Home > Success Story > From Finance to Cambridge Judge: Harleen’s Success Story
HARLEEN
Final Admit
University of Cambridge Judge Business School
From Finance to Cambridge Judge: Harleen’s Success Story
Final Admit
University of Cambridge Judge Business School
GMAT : 710
Background: Finance – Senior Associate at Macquarie Group, FRM Certified
Target Schools: HEC Paris, Cambridge Judge Business School, Georgetown University – McDonough, Cornell Johnson (Interview Invite), Duke Fuqua (Interview Invite)
About Harleen
Harleen Kaur, a seasoned finance professional, began her MBA journey with a solid foundation. As a Senior Associate at Macquarie Group and with prior experience at Moody’s Analytics, she had built deep expertise in investment banking and credit risk. Her profile was further strengthened by her FRM certification and a competitive GMAT score. Yet, Harleen knew that gaining admission to top MBA programs required more than just technical strength—it demanded clarity of purpose, personal storytelling, and strategic application planning.
Why LilacBuds? The Need for Strategic Mentorship
Despite her impressive resume, Harleen recognized early on that navigating the MBA admissions landscape—especially across both US and European schools—was a nuanced process. Each program valued different qualities, and presenting a consistent yet customized narrative was critical. That’s when she chose to partner with LilacBuds, a team known for personalized MBA guidance and an eye for detail. Harleen sought mentors who could not only elevate her story but also challenge her to think deeply about her career goals.
The Winning Strategy
Harleen’s MBA journey with LilacBuds focused on authenticity, alignment, and polish. Together, they worked on:
- Crafting a Cohesive Narrative: Her transition from credit analysis to broader leadership in finance was positioned as a natural progression driven by her desire to lead impactful change in global financial institutions.
- Essay Storyboarding: LilacBuds helped her bring out personal reflections, cultural insights, and her leadership style through structured, iterative essay drafts.
- Tailored Interview Preparation: Harleen practiced with mock interviews, case-based questions, and video essays tailored to each school—especially crucial for Oxford and US-based programs.
- School Strategy & Scholarship Focus: With LilacBuds' help, Harleen carefully selected schools that aligned with her international aspirations and leadership goals while optimizing for scholarships.
The Results: Global MBA Admits
Harleen’s dedication and strategic approach paid off. She received:
- Admits to:
- HEC Paris (with scholarship)
- Cambridge Judge Business School
- Georgetown University (McDonough School of Business)
- Interview Invites from:
- Cornell Johnson
- Duke Fuqua
(Currently waitlisted and awaiting final results)
Harleen's Candidate Feedback on LilacBuds' MBA Consulting
LilacBuds played a pivotal role in my success. Their structured process and deep understanding of what each school looks for helped me refine every part of my application. From the first brainstorming call to the final mock interview, I always felt supported and heard. I couldn’t have asked for a better team on this journey.ilacBuds played a pivotal role in my success. Their structured process and deep understanding of what each school looks for helped me refine every part of my application. From the first brainstorming call to the final mock interview, I always felt supported and heard. I couldn’t have asked for a better team on this journey.