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Real Humans - Alumni

Published: March 2, 2026
Real Humans of BCG: Allie Waxman, NYU Stern MBA ’23, Project Leader
Allie Waxman’s diverse interests brought her from entertainment to tech, until she found herself curious about the strategic decisions that were impacting the companies she was working for. In this edition of Real Humans: Alumni, Allie talks about how NYU’s Stern School of Business prepared her for problem solving for clients and attaining success at BCG. Allie Waxman, NYU Stern MBA ’23, Project Leader at BCG Age: 31  Hometown: Rochester, New York Undergraduate Institution and Major: NYU Tisch School of the Arts – Acting Graduate Business Read more
Published: February 26, 2026
Real Humans of Bain & Co.: Sameera Bhamidipati, Rice Business MBA ’24, Consultant
Sameera Bhamidipati was looking to have a more direct professional impact in her career in biotechnology research. She pursued an MBA to transition to a business role where she could make a more significant impact much faster. She chose Rice Business for its small class size, tight-knit community, and extensive network. In this installment of our Real Humans: Alumni series, read her story to learn how she achieved a successful career transition and landed at Bain & Company. Sameera Bhamidipati, Rice Business MBA ’24, Consultant at Bain & Company Age: 31 Read more
Published: February 23, 2026
Real Humans of Morgan Stanley: Elliot Gross, CMU Tepper MBA ’25, Investment Banking Associate
This year’s Real Humans: Alumni series, which invites MBA graduates to discuss their paths to post-MBA employment, kicks off with Elliot Gross, Carnegie Mellon Tepper MBA Class of 2025. Gross was looking to pivot to investment banking when he chose the MBA path, and selected Tepper for its strong alumni connections to the finance industry and small program size that facilitates networking and mentorship. Read his story below to learn how his Tepper MBA prepared him for investment banking at Morgan Stanley. Elliot Gross, CMU Tepper MBA ’25, Investment Banking Associate at Morgan Stanley 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 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 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 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 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
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 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 26, 2025
Real Humans of Entrepreneurship: Will Abel, UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA ’22, Co-Founder & CEO, Grantease
Will Abel, UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA ’22, dug through various interests–medicine, finance, healthcare–until he finally arrived at the core: entrepreneurship. In this Real Humans: Alumni, Will recounts his stepping stones, how an MBA from UNC smoothed out some rough edges, and some lessons from his journey to launching his own company. Will Abel, UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA ’22, Co-Founder & CEO of Grantease Age: 26 Hometown: Philadelphia Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Michigan, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Pre-MBA Work Experience: Pharmacology Research, University of Michigan Post-MBA Work Experience: Finance Partner, GSK, 2 years, Read more
Published: May 22, 2025
Real Humans of McKinsey: David Jaurrieta, Rice Business MBA ’24, Associate
In this Real Humans: Alumni, David Jaurrieta, Rice Business MBA ’24, shares his journey to becoming an associate at McKinsey & Co. He talks about the value of community, shines a light on the importance of commitment and more. Read on for his story. David Jaurrieta, Rice Business MBA ’24, Associate at McKinsey & Company Age: 28 Hometown: Chihuahua, Mexico Undergraduate Institution and Major: Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), B.S. in Industrial Engineering Graduate Business School, Graduation Year and Concentration: Rice Read more
Published: May 21, 2025
Real Humans of Morgan Stanley: Saran Diakite Kaba, Emory Goizueta MBA ’24, Investment Banking Associate
Saran Diakite Kaba spent three years as a field engineer in the oil & gas sector before pursuing her MBA at Emory Goizueta, with plans to level-up her strategy and analytical skills. Drawn to Goizueta’s emphasis on principled leadership, Saran earned an MBA that fueled her transition to investment banking at Morgan Stanley. In this Real Humans: Alumni, Saran shares her journey from Africa to Atlanta, engineering to investment banking, and all the lessons in between. Saran Diakite Kaba, Emory Goizueta MBA ’24, Investment Banking Associate at Morgan Stanley Age: 30 Hometowns: Read more
Published: May 19, 2025
Real Humans of Amazon: Marisa Li, Yale SOM MBA ’24, Senior Program Manager
From the West Coast to the Northeast and back again, Marisa Li, Yale School of Management MBA ’24, followed her heart to her MBA program and a post-MBA role at Amazon. In this Real Humans: Alumni, Marisa talks about the impact of stepping outside her comfort zone, what she discovered during her Amazon internship and Yale MBA, and more. Marisa Li, Yale SOM MBA ’24, Senior Program Manager at Amazon Age: 27 Hometown: San Francisco, California Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of California, Berkeley; Economics and Psychology Pre-MBA Work Experience: Read more
Published: May 15, 2025
Real Humans of Disney: Maria Tokarska, IMD MBA ’23, Product Manager
