Home > Success Story > From Engineering to Integration Leadership: Niharika’s MBA Journey to Kellogg
Niharika
Final Admit
Kellogg School of Management
From Engineering to Integration Leadership: Niharika’s MBA Journey to Kellogg
Final Admit
Kellogg School of Management
GMAT FE : 690
Background: Engineering → Integration Lead at Wonder Lab India
Target Schools: Kellogg School of Management, INSEAD (Waitlisted)
About Niharika
Niharika, an accomplished Integration Lead at Wonder Lab India, brought over 12 years of diverse professional experience to the table—yet found herself questioning whether she “fit the mold” for top global MBA programs. With the average MBA applicant often falling in the 4–7 years of experience range, she wasn’t sure how business schools would perceive her candidacy.
However, her aspiration was clear: to pursue a globally recognized one-year MBA that would elevate her into a strategic leadership role with international exposure. With a laser focus on Kellogg’s one-year MBA at Northwestern University and INSEAD, she knew the stakes were high and that she needed to tell her story with purpose, clarity, and conviction.
Why LilacBuds? The Need for Strategic Mentorship
Niharika’s doubts began to fade when she partnered with LilacBuds, where she found the structured mentorship and strategic support she had been searching for. She worked closely with mentors Priyash and Engineer, whose empathetic yet focused guidance helped her recognize the strength of her narrative.
The LilacBuds team didn’t just give her edits—they helped her believe in her story. Their consistent support, bolstered by a tech-enabled platform for scheduling and file sharing, allowed Niharika to focus on refining her application—not juggling logistics.
The Winning Strategy
Niharika’s application journey was marked by a thoughtful, multi-step strategy:
-
Reframing Experience as an Asset:
Rather than shying away from her 12 years of experience, LilacBuds helped position it as a source of maturity, global exposure, and leadership readiness. -
Structured Essay Storytelling:
Using a clear framework—Challenge, Action, Learning, Result—her essays became engaging narratives that not only highlighted achievements but also the lessons and transformations behind them. -
School-Specific Customization:
Each application was tailored. For Kellogg, she leaned into her collaborative leadership style and agility. For INSEAD, she emphasized international adaptability and interpersonal nuance—understanding the unique DNA of each program. -
Video Essay Mastery:
Kellogg’s timed video essays were a challenge. LilacBuds equipped her with tools to practice real-time responses, build on-the-spot clarity, and express confidence virtually. -
Mock Interviews & Confidence Coaching:
With LilacBuds, she rehearsed both virtual and in-person interviews—crucial for INSEAD’s high-touch interaction style and Kellogg’s digitally driven format. -
Platform-Enabled Efficiency:
The LilacBuds platform helped streamline her journey—centralizing communications, managing timelines, and offering one-click access to files and progress trackers.
The Result:
Niharika’s commitment, paired with LilacBuds’ expert strategy, paid off:
- Admit to:
- Kellogg School of Management – One-Year MBA Program (Final Choice)
- Waitlisted at:
- INSEAD Global MBA Program
She is now in the visa process for Kellogg and preparing to join the Class of 2026—bringing a decade of rich industry experience into a classroom filled with global talent and future leaders.
Srihitha's Feedback on LilacBuds' MBA Consulting
As someone with 12 years of work experience, I wasn’t sure I even belonged in the MBA applicant pool. But LilacBuds helped me see my story through a different lens—turning what I thought was a barrier into my biggest strength. Their structured essay guidance, school-specific strategies, and incredibly intuitive platform made the entire process manageable and empowering. For experienced professionals who doubt their fit—don’t. With the right guidance, your story can truly shine.