unil Viswanathan began his MBA journey as a seasoned IT professional at Infosys, contributing to mission‑critical projects on three continents. He excelled at designing test frameworks, automating workflows, and ensuring system reliability for global clients. Yet when he set out to apply to business school, he faced a familiar challenge: how to translate deep technical skill into a compelling consulting narrative. By focusing on a pivotal post‑merger integration in CPG, refining his goals, and meticulously preparing every application and interview, Sunil earned an unprecedented 6 interview invites and 6 admits—to Rotman, Boston Carroll, Purdue Krannert, UIUC, Thunderbird, and Maryland Smith. His “666 MBA Star” story is a masterclass in clarity, strategy, and relentless preparation.
Building the Narrative: From IT Specialist to CPG Consultant
Sunil’s initial goal was straightforward: pivot into IT management consulting. While logical given his technical background, that framing alone lacked the storytelling depth admissions committees seek. Through a series of deep‑dive workshops, we uncovered Sunil’s defining moment: leading a cross‑functional team during a post‑merger integration of two consumer packaged goods companies. Faced with harmonizing disparate ERP systems, negotiating vendor contracts, and aligning cost‑structures, Sunil realized his passion for organizational transformation. This project became the cornerstone of his narrative:
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It showcased his ability to blend technical expertise with strategic decision‑making.
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It demonstrated real‑world experience in vendor negotiations and cost optimization.
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It revealed his interest in CPG consulting, a niche he could credibly pursue post‑MBA.
By anchoring his story in that high‑stakes integration, Sunil reframed himself not merely as an IT specialist, but as a future consultant equipped to solve complex business challenges in the CPG sector.
The 666 Success: Mastering Applications and Interviews
Sunil’s “666” achievement—6 applications, 6 interview invites, and 6 admits—was no accident. Each application was painstakingly tailored to the school’s strengths and his CPG consulting goals:
Rotman
He highlighted Rotman’s integrative thinking framework and Management Consulting Association, explaining how he would leverage case competitions to deepen his strategic toolkit.
Boston Carroll
His essays underscored Boston Carroll’s collaborative culture and strong ties to the local consulting ecosystem, positioning him as an active contributor to club events and consulting treks.
Purdue Krannert
He connected Krannert’s emphasis on operations and strategy to his post‑merger integration experience, illustrating a seamless fit between his background and the curriculum.
UIUC
He emphasized his global project work at Infosys and the university’s international student body, underscoring his readiness for UIUC’s diverse cohort and global consulting projects.
Thunderbird
He drew on Thunderbird’s reputation for global leadership and cross‑cultural management, reflecting on his work across India, Europe, and North America.
Maryland Smith
He spoke to Maryland Smith’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and the opportunity to advise major consulting firms on government and CPG engagements.
For each school, we crafted essays that tied his CPG integration story to specific center initiatives, electives, and alumni networks. Mock interviews—six in total—focused on behavioral questions rooted in his integration project, case studies on cost‑reduction in merged entities, and “Why this program?” pitches that demonstrated genuine fit.
The 777 Transformation: Continuing the Momentum
Acceptance letters arrived in rapid succession, but Sunil’s journey didn’t end with his MBA admits. Early in his first year at Rotman, he reached out again: “I’ve landed an interview with a top consulting firm—could we prepare?” We conducted three mock case interviews and behavioral drills. He aced that process as well, earning him yet another career milestone. His evolution from “666 MBA Star” to “777 Career Success” underscores that the right support continues to pay dividends long after admission decisions.
Key Lessons from Sunil’s Story
Clarity of Narrative Matters
Anchor your application in a real‑world project that bridges your past skills with future goals.
Tailored Applications Win
Customize each school’s essay and interview prep to its unique strengths, centers, and alumni networks.
Preparation Is Relentless
Sunil’s perfect record stemmed from six rounds of mock interviews, essay iterations, and one‑on‑one coaching.
Career Pivots Are Assets
Highlight transferable skills—analytical rigor, negotiation prowess, cross‑functional leadership—to show readiness for consulting.
Growth Doesn’t Stop at Admit
Even after securing six admits, Sunil continued to leverage coaching to excel in his first post‑MBA interview.
Sunil Viswanathan’s “666 MBA Star” journey proves that with a focused narrative, strategic school selection, and rigorous preparation, IT professionals can crack the toughest MBA programs and launch fulfilling consulting careers. Ready to write your own success story? Contact Us to begin your transformation with the Global MBA Accelerator
