Home > Success Story > From Engineering to Global Business: Devansh’s MBA Journey
Devansh
Final Admit
IESE Business School
From Engineering to Global Business: Devansh’s MBA Journey
Final Admit
IESE Business School
GMAT FE : 680
Background: Industrial Engineering → Global Operations & Strategy
Target Schools: Kenan-Flagler Business School, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), IESE Business School
About Devansh
Devansh’s MBA journey was anything but conventional. With a background spanning engineering, business analytics, and media consulting, he brought a rare blend of analytical sharpness and creative problem-solving. Yet, he carried lingering doubts—his GMAT Focus Edition score of 680 and a modest GPA made him question his competitiveness at top global B-schools.
But Devansh had clarity of purpose. He aspired to transition into strategic leadership roles that married data insights with global innovation. He wanted more than just a degree—he wanted international exposure, access to new industries, and a strong peer network that would fuel personal and professional growth. With a firm resolve not to compromise on quality, Devansh went all in.
Why LilacBuds? The Need for Strategic Mentorship
Devansh turned to LilacBuds seeking a team that could see beyond GMAT scores and help articulate his true potential. What he found was more than just application support—it was a structured framework for introspection, storytelling, and strategic clarity.
LilacBuds helped him confront his doubts and transform his diverse background into a powerful differentiator. From leading media campaigns to developing data tools for internal teams, each experience was reframed to showcase leadership, initiative, and global business readiness. With LilacBuds’ mentorship, Devansh’s profile evolved into a compelling narrative aligned with his post-MBA vision.
The Winning Strategy
With the LilacBuds team, Devansh embraced a structured yet flexible approach to his MBA applications:
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Narrative Development:
Rather than hiding perceived weaknesses—like his GMAT Focus Edition score—Devansh was guided to transform them into strengths by showcasing professional impact, adaptability, and personal growth. -
School Fit & Selection:
He applied to programs that aligned with his unique profile and career goals, not just prestige. The final list spanned the U.S., Europe, and Asia, maximizing global exposure and acceptance odds. -
Essay Crafting & Refinement:
Through focused one-on-one sessions, he developed deeply personal essays that aligned with each school’s ethos—reflecting clarity of thought, ambition, and authenticity. -
Interview Preparation:
Targeted mock interviews and actionable feedback helped Devansh evolve from hesitant to confident, equipping him to articulate his story and aspirations with conviction. -
Platform Support:
LilacBuds’ tech-enabled platform provided centralized resources, tracked deadlines, and brought structure to every stage of the process—making the entire journey more streamlined and stress-free.
The Result:
Despite an unconventional profile and a sub-650 GMAT Focus Edition score, Devansh’s results spoke volumes about the strength of his application strategy:
- Admits from:
- IESE Business School (Final Choice)
- University of North Carolina – Kenan-Flagler Business School
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore – with scholarship
- Waitlisted at:
- Georgetown McDonough
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management
Devansh also applied to USC Marshall, driven by his interest in tech and media-centric programs on the U.S. West Coast.
In the end, he chose IESE—a top European MBA program that aligned perfectly with his global ambitions, leadership goals, and vision for cross-cultural impact. For Devansh, this admit wasn’t just about a school—it was about stepping confidently into a future he once doubted was within reach.
Devansh's Feedback on LilacBuds' MBA Consulting
Before LilacBuds, I wasn’t sure if my story had a place in a top MBA classroom. With a low GMAT and a non-linear path, I felt like an outsider. But the LilacBuds team changed everything. They didn’t just edit essays—they helped me find my voice, refine my goals, and apply with clarity and confidence. The tech platform kept the process streamlined, and the mentorship helped me believe in my potential. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this journey.