’s values-driven community and its small-city setting Read more
Published: June 25, 2025
Admissions Director Q&A: Dr. Naz Erenguc of University of Florida Warrington College of Business
We welcome back Dr. Naz Erenguc, Director of Admissions for the University of Florida (UF) Warrington College of Business, in this installment of our Admissions Director Q&A. Combining her passion for equity with business, academic, and global health expertise, Dr. Naz Erenguc is one of the most versatile voices in graduate education today. In her role as a professor of global health or as director of admissions for UF’s top-ranked MBA program, “Dr. Naz” helps makes sure everyone has a seat at the table. During her tenure at UF, she Read more
Published: June 23, 2025
Admissions Director Q&A: Anne Kilby, Associate Dean of MBA Admissions at Georgetown McDonough
Anne Kilby, Associate Dean of MBA Admissions at Georgetown McDonough in Washington, D.C., joins us for this edition of our Admissions Director Q&A. Kilby oversees admissions, sets the admissions strategy, and manages the scholarship budget for the Full-Time MBA, Flex MBA, and Flex MBA Online programs. She has spent 17 years in higher education, mainly in admissions and recruiting. Kilby has worked within a global scope by representing programs internationally at recruiting events and fairs, partnering with universities and clients abroad, and interviewing prospective candidates residing worldwide. Prior to Georgetown, she was the Director of MPA Read more
Published: June 23, 2025
Real Humans of PwC: Shoma Yasuda, IESE MBA ’24, Consultant
Shoma Yasuda, IESE MBA Class of 2024, went to business school with a mission: to advance decarbonization in the maritime and energy sectors by gaining strategic skills and building a global network. After eight years at NYK Line in Japan, he chose IESE for its strong leadership development and access to Europe’s renewable energy ecosystem. A summer internship at the Spanish National Hydrogen Center and a collaborative classroom experience prepared him well for his current role as a Manager at PwC, where he now advises clients on decarbonization strategies. Shoma reflects on the value of self-reflection during the job Read more
Published: June 19, 2025
Admissions Director Q&A: Lindsay Loyd of NYU Stern
In this edition of our Admissions Director Q&A series, we catch up with Lindsay Loyd, Assistant Dean of MBA Admissions at NYU Stern, as the school celebrates its 125th anniversary. Lindsay leads the recruiting and admissions efforts for Stern’s Full-time MBA Programs, including the two-year Full-time MBA and focused one-year MBAs: the Andre Koo Technology & Entrepreneurship MBA and Luxury & Retail MBA. She joined NYU Stern in 2023 after a 20-year career in financial services, serving in roles of progressive responsibility in analytics, marketing, and strategy at Capital One and American Read more
Published: June 18, 2025
Real Humans of BCG: Cameron Bard, Emory Goizueta MBA ’24, Consultant
In this Real Humans: Alumni, Cameron Bard, Emory Goizueta MBA ’24, shares his journey from Lockheed Martin to BCG. Read on for his insights into the value of an MBA, what he learned during the recruiting process and how an Emory Goizueta MBA prepared him for consulting at BCG. Cameron Bard, Emory Goizueta MBA ’24, Consultant at BCG  Age: 30 Hometown: Knoxville, TN Undergraduate Institution and Major: Davidson College, Physics; Washington University in St. Louis, Mechanical Engineering Graduate Business School, Graduation Year and Concentration: Read more
Published: June 18, 2025
Admissions Director Q&A: Kara Tripi of Michigan State Broad College of Business
In this installment of our Admissions Director Q&A series, we welcome back Kara Tripi, Director of Admissions and Enrollment at the Michigan State University Broad College of Business MBA program.  With over a decade of higher education experience, Kara is passionate about guiding students toward academic success. In her current role, she oversees recruitment and admissions while contributing to program development. Her diverse background in education provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s students. Read below Read more
Published: June 16, 2025
Real Humans of Accenture: Dan Nolan, Duke Fuqua MBA ’22, Senior Strategy Consultant
Dan Nolan, Duke Fuqua MBA ’22 and Senior Strategy Consultant at Accenture, brings a unique journey from the broadcast booth to boardroom strategy. Originally from Winchester, VA, Dan pursued his undergraduate degree in Public Policy at Duke and later returned to his alma mater for an MBA, concentrating in Marketing, Market Analysis, and Strategy. With a background in sports media, Dan made a strategic pivot into consulting, driven by a growing interest in the business side of media and a desire for long-term career flexibility. At Fuqua, he leaned into Duke’s collaborative spirit, expanded his quantitative and time management Read more
Published: June 16, 2025
Admissions Director Q&A: Brent Nagamine of University of Washington Foster School of Business
We welcome back Brent Nagamine, Director of Admissions at the University of Washington Foster School of Business for this edition of our Admissions Director Q&A. Brent oversees marketing, recruitment, selection, and scholarships for the Full-Time, Evening, and Global MBA programs. He has been working in the higher education sphere since 2013 when he graduated from the University of Washington. He started his career working in undergraduate admissions and eventually pursued his M.S.Ed from the University of Pennsylvania. After joining the Foster MBA admissions team in 2019, he was also drawn to pursue his own Read more
Published: June 11, 2025
Admissions Director Q&A: Charlotte Russell-Green of Cambridge Judge
In this installment of our Admissions Director Q&A, we head to the UK with Charlotte Russell-Green, Head of MBA Recruitment and Admissions  at Cambridge Judge Business School. After training in Drama and Theatre at Goldsmiths in London, Charlotte transitioned into marketing after graduation and has now worked in the MBA market for over 10 years. She started her MBA career at QS, managing the marketing for the World MBA Tour events in North America and has worked in marketing, recruitment and admissions at Cambridge ever since. Her passions at work include Read more
