What does it take to earn admission to three of the world’s top Executive MBA programs while leading large-scale federal technology transformation initiatives and raising a family?
In this interview, Kruthika Rathinavel shares her journey from leading mission-critical federal technology projects to earning admits from The Wharton School, Kellogg School of Management, and NYU Stern School of Business, along with scholarships from Kellogg ($20K) and Stern ($30K). She ultimately chose Wharton for her Executive MBA.
With over 15 years of experience leading cloud modernization, data migration, and enterprise transformation initiatives, Kruthika has contributed to high-impact government projects, including modernization efforts for the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the migration of presidential records for the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
What makes her journey especially inspiring is not just her professional accomplishments, but also the leadership, creativity, resilience, and humility she brought to the MBA application process while balancing a demanding career and family responsibilities.
In this conversation, Kruthika shares valuable insights into her leadership journey, career goals, Executive MBA application process, overcoming self-doubt, balancing work and motherhood, leveraging non-work experiences, and ultimately choosing Wharton over other outstanding programs.
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Talking Points of the Conversation:
00.00 Admissions Summary & Orientation at Wharton
05:15 Academic & Professional Background
06:43 Leadership Experience & Growth as a Technology Leader
11:25 Why an Executive MBA? School Selection Strategy
14:13 Choosing Wharton Over Scholarship Offers
15:56 Self-Reflection Through the Brainstorming Questionnaire
19:29 Overcoming Self-Doubt & Imposter Syndrome
22:06 Essays: The Most Challenging Prompt
24:50 Building an MBA Résumé
30:06 Balancing an Executive MBA Application with Work & Family
33:20 Managing the Executive Assessment Alongside Applications
37:40 Creativity, Non-Work Experience & Strengthening the MBA Application
43:03 Key Lessons from the Executive MBA Application Journey
45:36 Final Advice for MBA Applicants
Poonam: Hello, Kruthika. How are you doing?
Kruthika: Hello, Poonam. I’m doing well. I just came back from a school session, so I’m excited.
Poonam: Wonderful. Congratulations on receiving admit offers from all three schools you applied to—Kellogg, Wharton, and NYU Stern. Kellogg and Stern also offered you scholarships. How did it feel when you received these three offers?
Kruthika: Thank you, Poonam. I think the first feeling was relief. The waiting process was quite intense, and there was definitely a lot of stress. I was still working on my Stern application after we finished Wharton and Kellogg, so it was a busy and stressful period.
When I received the admission offers, Kellogg called me first, followed by Wharton and then Stern. It was humbling, and it also brought a great sense of relief. The scholarships made the validation feel even more real. It made me feel that all the effort I had put into the process was worthwhile. I had started thinking about pursuing an Executive MBA quite late, so receiving all three admits felt very rewarding. The decision-making process afterward was also quite intense.
Poonam: Yes, I know. But in the end, you chose Wharton. We’ll talk about that later. You’ve already attended orientation week, so I’m curious to know about your experience.
Kruthika: The orientation lasted about eight days. I arrived on Friday, and the program started on Saturday and continued through the following Saturday.
It was a very intense and fully packed schedule. There were around 300 students across three Wharton Executive MBA cohorts—the Philadelphia cohort, the San Francisco cohort, and the Global cohort. It was our first opportunity to interact with everyone.
Meeting and getting to know 300 people within a week is a lot, but the school structured the orientation in a way that allowed us to interact with at least 50 to 70 percent of the class.
It was fast-paced. We were introduced to the teaching methodology, what our weeks would look like, and there were many networking opportunities. Since so much of the Executive MBA experience revolves around teamwork, we were also introduced to our teams.
I tend to experience imposter syndrome quite often, but I think that first week helped me overcome it, at least temporarily, because there was so much collaboration. Everyone was open to communicating. The people I met came from very different and impressive backgrounds, yet they were all humble and willing to share their experiences. We instantly made a lot of friends.
At this time and stage in life, making genuine friendships feels very special, and I think this was the beginning of something meaningful. I’m really looking forward to the next two years.