Originally from New York City, Maria Tokarska began her career in technology consulting for media and entertainment clients before deciding to pursue a formal business education in Europe. Drawn to IMD for its top ranking and international setting, she embraced the opportunity to broaden her leadership skills and cross-cultural awareness. Her MBA experience not only enhanced her ability to work with globally distributed teams, but also reaffirmed her desire to work for a purpose-driven brand with global impact. At Disney, she’s found that perfect intersection of scale, creativity, and cultural resonance. Read on for her story and Read more
Published: May 14, 2025
Real Humans of Invenergy LLC: Nikita Manral, Cornell Johnson MBA ’22, Senior Manager
Nikita Manral, Cornell Johnson MBA Class of 2022, transitioned from engineering in the oil and gas sector to a purpose-driven role in clean energy as a senior manager at Invenergy. Nikita pursued business school to pair her technical expertise with strategic insight and help shape the future of the energy transition. At Cornell Johnson, she was drawn to the close-knit community, strong sustainability focus, and cross-disciplinary resources across the university. Her MBA experience, enriched by immersion projects and the support of the Energy Club and CGSE, empowered her to pivot into commercial finance within the renewable energy Read more
Published: May 12, 2025
Real Humans of Aepnus Technology: Warren Ndlovu, The Wharton School MBA ’24, Chief of Staff
Join Warren Ndlovu on his ride through recruiting in this Real Humans: Alumni. With a niche interest in climate tech, Warren had to get creative to secure his “Plan A” dream job. All the while, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania provided the right foundation for his goals and more. Read on for his story. Warren Ndlovu, The Wharton School MBA ’24, Chief of Staff at Aepnus Technology Age: 33 Hometown: Bulawayo/Johannesburg Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Cape Town, Economics & Read more
Published: May 12, 2025
Real Humans of American Express: Jessie Zhao, Booth MBA ’24, Finance Manager
Curiosity and the Chicago Approach line the well-researched and well-thought-out path of today’s Real Humans: Alumni feature, Jessie Zhao, Chicago Booth MBA ’24 and current finance manager at American Express. Her curious nature, ability to discern the important details as well as build camaraderie are all reflected in her personal and professional paths. As a Chicago Booth alumni interviewer, she knows what it’s like to be on both sides, lending a richer perspective to her advice as well. Read on for how Jessie shaped her trajectory and sought out well-rounded opportunities. Jessie Zhao, Chicago Booth MBA ’24, Finance Read more
Published: May 8, 2025
Real Humans of EY-Parthenon: Rashmi Mutt, Duke Fuqua MBA ’23, Consultant
Rashmi Mutt’s journey was shaped by a global outlook and a drive to grow into a well-rounded business leader. With a background in employee engagement consulting, she pursued an MBA at Duke Fuqua to gain the technical skills and global exposure needed to advance her career. Drawn to Fuqua’s collaborative culture, leadership opportunities, and diverse community, Rashmi found an environment that supported her aspirations. Her internship at EY-Parthenon not only confirmed her interest in consulting, but also helped her build meaningful relationships and secure a full-time role. In this Real Humans: Alumni, Rashmi reflects on how Fuqua Read more
Published: May 7, 2025
Real Humans of Google: Deborah Dzialoschinsky, UCLA Anderson MBA ’23, Program Manager
Deborah Dzialoschinsky had a longtime dream of working at Google; with an MBA from UCLA Anderson, she was finally able to make this dream a reality. In this Real Humans: Alumni, Deborah shares what drew her to the leading MBA program, her advice for pursuing your career goals and more. Deborah Dzialoschinsky, UCLA Anderson MBA ’23, Program Manager at Google Age: 31 Hometown: São Paulo, Brasil Undergraduate Institution and Major: Insper, Business Administration Pre-MBA Work Experience: Commercial Intelligence Manager then Head of Lead Read more
Published: May 5, 2025
Real Humans of Entrepreneurship: Patrick El Hajj, HEC Paris MBA ’23, Founder, Anchora Transmission
In this Real Humans: Alumni, Patrick El Hajj, HEC Paris MBA ’23, shares how he transformed his consulting background and entrepreneurial instincts into a career as a search fund entrepreneur through Anchora Transmission. Born in Lebanon and now based in Paris, Patrick matriculated with a list of startup ideas and a desire to shift from corporate consulting at PwC to a more independent and fulfilling path. HEC Paris stood out for its strong entrepreneurial focus, powerful alumni network, and its reputation across France—where Patrick and his wife had decided to build Read more
Published: May 5, 2025
Real Humans of Applied Materials: Rufus Ayisi, Washington Olin MBA ’24, Senior Financial Analyst
In this Real Humans: Alumni, we meet Rufus Kwesi Kumi Ayisi, Washington University’s Olin Business School MBA ’24, who combined his background in engineering and finance to carve out a strategic role at the intersection of both disciplines—now serving as a Senior Financial Analyst at Applied Materials. Originally from Accra, Ghana, Rufus brought six years of pre-MBA experience in engineering and audit roles to WashU Olin, where he pursued an MBA in finance. Drawn by Olin’s experiential learning model, collaborative culture, and flexible curriculum, Rufus immersed himself in team-based projects and a global business Read more

