UCLA Anderson MBA News

I have jumped around a bit in my early career, looking to get an MBA to find my niche in sustainability more efficiently and build financial analysis skills since I am strongly considering a pivot into climate investing. Looking for a school that offers strong sustainability offerings, ideally a joint Master's degree or concentration in energy/sustainability/climate

I am a former lawyer who pivoted to Education in 2020. Since then, I have worked as a Chief of Staff at an admission consulting firm, as a Head of Operations at a testing/coaching service provider (startup), and as Senior Program Manager (Ops & Analytics) at a renowned non-profit in Early Childhood Education. I lead over 50 people in my current organization and have expanded state operations to cover thousands of parents, children, and childcare workers. I am also an amateur poet/translator volunteering at a regional language publication house/magazine.

Profile:
1) Engineering from IIT Bombay (Top engineering institution in India)
2) 8 months work experience in Japan at a battery manufacturing firm
3) over 2.5 years work experience at a Japanese management consulting firm in India within Automotive practice where I have been promoted 3 times (fast track) to currently a deputy senior consultant role with leadership experience of leading multi-national teams
4) Fluent in Japanese and 4 other languages
5) Mild community involvement (Have a band where I am the guitarist and Education outreach experience during college)

Goals
1) Short term - Auto industry consulting
2) Long term - Chief Strategy officer at Auto Industry with focus on sustainability strategy

US Army Special Forces veteran / Service Academy grad with low GPA but solid GRE. Several deployments around the world with unique experiences, including combat, cross-functional management, and forging diplomatic relations in new countries. Looking to pivot to consulting to broaden business acumen and focus on energy projects, with a long-term goal of breaking into PE Ops.

Hi!

I’m 27 years old and was among the top 5 in my class during college. I am about to take the GMAT and start my admission process, aiming to apply in Round 2.

I worked as a Product Manager for a very successful LATAM startup, where I led a team to build one of the company's most important technology tools. I am passionate about solving user problems and enjoy networking.

My main concern is uncertainty about my post-MBA goals. I understand that an MBA is about the experience, meeting new people, developing skills and finding your optimal path. I believe that an MBA will help me address my concern, develop the essential skills to become a successful leader and probably pivoting in my current career.

Is this a common issue for potential MBA candidates? What's your thought on how can I assess this "issue"?

Thank you so much!