Poonam: I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed orientation week. You look refreshed after that experience.
Kruthika: It was a very exciting and intense week. I think that week taught me a lot. Since then, I’ve also completed a couple of more weeks of classes. Every time I go there, I feel a little more refreshed because I’m stepping away from my normal routine and taking on the role of a student. You’re there to learn and absorb new ideas, and that gives you extra energy and motivation each time you attend. Some alumni had told me this early on, but I didn’t quite believe them then. Now I’m experiencing it myself, and it really is refreshing.
Poonam: Good. So, after a gap of about a decade, going back to school is a very different experience.
Kruthika: Yes, definitely—especially with kids and family.
05:15– Academic & Professional Background
Poonam: Exactly. You’ll be studying alongside other mid-career professionals who are just as experienced as you are and who also have families. So, can you briefly walk us through your academic and professional journey and the kind of work you do in the federal technology space?
Kruthika: Sure. I grew up in India and spent most of my childhood in Tamil Nadu. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering from BITS Pilani in the early 2000s.
I started my career as a software consultant and worked in that role for about four years, learning the fundamentals of software consulting. After my marriage, I moved to the United States with my husband. While exploring opportunities here, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Virginia Tech.
Soon after, I joined Publicis Sapient as a Senior Software Consultant. I’ve been there ever since and recently celebrated my 10-year anniversary with the company. It has been a very rewarding experience working with federal clients because the challenges are quite unique. Currently, I work as a Software Architect at Publicis Sapient, supporting federal clients.
06:43– Leadership Experience & Growth as a Technology Leader
Poonam: Over the past 15 years, you have grown as a technology leader, managing large-scale transformation initiatives. How do you think your leadership style has evolved over time?
Kruthika: I think I first stepped into a leadership role during my very first job as a software consultant. At that time, leadership meant getting your own work done, answering your team’s questions, and ensuring the work was completed.
After my master’s degree, when I joined Sapient, I took on a leadership role in a much more structured way. Initially, it was about delivering assigned work and supporting my team so they could deliver successfully.
Over time, leadership became much more about creating clarity and alignment among different stakeholders. Along the way, I learned several important lessons.
Over the last five or six years, I’ve learned to stay calm under pressure while working with various stakeholders and helping to create alignment among them. Whether you’re working with federal clients or commercial clients, I believe it’s important to prioritize integrity over convenience. You also have to create an environment where people feel safe working with you. The more I grow in this role, the more I realize how important that is. Every member of the team should feel comfortable contributing.
Leadership is much less about being the smartest person in the room. You’re always surrounded by smart people, and together you’ll find the right answers. The real responsibility is creating an environment where people can align with one another and, during high-stakes situations, helping the team move toward the right decision.
One aspect of my leadership style that I particularly value is creating level playing fields. I mentioned this in some of my essays as well. On every project, I try to bring together the most junior and the most senior team members and give everyone an equal opportunity to contribute.
Technology is evolving so rapidly that sometimes the most junior person on the team may have the best solution because they’re working with the latest tools and technologies.
Poonam: That’s a very important point.
Kruthika: Absolutely. Just look at how much AI has changed in the past year. Before that, cloud technologies transformed the industry over several years.
I’ve seen junior team members make outstanding contributions during design discussions and solutioning sessions. That’s why I intentionally started creating spaces where they could freely share their ideas without worrying, “I’m the junior person here; what can I possibly contribute?”
I’ve seen this approach work extremely well. Some of the junior team members I’ve worked with made valuable contributions, earned promotions, and have gone on to do really well in their careers. Seeing that makes me very happy.
Poonam: Impressive. Creating a safe and supportive environment where every team member can contribute their best—that really seems to be the foundation of your leadership style. So, what are your short-term and long-term career goals?
Kruthika: In the short term, I want to move into a more leadership-oriented role where I can help guide transformation initiatives while also contributing to strategic decision-making, financial planning, capital allocation, and organizational strategy. My goal is to eventually move into a Director or Senior Director role where I can lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives.
