Navigating the path from a successful consulting career to admission at top European MBA programs is a complex, multi-step journey. Siddhesh Razdan transformed his applications by defining precise goals, addressing profile gaps through focused skill-building, crafting compelling essays, and executing a strategic networking plan. His efforts culminated in offers and merit scholarships from both IE Spain and HEC Paris—totaling over €45,000. This case study breaks down the exact process he followed so you can replicate his success.

Clarifying Career Aspirations

Siddhesh began with an impressive résumé: five years at a premier management consulting firm, leadership of multimillion-euro digital transformation initiatives, and cross-industry impact spanning technology, consumer goods, and healthcare. Yet without a clear narrative tying these achievements to future objectives, his goals came across as unfocused. He initially outlined ambitions to make partner by 35, launch a side business, and invest in social enterprises—worthy aspirations but too broad for a targeted MBA candidacy.

Through guided exercises, he honed in on concrete short-term and long-term visions. His short-term objective became securing a post-MBA role at McKinsey, BCG, or Bain to lead digital transformations across European markets. His long-term vision crystallized as transitioning into a C-suite role to drive innovation, then founding a social enterprise focused on improving healthcare access in APAC. This level of specificity immediately elevated his application, demonstrating both ambition and alignment with what top European programs seek.

Identifying and Bridging Profile Gaps

A candid profile audit revealed four key areas needing attention:

• Quantitative Test Preparation: No baseline GMAT or GRE practice tests completed.

• Essay Craftsmanship: Drafts were heavy on consulting jargon and light on personal insight.

• Networking Strategy: Alumni outreach was sporadic and unfocused.

• Résumé Impact: Bullets described tasks rather than strategic outcomes.

To address these, Siddhesh enrolled in two targeted preparatory modules. The first concentrated on consulting case mastery—MECE frameworks, 80/20 analysis, and live mock interviews—to sharpen his analytical thinking and behavioral storytelling. The second focused on communications and narrative development, guiding him through essay bootcamps, voice-and-tone workshops, and iterative peer reviews. By the time applications were due, he had both technical rigor and an authentic, engaging voice.

Crafting Essays That Resonate

Rather than presenting a list of career highlights, Siddhesh’s essays followed a storyteller’s arc—hook, challenge and action, reflection, and future vision.

• Hook with a Vivid Anecdote: He opened with a crisis scenario—salvaging a delayed launch by orchestrating customs clearance and emergency air freight across three countries—immediately showcasing leadership under pressure.

• Detail the Strategic Response: He described rallying cross-functional teams, aligning supplier and legal stakeholders, and implementing process improvements that prevented a €10 million production line shutdown.

• Extract Reflective Insights: He reflected on the importance of clear communication, cultural sensitivity, and decisiveness—lessons that directly informed his long-term goals.

• Project Future Impact: He tied these experiences to his post-MBA ambitions, explaining how an IBEAR education would equip him to lead large-scale digital and social impact projects globally.

Each essay felt both deeply personal and strategically aligned to program values. Admissions readers could clearly see how his background prepared him for specific challenges at IE Spain and HEC Paris.

Strategic Networking for Insider Intelligence

Networking became more than a checkbox; it was a research tool and a way to demonstrate genuine enthusiasm. Siddhesh mapped out 15 alumni from his target programs in consulting, entrepreneurship, and social impact roles. His outreach messages were personalized:

“I read about your capstone project on urban healthcare solutions at IE Spain—could you share how you leveraged program resources to develop that initiative?”

In each call, he asked one question about curriculum strengths and another about career outcomes. These conversations revealed optimal electives, recommended professors, and internship pathways. He then wove these insights into essays and interviews, proving his authentic interest and deeper program knowledge.

Overhauling the Résumé for Maximum Impact

A one-page résumé that aligned directly with Siddhesh’s goals was crucial. Key principles included:

• Action-Result Format: Each bullet began with a strong verb, detailed the strategic context, and quantified the impact.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Examples emphasized collaboration with marketing, finance, and operations to achieve business objectives.

• Global Scope: He highlighted projects that spanned multiple continents, showing his readiness for a global cohort.

Before vs. After Examples

By emphasizing strategic impact rather than technical detail, his résumé told the story of a leader ready for next-level responsibilities.

Preparing for Interviews with Confidence

Siddhesh scheduled multiple mock interviews to refine both fit and case responses. Behavioral practice focused on STAR-structured stories that illustrated leadership, teamwork, and adaptability. For technical cases, he practiced translating complex consulting frameworks into layman’s terms—an essential skill when interacting with diverse interview panels. He also honed his personal pitch for questions like “Why IE Spain?” and “Why HEC Paris?”, referencing specific program attributes such as global residencies, entrepreneurship centers, and alumni networks.

Building Resilience Through Setbacks

Early rejections from two schools tested Siddhesh’s resolve. Instead of losing momentum, he:

• Conducted root-cause analyses of feedback.

• Made rapid adjustments to essay hooks and résumé bullets.

• Implemented a weekly “wins journal” to celebrate incremental progress.

Adopting the mantra “Rejections are redirections” kept his focus on continuous improvement. This mindset shift played a decisive role in his subsequent admits.

Offers, Scholarships, and Final Decision

The culmination of disciplined preparation and strategic storytelling yielded:

Total awards exceeded €45,000, significantly reducing financial barriers. Siddhesh ultimately chose IE Spain for its strong entrepreneurial ecosystem and connections to European consulting firms—aligning perfectly with his short-term consulting fellowship goal and long-term social enterprise vision.

Lessons for Aspiring Applicants

Siddhesh’s journey offers a clear roadmap for consultants and other professionals:

• Define Specific Goals: Tie your post-MBA plans to target firms, functions, and geographic regions.

• Close Profile Gaps: Use focused modules for test readiness, communication, and networking.

• Tell a Cohesive Story: Structure essays with hooks, reflective insights, and future-oriented bridges.

• Network with Purpose: Engage alumni in roles you aspire to, then integrate their advice into your applications.

• Revamp Your Résumé: Lead with measurable outcomes and leadership narratives.

• Cultivate a Growth Mindset: View rejections as feedback—and iterate rapidly.

By following this structured, multi-phase approach, you can convert consulting experience into a compelling MBA candidacy that resonates with top European programs.

Ready to chart your own path from consulting to a top European MBA? Contact Us for expert coaching, tailored feedback, and the strategic framework you need to secure admits and scholarships.