Published: June 11, 2025
Real Humans of Ecolab: Juan Francisco Delgado, HEC Paris MBA ’23, Strategic Marketing
After nearly a decade in marketing and sales at a major telecom company, Juan Francisco Delgado turned to the HEC Paris MBA to sharpen his strategic skills and transition into a more globally focused role. Originally from Lima, Peru, Juan sought a business education that combined leadership development, multicultural collaboration, and real-world impact. HEC Paris delivered on all fronts—offering an environment rich in diversity, academic rigor, and global perspective. During the program, a surprising internship in India helped Juan reaffirm his passion for strategic marketing, ultimately leading him to a role at Ecolab in Paris. Now working in strategic Read more
Published: June 9, 2025
Admissions Director Q&A: Stephanie Kluth of ESMT Berlin
Looking ahead to the next admissions season of 2025-2026, we are excited to kick off our Admissions Director Q&A series today. In this edition, Stephanie Kluth, the Director of Admissions for Degree Programs at ESMT Berlin, is back to shed light on the MBA program. Stephanie holds over 20 years of experience in higher education and academic administration. Since joining ESMT in 2005, she has contributed to the development and internationalization of the school’s MBA and Master’s programs. Prior to joining ESMT Berlin, she worked at the Aspen Institute Berlin Read more
Published: June 9, 2025
Real Humans of Uber: Akanksha Gupta, Fisher MBA ’23, Senior Program Manager
For Akanksha Gupta, the MBA journey at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business was a catalyst for transformation—from engineering in the oil and gas sector to strategic operations at a fast-moving tech company. After nearly eight years at Samsung Heavy Industries, Akanksha enrolled at Fisher to sharpen her analytical skills, expand her leadership toolkit, and pivot into a new industry. Her internship at Uber Freight proved to be a turning point, reinforcing her passion for data-driven decision-making and operational strategy. Today, she serves as a Senior Program Manager at Uber Freight, where she continues to apply the Read more
Published: June 4, 2025
Real Humans of Google: Emerald Deku, Washington Olin MBA ’23, Strategic Financial Analyst
Emerald Deku, WashU Olin MBA ’23, wants you to know that “the MBA is the perfect playground for bold experimentation.” In this Real Humans: Alumni, Emerald walks us through said playground, digging into the standout strengths of her MBA experience that prepared her for an internship and full-time role at Google. Her grounded enthusiasm is contagious and sheds light on why the WashU Olin MBA is a sound launchpad for whatever your plans may be. Emerald Deku, Washington Olin MBA ’23, Strategic Financial Analyst at Google Age: 33 Hometown: Read more
Published: June 2, 2025
Real Humans of Entrepreneurship: Dan Cataldi, Wharton MBA ’23, Founder and CEO at Groov
In this Real Humans: Alumni, we join Dan Cataldi on his entrepreneurial path from Wharton to Founder and CEO of Groov, a company that makes precision-crafted insoles for an optimal footwear experience. While his app can create a perfect map, life isn’t always laid out that way–and Dan shares the unconventional journey of uncovering and then going “all-in” on pursuing his true passion. Read on for his story. Dan Cataldi, Wharton MBA ’23, Founder and CEO of Groov Age: 32 Hometown: Great Neck, NY Undergraduate Institution Read more
Published: May 29, 2025
Real Humans of Google: Anica Nangia, Berkeley Haas MBA ’24, Product Manager
Anica Nangia set out for her MBA with the mission to build community, something she longed for amid the work-from-home fallout of Covid. She found this community at the Haas School of Business–as well as in the diverse city of Berkeley itself. The strategies and insights she gained during her MBA also contributed to the foundation for her success at Google. Read on for more about her story in this Real Humans: Alumni. Anica Nangia, Berkeley Haas MBA ’24, Product Manager at Google Age: 28 Hometown: Los Altos, CA Read more
Published: May 29, 2025
Top In-Person MBA Events to Check Out in June 2025
An essential part of the process when you apply for an MBA is events. On or off campus, formal or informal, in-person MBA admission events offer applicants the opportunity to connect with current students and alumni, sit in on classes, meet the admissions team, and take campus tours. So, we’ve rounded up the top in-person MBA events for the month of June to help you plan on attending those that are going to help you most along your MBA journey. Get your calendars ready! Why Attend MBA Events? More than just another step in the process you want to check Read more
Published: May 28, 2025
Real Humans of American Express: Sumedha Kamra, IESE MBA ’24, Senior Manager
From corporate law to enterprise strategy, Sumedha Kamra, IESE MBA ’24, had a transformative journey. In this Real Humans: Alumni, Sumedha shares her insights from taking a huge leap, how the IESE MBA supported her growth, and more about her road to American Express. Sumedha Kamra, IESE MBA ’24, Senior Manager at American Express Age: 28 Hometown: Bangalore, India Undergraduate Institution and Major: Jindal Global Law School, Dual Degree in Arts and Law Graduate Business School, Graduation Year and Concentration: IESE Business School, Class Read more
Published: May 27, 2025
Join Top Business Schools Present in Paris — June 4th, 2025
Drop everything now and head to Paris. On Wednesday, June 4th, 10 of the world’s top-ranked business schools will gather in Paris, France, to host Top Business Schools Present in Paris. Attendees can learn about their MBA programs and the student experience during and after business school, as well as network with admissions representatives.  The schools participating in the event are: Chicago Booth Columbia Business School Dartmouth Tuck Harvard Business School MIT Sloan Read more