11:25– Motivation for an Executive MBA & School Selection Strategy
Poonam: What motivated you to pursue an Executive MBA at this stage of your life and career? And why did you specifically choose Wharton, Kellogg, and Stern?
Kruthika: Why an Executive MBA? I think I was transitioning between projects when I started reflecting on what I truly enjoyed. I realized that, while I loved the technology space, I also enjoyed creating alignment among different stakeholders and being part of the decision-making process.
As I thought more about it, it became obvious that I needed to bridge certain skill gaps before moving into a decision-making role. As a software architect, I could continue growing along the same path, or I could shift toward roles involving strategy, transformation, and organizational decision-making.
An Executive MBA aligned closely with what I wanted to do because it would help me bridge that gap. I wanted to strengthen my knowledge of finance and organizational strategy. I’m already beginning to understand why organizations make certain decisions, and the more classes I attend, the more convinced I am that I made the right decision.
As for why I chose Wharton, Kellogg, and Stern, we all know that Wharton is one of the best schools in terms of analytical rigor. It develops the kind of leader I wanted to become, so it naturally became my top choice for reasons I’ll explain in a moment.
Kellogg appealed to me because of its emphasis on collaborative leadership. For Stern, I specifically chose the Washington, D.C., campus since it’s located close to where I live, and it also offered the key areas in which I wanted to grow.
All three programs aligned with my goals, but in the end, it became clear that Wharton was the right choice after I received the admission offer.
Poonam: The second part of my question is that you received scholarships from both Kellogg and Stern, but you still chose Wharton, which did not offer you a scholarship. Why was Wharton the best fit for you?
14:13– Choosing Wharton Over Scholarship Offers
Kruthika: Honestly, that was a tough decision after I received scholarship offers from both Kellogg and Stern.
Before making my decision, I attended one of Kellogg’s sessions, and it actually made the decision even more difficult because I immediately felt that Kellogg was a natural fit for my personality. The people were collaborative, welcoming, and incredibly friendly. It became very hard to say no.
At the same time, I realized that the level of analytical rigor I was looking for would push me a little further, and that became an important factor in my decision. Kellogg’s collaborative culture was wonderful, but I ultimately felt that Wharton would challenge me in ways that would help me grow.
Throughout my academic journey, I’ve always benefited from environments that pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and those experiences have helped me grow significantly. So, Wharton is definitely the best fit for me. Looking back now, especially after starting classes at Wharton, I’m even more confident that I made the right decision.
15:56– Application Process: Self-Reflection Through the Questionnaire
Poonam: Let’s talk about the application process. Before we even started working on your applications, I asked you to complete a detailed questionnaire consisting of 25 questions. How did that process help you reflect on your experiences and identify stories for your essays?
Kruthika: Before I started working on the questionnaire, I had watched a few interviews and knew it was coming. People had mentioned that the questionnaire helps throughout the entire application process.
Initially, I assumed it would simply be a list of questions about my experiences. But the way it was structured helped me connect my past with my present. It made me reflect on why my career has unfolded the way it has, why I made certain decisions along the way, and how my family, personal interests, hobbies, and passions shaped the person I am today.
The questionnaire encouraged me to look at myself as a whole person, which is essential when you’re building your essays. Even now, after completing the questionnaire, I find myself looking at things a little differently because it prompted a great deal of self-reflection.
For me, the questionnaire marked the beginning of a shift in my mindset—from wondering, “I don’t know if I can do this,” to thinking, “Maybe I can do this.” Poonam, you know I had my share of doubts throughout the process, questioning whether everything would work out. I think the questionnaire was a very positive first step in my application journey.
Poonam: You did a great job with it. I remember you submitted a 45-page response. It was almost like a mini autobiography.
Kruthika: I think writing it helped me reflect even more. The more I wrote, the more I thought about why things had happened the way they did.
