Home > Success Story > From Engineering to Oxford MBA: Jaswant’s MBA Journey
Jaswant
Final Admit
University of Oxford – Saïd Business School
From Engineering to Oxford MBA: Jaswant’s MBA Journey
Final Admit
University of Oxford – Saïd Business School
GMAT FE : 710
Background: Engineering → Business Analytics → Media Consulting
Target Schools: Oxford said, Michigan Ross, Cambridge Judge, NUS, ISB, USC Marshall
About Jaswant
Jaswant, a manufacturing engineer by training, began his professional career in the automotive and plastic packaging sectors. With over seven years of experience, he transitioned into more strategic roles across operations, business analytics, and supply chain management. His path eventually led him into media consulting—an unconventional yet enriching move that added depth to his business exposure.
But Jaswant always had his eyes set on something bigger: a global MBA that would equip him with cross-functional leadership skills and allow him to play a more impactful role in the global supply chain and strategy domain. After juggling professional responsibilities and personal commitments, and preparing for the GMAT across three attempts, he achieved a score of 710 (Classic) and began his MBA application journey.
Why LilacBuds? The Need for Strategic Mentorship
For Jaswant, the MBA journey wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was a personal test of resilience. Balancing work commitments, GMAT preparation, and supporting his partner through a demanding international medical licensing process meant that time and clarity were in short supply. He quickly realized that navigating the complexities of MBA applications required more than solo effort.
That’s when he turned to LilacBuds. Known for their structured yet empathetic approach, the team provided Jaswant with more than just application guidance—they offered a partnership. LilacBuds helped him reframe his resume, sharpen his narrative, and dive deep into introspection to articulate what truly mattered to him—both personally and professionally. Their strategic mentorship gave him the tools and confidence to present a compelling, authentic MBA application.
The Winning Strategy
Jaswant’s MBA journey was anything but linear—it was a rollercoaster of learning, recalibrating, and rebuilding after early rejections. With LilacBuds, he implemented a multi-layered, strategic approach:
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Narrative Clarity:
The team helped Jaswant anchor his application around his diverse career transitions—from engineering to analytics to media consulting—highlighting adaptability, a learning mindset, and cross-industry impact. -
Tailored Essays:
Jaswant’s initial essay drafts lacked focus. LilacBuds’ iterative reviews helped him respond directly to each school’s prompt, answering “Why MBA?”, “Why now?”, and “Why this school?” with both clarity and authenticity. -
Resume Rebuild:
With limited experience in professional resume writing, Jaswant relied on LilacBuds’ structured feedback to convert his long-form accomplishments into sharp, results-driven bullet points. -
School Selection with Context:
Rather than chasing rankings, Jaswant—guided by LilacBuds—chose programs that aligned with both his goals and his partner’s career trajectory (e.g., Oxford’s location supporting her medical licensing path). -
Mental Coaching:
LilacBuds provided crucial mindset support—helping Jaswant stay motivated after setbacks, manage expectations, and prepare for every outcome with intention and resilience.
The Result:
Despite early setbacks with rejections from Michigan Ross, Cambridge Judge, and NUS, Jaswant held his ground.
- Admitted to Oxford University – Said Business School
This admit not only represented a breakthrough but was also a perfect match for his career and personal aspirations—offering global exposure, strong supply chain and strategy networks, and alignment with long-term plans.
Jaswant's Feedback on LilacBuds' MBA Consulting
The MBA application journey can be mentally and emotionally draining. I can’t thank LilacBuds enough for walking every step of this road with me. Their mentorship helped me understand my own story in ways I hadn’t before. From essay ideation to interview prep and dealing with rejections, the support was unwavering. Getting into Oxford wasn’t just about the admit—it was about becoming a more self-aware, confident version of myself.