MBA Livewire

March 7, 2026 9:41pm ET
Accepted to UNC Kenan-Flagler
Round: Round 2
Received via phone March 7, 2026
Standardized Test: GRE
GPA: 3.05
GRE: 326
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career: Finance, Investment Banking
Target Career: Finance
Application Location: United States, Boston
Note:

Called today at 5 PM ET
Juno Member: Not yet
March 7, 2026 6:01pm ET
Interview Invite to Stanford GSB
Round: Round 2
Received via email March 7, 2026
Standardized Test: GMAT
GPA: 3.65
GMAT: 675
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Juno Member: Not yet
March 7, 2026 5:02pm ET
Accepted to USC / Marshall
Round: Round 2
Received via phone March 7, 2026
Standardized Test: GRE
GPA: 3.75
GRE: 311
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Application Location: USA
Note:

Interviewed in January. Received the call at 2 pm ET from the person who interviewed me.
Juno Member: Not yet
March 7, 2026 2:43pm ET
Accepted to NYU Stern
Round: Round 3
Received via portal on March 05, 2026
Standardized Test: GRE
GRE: 329
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Consulting
Application Location: United States, New York
Note:

Accepted with full-tuition scholarship (consortium fellowship)
Juno Member: Not yet
March 7, 2026 12:44pm ET
Interview Invite to Cornell / Johnson
Round: Round 2
Received via email on March 04, 2026
Standardized Test: GRE
GPA: 3.14
GRE: 321
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career: Finance, Investment Banking
Application Location: Boston
Juno Member: Not yet
View or Submit Entries
Live
Wire