Just filling out the questionnaire was an amazing experience. It took me quite some time, but I really enjoyed the process. The way you designed the questions encouraged me to think deeply about different aspects of my life -for example, how my family influenced the person I am today, how mentors shaped my journey, and how I evolved over the years. That narrative naturally emerged through the questions themselves. I thought the questionnaire was extremely well designed, and I genuinely enjoyed working through it.
Poonam: Thank you. I enjoyed reading it as well. Business schools don’t just want to know about your professional accomplishments. They also want to understand who you are as a person.
19:29– Overcoming Self-Doubt & Imposter Syndrome
Poonam: Despite having such a strong profile, you sometimes experienced self-doubt during the application process. I’ve seen this with several other applicants as well, so I’m curious to know: do you think imposter syndrome is common among high-achieving professionals?
Kruthika: I think it is. Now that I’m at Wharton, I’ve met many accomplished professionals. Looking at them from the outside, they seem incredibly successful. But when I talk to them, I realize they also experience imposter syndrome from time to time.
We recently finished our first midterms, and I noticed those feelings coming up quite often among many people. I think it’s very common, and in some ways, it’s also a reflection of the kind of person you are.
As you progress in your career, there will always be moments when you question yourself. People usually see only the successful side of someone else’s journey unless they know them personally. So it’s natural to ask yourself, “Am I really good enough? Can I actually do this?”Eventually, you remind yourself to do your best and keep moving forward.
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors like you throughout my journey who helped build my confidence. Even though those feelings still creep in—and you know how many times I’ve spoken to you about them—mentors like you have always helped me work through the process.
My family has also been incredibly supportive. Deciding to pursue an Executive MBA itself required a great deal of encouragement, and their support made that decision much easier.
Poonam: I actually had more confidence in your profile than you had in your own profile. I kept reminding you of that throughout the application process.
Kruthika: At some point, I started believing what you were telling me because you’ve seen so many applicants go through this journey. You understand the admissions process very well, and I trusted your judgment throughout the process.
Poonam: Thank you. And here you are today.
22:06– Essays: The Most Challenging Prompt
Poonam: Which essay prompt across Wharton, Kellogg, and Stern challenged you the most? What did you learn about yourself while working on that particular essay?
Kruthika: I think the contributions essay, which appeared in a couple of schools, maybe even all three, was probably the most challenging for me.
Writing about my goals was relatively straightforward because I already knew why I wanted to pursue an Executive MBA. There were also other essay questions about current challenges, and while choosing a specific example wasn’t always easy, those essays still felt more manageable. The contributions essay was different. You’re applying to a school because you want to gain something, but at the same time, you also have to think about what you will contribute to the community.
I think this is especially important in an Executive MBA program. I’m not sure if it’s the same for a full-time MBA, but in an Executive MBA, the admissions committee is not only looking at who you are individually, but also at what you’ll bring to the classroom because so much of the learning happens through your peers.
They need to build a class where people complement one another. I realized that there aren’t many people with my background who work deeply in technology. I could bring a perspective that would be valuable to people from other industries who have never experienced what it’s like to work behind the scenes, building the technology they use every day.
So, the contributions essay wasn’t just about my work. It was also about what I could contribute as a person to the community. That made it the most difficult essay for me. If I remember correctly, that was probably the essay where I had to rewrite the entire draft. I think I ended up scrapping the whole thing and starting over.
Poonam: Exactly. You need to be very specific about how you will enrich the school community. The more specific you are, the more impactful and convincing your essay becomes.
Now let’s talk about your résumé, which I always describe as your first introduction to the Admissions Committee. Would you like to share your thoughts on the MBA résumé we built together?
24:50 – Building an MBA Résumé
Kruthika: Sure. I think the résumé is one of the most interesting parts of the application process, especially when you’re coming from a non-business background and applying to business school.
When I first shared my résumé with you, it was very technology-oriented. It focused almost entirely on my technical accomplishments. I remember wondering how I could present all of that from a business perspective.
Working through the résumé with you helped me reframe my accomplishments in a way that aligned with what MBA admissions committees are looking for. Instead of simply showing that I was a technology professional, the résumé demonstrated the impact I had made from a business perspective.
