Kelsey Roberts’ path to Harvard Business School was anything but typical. In this episode, she shares how she applied through the 2+2 program as an engineering student at Georgia Tech and used her deferral to explore manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Kelsey discusses her unique application strategy, the decision to wait four years before starting at HBS, and how her MBA has shaped her impact at Forage. Whether you’re an early-career applicant or exploring nontraditional MBA paths, Kelsey’s story offers inspiration and insight.

Keywords

MBA, HBS, Radhika Lokur, application process, career pivot, international development, social impact, education, networking, tech industry

Summary

Radhika Lokur’s journey to Harvard Business School defies convention. In this episode, she opens up about her background in international development, navigating the MBA application process, and pivoting into a tech role in London. From GMAT challenges to building community at HBS, Radhika shares practical insights for applicants considering bold career shifts – and reminds us that the MBA path doesn’t have to be traditional to be transformative.

Takeaways

• Radhika's diverse background helped her stand out in the MBA application process.
• Networking and leveraging the HBS community were crucial for her career pivot.
• She faced significant challenges during her GMAT testing experience.
• Radhika emphasizes the importance of knowing your goals before starting an MBA.
• She believes that an MBA is not necessary for everyone, especially those with tech backgrounds.
• Her experience at HBS was transformative, both personally and professionally.
• Radhika created a London trek to connect with tech companies, showcasing initiative.
• She advises future applicants to be mindful of the number of pivots they attempt.
• Radhika found that people at HBS were more supportive than she initially expected.
• She reflects on the importance of balancing perspectives in the classroom.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Radhika Lokur

02:39 Living and Working in Zambia

03:34 Pivoting into Tech

04:39 MBA Application Strategy

06:18 Value of the MBA

07:35 School Selection

08:48 Application Results

09:10 Application Journey Challenges

09:28 GMAT Horror Story

11:57 Application Reflections

12:25 Application Strengths

13:50 HBS Interview Experience

15:01 Choosing HBS

16:24 Pros and Cons of HBS

18:35 HBS Classroom Dynamics

19:03 HBS Myths and Misconceptions

19:41 Landing a Role in Big Tech in London

23:15 Winning Friends and Influencing People

24:10 The Innovator's Dilemma

24:46 HBS Community in London

26:07 Advice for Career Pivoters

27:31 Radhika Interview Debrief

Keywords

MBA, entrepreneurship, career progression, application process, HBS, business school, leadership, search fund, COVID-19, networking

Summary

In this conversation, Bob Boniface shares his journey from working at General Motors to pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School and eventually transitioning into entrepreneurship through acquisition. He discusses the value of an MBA, the application process, the impact of COVID-19 on his business school experience, and the lessons learned while running a business post-MBA. Bob emphasizes the importance of networking, being open to new opportunities, and the skills gained from an MBA that have helped him in his entrepreneurial journey.

Takeaways

• Bob's background in finance and operations at GM set a strong foundation for his MBA journey.
• The decision to pursue an MBA was influenced by observing successful leaders in his field.
• Crafting a compelling application requires time and thoughtful preparation.
• Networking is crucial in the MBA application process and beyond.
• COVID-19 impacted the MBA experience, but Bob found value in the relationships formed.
• The search fund model allows for entrepreneurship without starting from scratch.
• Running a business post-MBA requires a diverse skill set and adaptability.
• The HBS brand can open doors, but credibility is built through actions and decisions.
• Bob's future aspirations include returning to the auto industry in a leadership role.
• Keeping an open mind about career paths can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bob Boniface
01:00 Bob's Pre-MBA Career
03:30 The Decision to Pursue an MBA
07:34 Crafting a Compelling Application
11:47 The HBS Interview
12:54 Essay Writing and LORs
14:43 Application Process Challenges
15:33 Original HBS Essay Prompt
15:55 LOR Wisdom
17:40 Deciding to Attend HBS During COVID
19:38 HBS Highlights
21:20 Transitioning from GM to Entrepreneurship
23:04 Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
25:45 ETA with a Co-Founder/Co-CEO
27:22 Bob's Business Partner
28:15 Owning and Operating a Small Business
31:19 HBS Brand Considerations and Reflections
33:13 Medium- and Long-Term Career Plans
34:58 Advice for Prospective MBA Applicants
36:41 Evaluating Bob's Applicant Profile
38:26 Bob's Application Process and Preparation
40:21 Insights from Bob's MBA Experience