MBA Applywire

14
October 14, 2026 2:04pm ET
Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Chicago Booth, Columbia Business School, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, INSEAD, London Business School, Michigan / Ross, MIT Sloan, Northwestern / Kellogg, Oxford / Saïd, Penn / Wharton, Stanford GSB, Yale SOM
Intake Year: 2027
Pre-MBA Career: Consulting
Post MBA Career: Energy, Other Industries
GRE: 333
GPA: 3.4
Years of Work Experience: 7
Location: India
Post MBA Location: US/Europe
Notes:

2 years in family business after undergrad. And in my 4th job in 5 years - have been working with BCG as consultant on contract for 2 years now (project has social impact - affordable digital access angle)

Worked for 2.5 years in social impact sector. Before that 1 year 3 months in KPMG as data science consultant.
4
October 13, 2026 1:16pm ET
Applying: Columbia Business School, Duke / Fuqua, MIT Sloan, Northwestern / Kellogg
Intake Year: 2027
Pre-MBA Career: Technology
Post MBA Career: Consulting
GRE: 167
GPA: -
EA: 167
Years of Work Experience: 6
Post MBA Location: US
8
October 6, 2026 7:05pm ET
Applying: Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Harvard Business School, Michigan / Ross, Northwestern / Kellogg, UVA / Darden, Yale SOM
Intake Year: 2027
Pre-MBA Career: NGO
Post MBA Career: Consulting
GRE: 320
GPA: 3.79
Years of Work Experience: 7
Location: NYC
6
October 3, 2026 10:42pm ET
Applying: Duke / Fuqua, Indiana / Kelley, Michigan / Ross, Northwestern / Kellogg, Notre Dame / Mendoza, UVA / Darden
Intake Year: 2027
Pre-MBA Career: Operations strategy
Post MBA Career: Consulting, Other Industries
GMAT: 645
GPA: 2.96
Years of Work Experience: 8
Location: USA
Post MBA Location: Midwest
Notes:

Veteran. Company sponsored.
5
October 2, 2026 2:40pm ET
Applying: Chicago Booth, Harvard Business School, Northwestern / Kellogg, Penn / Wharton, Stanford GSB
Intake Year: 2027
Pre-MBA Career: Analytics Consulting
Post MBA Career: Consulting
GRE: 333
GPA: 3.56
Years of Work Experience: 4
Location: India
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MBA LiveWire

October 16, 2026 8:00pm ET
Rejected at Chicago Booth
Round: Round 1
Received via email October 16, 2026
Standardized Test: GMAT
GPA: 3.85
GMAT: 695
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career: Finance
Application Location: India
Juno Member: Not yet
October 16, 2026 7:53pm ET
Rejected at Chicago Booth
Round: Round 1
Received via portal October 16, 2026
Standardized Test: GMAT
GPA: 2.9
GMAT: 775
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career: Consulting, McKinsey, Health Care, Providers
Application Location: South Asia
Juno Member: Not yet
October 16, 2026 7:26pm ET
Rejected at Chicago Booth
Round: Round 1
Received via portal October 16, 2026
Standardized Test: GMAT
GMAT: 705
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career: Finance, Investment Banking
Application Location: Australia
Juno Member: Not yet
October 16, 2026 7:08pm ET
Interview Invite to Chicago Booth
Round: Round 1
Received via portal October 16, 2026
Standardized Test: GRE
GPA: 4.67
GRE: 325
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career: Finance
Application Location: Latin America
Note:

applied sep 15
Juno Member: Not yet
October 16, 2026 6:58pm ET
Interview Invite to Chicago Booth
Round: Round 1
Received via portal October 16, 2026
Standardized Test: GRE
GPA: 3.39
GRE: 327
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Post MBA Career: Consulting
Application Location: USA
Juno Member: Not yet
View or Submit Entries
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