The entire process helped me think differently about my own experience. As someone who has always been very technology-focused, I learned how to present my background in a way that fit the expectations of an MBA application.
Honestly, if I ever need to update my résumé in the future for any purpose, I’ll definitely apply all the lessons I learned during this process. You taught me how to tailor a résumé for a specific audience, trim unnecessary information, and keep the focus on what matters most for that particular opportunity.
Poonam: Your experience was extensive—15 years of professional experience, awards, publications, and a long list of extracurricular activities. Even your non-work experience was substantial. It was quite a challenge to reduce your original four-page résumé to just two pages while still presenting everything effectively.
Kruthika: It was amazing to see where the résumé ended up.
When we started, it was four pages long. Before that, my husband had been telling me, “Why do you have a six-page résumé? Can’t you shorten it?” So it was fascinating that we were able to bring it down to two pages while still retaining everything important. Every single word mattered.
Some schools, including Stern and Wharton, asked for my résumé before I formally applied. They reviewed it as part of an initial profile assessment.
I also sent the same résumé to a few other schools that were not part of my final list, and all of them responded very positively. I even received an email from Cornell saying they would offer me admission with a scholarship.
That really showed me how much confidence a well-crafted résumé can inspire. I think that speaks volumes about the work we did together.
Poonam: Of course. It was worth the effort. Some of my full-time MBA clients have also told me that the résumé we built together helped them during their job search. They continued using it as the baseline for future updates.
Kruthika: Absolutely. Any résumé I create going forward will be based on this one.
30:06– Balancing an Executive MBA Application with Work & Family
Poonam: Along with your demanding career, you’re also the mother of two young children. How did you manage the Executive MBA application process alongside your work and family responsibilities? And now that school has started, you’re balancing one more major commitment. How are you managing everything?
Kruthika: When I first decided to apply, I didn’t realize how intense the process was going to be. I reached out to you knowing you would help me with the essays and edits, but once we actually started, I quickly realized how much time and effort the application process would require. There were moments when I thought, “I just don’t have enough time.”
I had to become very intentional about prioritizing my schedule. During the evenings and on weekends, I would set aside dedicated time to work on different parts of the application. The questionnaire gave me a structured way to think through my experiences, and your guidance helped me organize everything into a coherent application.
The biggest challenge was identifying the experiences that best represented me and deciding how to present them effectively in the essays. Applying to three schools was also overwhelming at times. Looking back, there were moments when I thought perhaps applying to only two schools might have made the process a little easier. Since we were often working on multiple applications simultaneously, constantly switching between schools required additional effort.
At the same time, work was extremely demanding. I’ve heard people say they could spend an hour or two during the workday on their applications, but my workdays rarely ended at 5:00 p.m., so that wasn’t an option for me.
My children gradually understood what was happening. They would see me sitting in my room, typing documents, attending video meetings with you, and working late into the night.
I’m a very hands-on mother, so stepping away from that responsibility was difficult. Even today, I’m still learning how to balance everything. Ultimately, it’s about prioritization—understanding what you want, deciding how much time you’re willing to invest, and being realistic about what you can and cannot accomplish.
33:20– Managing the Executive Assessment (EA) Alongside Applications
Poonam: You were also preparing for the Executive Assessment twice during the application process, which added even more stress.
Kruthika: I think the hardest part was balancing the Executive Assessment with the application process. I didn’t realize how demanding it would be until I was actually going through it. I remember discussing this with you because I was preparing for the EA while simultaneously working on my applications. You were very supportive and flexible throughout that period.
Preparing for the EA really pushed me beyond my limits. Although I didn’t achieve the score I had hoped for, I felt it was still a workable score. I wasn’t completely confident, so I spoke with you and members of the admissions teams to understand whether it was sufficient or whether I should retake the exam.
I eventually took it a second time. However, there wasn’t enough time to prepare properly between the two attempts. The retake fell around Thanksgiving and Christmas; work was extremely demanding, and there were family commitments as well. Between the two exams, I had about a month, but realistically, I probably studied seriously for only about a week. Even then, I was mainly reviewing the basics. Looking back, if I had to do it all over again, I would probably take the exam once and move on.
The test is only one part of the application. If the rest of your application is strong, it can compensate. Even the admissions committees emphasize that they evaluate applicants holistically. The test score is just one component of the overall application.
Poonam: That’s true. They take a holistic view of the application. Still, I believe the best strategy is to complete the GMAT, GRE, or, in your case, the Executive Assessment before beginning your applications. I always encourage applicants to finish the test first so they can focus entirely on the application process, which is demanding enough on its own.
Kruthika: In my case, I decided quite late that I wanted to apply. I didn’t have the luxury of spending a month or two preparing for the EA, finishing it, and then beginning my applications.
Everything had to happen in parallel. I’m sure there are many applicants like me who decide to apply close to the Round 1 deadlines, and for them, balancing both the test and the applications at the same time becomes unavoidable.
Poonam: Applicants who complete the test before starting their applications probably perform much better on the exam.
Kruthika: Yes, and they also don’t have to worry about the score affecting their confidence during the application process.
Poonam: Exactly. It also helps reduce stress because life happens. During the months we worked together, you became sick twice. Those were unexpected challenges, yet you handled everything remarkably well. It takes a tremendous toll on your physical health, but you navigated it bravely. Now it’s all behind you.
37:40– Non-Work Experience & Strengthening the MBA Application
Poonam: One of the most unique aspects of your profile, which I mentioned several times during the application process, was your creative side—your art studio, stationery design, journaling, and community engagement initiatives. How do you think this non-work side of your personality strengthened your application?
Kruthika: I think every aspect of the application, especially the essays, allowed me to present a different dimension of who I am because of my creative interests.
For me, reflection happens through sketching and journaling. Sometimes I simply sit down with a thought and write. There have been times when I’ve written for hours. It has helped me navigate difficult phases of life, and over the years, creativity has become an integral part of who I am. I enjoy working with other creative people. Right now, I’m even collaborating with a small company in the U.S. to create a custom fountain pen and ink.
Poonam: You mentioned that in one of your essays as well.
Kruthika: Yes. Working through the application process helped me understand who I am and what truly matters to me. I think that naturally came through in my essays because all these different aspects of my life are interconnected.
I was actually rereading some of my essays the other day, and I realized how naturally everything came together. Even now at Wharton, I’ve been helping members of my cohort create infographics, and I think that’s where my creative side has been useful. A lot of students have benefited from it.
I’d also like to organize reflection sessions someday because many of us exercise, go for walks, or run to relax, but creativity can also be a form of meditation and self-reflection. The more you practice it, the more creative and reflective you become, and I believe that ultimately helps you make better decisions. Over time, I’ve learned to let go of certain things because reflection has helped me see life differently. I believe having a creative outlet is valuable, no matter when you begin. Even if someone starts today, it can positively influence many aspects of life.
I just remembered something interesting. During my Stern interview, the interviewer noticed this aspect of my application and mentioned that they also used to enjoy sketching but had gradually stopped. We ended up having a wonderful conversation about creativity and sketching because of that part of my application.
Poonam: I remember you telling me that. At the beginning of the interview, she talked about your non-work interests, and toward the end, she came back to your extracurricular activities, especially sketching.
Kruthika: Yes. I think creativity is a wonderful way to connect with people. Everyone is looking for different ways to relax and reflect. Even at Wharton, where the schedule is extremely demanding, I think activities like sketching can help people relax, be in their own space, and still create something beautiful by the end.
Poonam: I completely agree. Different people reconnect with themselves in different ways. Some through music, some through sports, and others through sketching or journaling. Looking back on your entire application journey, what do you think were the key factors behind your success at all three schools?
43:03– Key Lessons from the Executive MBA Application Journey
Kruthika: I think consistency was the biggest factor—not just during the application process itself, but throughout my professional journey. By the time you decide to pursue an MBA, you’ve already reached a stage in your career where you’re preparing for your next major step. The application process then requires you to consistently reflect on what you truly want to communicate to the admissions committee.
They’re not simply evaluating your accomplishments. They’re trying to understand who you are as a person. One thing I realized very early was that this is not something you can do at the last minute. The moment you begin reading the essay questions, you understand how much reflection is required to produce your best application. You need quiet time to think deeply about your experiences.
I think the process you’ve developed really encourages that reflection. By the end, I understood that every part of the application matters because the schools are evaluating how you’ll fit into their community as a whole person.
Poonam: That’s true. And I think giving yourself enough time is equally important. This isn’t something you can rush. If you want to submit your strongest application, you have to give yourself sufficient time. I think we worked together for about six months.
Kruthika: Yes, about six months from beginning to end, including the time until we received the final results.
45:36– Final Advice for MBA Applicants
Poonam: Throughout those six months, I saw how committed, disciplined, and methodical you were. You always followed my suggestions while also sharing your own ideas and feedback. You were truly the kind of client and mentee every consultant hopes to work with. The only thing that worried me throughout the process was the amount of stress you put yourself under.
Kruthika: I think that’s true. And honestly, I still do.
Poonam: That’s the one message I’d like to leave with applicants. Enjoy the process. Don’t put yourself under excessive stress because, at the end of the day, your health is far more important.
Give yourself enough time. Be methodical, diligent, and consistent. Do everything you can to submit your strongest application, but don’t let stress take over. A little anxiety is natural because it helps keep us focused and disciplined. But excessive stress doesn’t help—whether you’re applying to business school or helping applicants as a consultant.
Kruthika: I’m still trying to follow that advice even today.
The application process, along with preparing for the Executive Assessment, was almost a preview of what life would be like once I started the Executive MBA. I just finished my first midterm last Friday. Until the previous weekend, I was under a lot of pressure because work deadlines, class assignments, readings, and exam preparation were all happening at the same time.
What really helped was slowing down, thinking carefully about my priorities, and deciding what truly needed my attention. In the end, I know I’ll complete the MBA successfully. The challenge is learning how to manage the journey.
This is only my first term, so I’m still figuring out how to balance work, school, family, and everything else. My children are home for the summer, and naturally they want to spend time with me. It’s not just me adjusting to this new life. My entire family is adjusting their routines to support me. I think prioritization is what ultimately helps reduce stress, and I’m still learning that lesson.
Poonam: Of course you will. I’m confident you will.
Kruthika: Finishing my first midterm has given me confidence. I’m beginning to understand how to prioritize better, and I think that will gradually become part of how I approach everything.
Poonam: You have tremendous family support, and you’re incredibly hardworking and committed. After working with you for six months, I can honestly say you’re a perfectionist. I think that desire to give your best in everything is also what creates some of the stress and anxiety. But I’m confident you’ll navigate this journey successfully.
It was wonderful talking with you today. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule. I truly appreciate it. Have a wonderful time at Wharton. I’d love to hear how things are going as you continue the program and when you eventually graduate. Stay in touch, and have a great day.
Kruthika: Thank you, Poonam. It was wonderful sharing this experience with you.
I hope future applicants benefit from hearing about my journey. Working with you was an amazing experience. I learned a lot from you, not only about the application process but also about life—how to prioritize, manage stress, and keep anxiety under control.
I still think about your advice very often as I prepare for school. Sometimes I remind myself to step back and look at things differently. Thank you for being my mentor. I’ll definitely stay in touch and keep updating you on how everything is going.
Poonam: I look forward to hearing from you. It was a pleasure working with you and getting to know you—not only as an outstanding professional, but also as a devoted mother and a wonderful mentee. I truly enjoyed working with you and hope we’ll stay in touch. Bye.
About Poonam Tandon and myEssayReview
Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 15 years of MBA consulting experience and three decades of teaching experience in India and the US. A master storyteller, Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master’s programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.
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Originally published by Poonam Tandon at myEssayReview. This interview describes Kruthika’s own experience; current program requirements may differ.
