Many MBA applicants see business school as a chance to pivot—to shift industries, roles, or even entire careers. But how realistic is your pivot story, and how can you make it resonate with admissions committees and recruiters?

In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined by Pamela Jaffe and Laura Nelson, founders of MBA Pathfinders, who have over 30 years of combined experience guiding applicants through successful career transitions. Together, they break down the realities of the modern job market, why the MBA remains a powerful bridge for change, and how to craft an application that's authentic, credible, and ready for the career you want.

If you're planning to use business school as a launchpad for change, this conversation will help you map your bridge from where you are to where you want to be.

About MBA Pathfinders: https://www.mbapathfinders.com

Pamela Jaffe has helped hundreds of applicants achieve entry into the top U.S. and European business schools. Pamela began her MBA consulting career in 2010 as a part-time consultant at mbaMission while concurrently working full-time as an internal strategist for companies including IBM, MetLife, Weight Watchers, Pfizer, and Dow Jones. She found her passion as a coach and an advisor; in 2019, she left corporate America to launch The Jaffe Advantage. Pamela leverages her MBA admissions consulting experience with her global business knowledge to advise her clients in the pursuit of their ideal MBA educational experience. She has lived and worked in both Paris and Singapore, focusing on the Asian, Middle Eastern and European markets. Pamela currently resides in New York City, but continues to travel extensively for work and fun. She holds a BA from Smith College and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Laura Nelson has served as a Senior Consultant with mbaMission, Stacy Blackman Consulting, and as the founder of LE Nelson Consulting to help hundreds of candidates earn admissions to top MBA programs. Laura's industry experience includes entertainment, media & publishing, and tech, with established companies and startup organizations. Most recently, she served as VP of Marketing with a SaaS startup. Laura's non-traditional career path and MBA admissions consulting experience enables her to help clients from less traditional backgrounds gain credibility with top programs, while helping those with traditional career paths stand out. Laura lived and worked in California for a decade prior to relocating to Colorado. She holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and earned an MBA from University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.

Takeaways:

• Many MBA applicants seek to pivot their careers through business school.
• The MBA application process is crucial for defining career goals.
• Common pivots include banking, consulting, tech, and entrepreneurship.
• Misconceptions exist about the ease of career changes with an MBA.
• Candidates must demonstrate realistic and evidence-based career goals.
• Networking and experiential learning are vital for successful pivots.
• The recruiting cycle is urgent; preparation should start early.
• Candidates should avoid vague or trendy goals in their applications.
• Building a compelling narrative is essential for admissions success.
• Researching and validating career goals can lead to more authentic applications.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Career Pivots and the MBA Journey 02:51 Common Career Pivots for MBA Applicants 05:44 The Power of an MBA for Career Changes 08:48 The MBA Application as a Career Exploration Tool 11:53 Evaluating Realistic Career Pivots 14:01 Navigating the MBA Recruiting Cycle 17:19 Advice for Uncertain Career Paths 19:28 Crafting a Compelling Career Pivot Story 20:14 Understanding the MBA as a Bridge 22:07 Connecting Past Experiences to Future Goals 23:11 Real-Life Career Pivot Examples 26:24 Common Mistakes in Career Pivots 28:19 Building Credibility in Applications 29:28 Strategies for Non-Traditional Candidates 31:30 Advice for MBA Candidates Considering a Pivot 32:22 Leveraging Advisors for Application Success

"When you approach EA prep the right way, you're not just studying for a test—you're training your brain for your business career."

GMAC Zach continues his EA exam prep journey with expert coach Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep.

Zach shares his early research into Executive MBA programs close to home in Washington, DC — from Georgetown McDonough to UVA Darden — and reflects on how to find the right academic fit without sacrificing career goals or personal passions. Together, Zach and Stacey discuss how to balance work, study, and life commitments, including how to have the "EMBA conversation" with your employer and what to expect from global residencies and weekend programs.

Then, the conversation shifts back to EA prep. Zach opens up about surprising progress in Quant, growing concerns about Verbal, and how to balance study time across all three sections. Stacey offers practical advice on managing test anxiety, understanding "word problems" in GMAC terms, and making math feel less like memorization and more like real-world reasoning.

Whether you're considering an Executive MBA or deep in your own EA prep, this episode offers a candid look at how to plan smartly, study effectively, and stay grounded in your goals!

Follow along each week as Zach shares his progress, pitfalls, and small wins on the road to exam day and his dream career.

About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student.

Helpful links:

Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register

Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare

GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources

Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 02:00 Exploring EMBA Program Options 04:27 Navigating Employer Conversations 07:22 Researching Schools and Networking 09:36 Balancing Commitments and Passion Projects 11:41 Preparation Strategies for the Exam 14:12 Understanding the Verbal Section 17:02 Tackling Word Problems in Math 19:22 Building a Strong Math Foundation 21:40 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Do you know how to tell your story authentically, not artificially?

GMAC Zach and Susan Berishaj, founder of Sia Admissions, discuss the evolving role of AI in MBA admissions and the importance of authentic storytelling. They explore common misconceptions about the admissions process, the risks of over-reliance on AI, and the significance of introspection in crafting a compelling application. Susan shares her journey in founding Sia Admissions and emphasizes the need for applicants to find their unique voice and story, while also providing practical advice on how to navigate the application process effectively.

Resources:

Learn About Sia Admissions/Book a Consultation: https://www.siaadmissions.com/mba-admissions-consulting

Free Written Profile Evaluation: https://sia-admissions-mba-profile-evaluation.paperform.co/

Sia Admissions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@siaadmissions

About Our Guest:

Susan Berishaj is the founder of Sia Admissions, a boutique MBA admissions firm trusted by high-performing professionals across consulting, finance, tech, and healthcare. Known for her strategic, psychology-informed approach, Susan helps applicants translate complex career paths into powerful, purpose-driven MBA narratives. Her clients span top global firms and industries, with admissions to every M7 and Top 20 program. Susan's process is rigorous, insight-driven, and built to position candidates as the kind of leaders business schools compete to admit.

Takeaways:

• AI can assist in polishing applications but cannot replace authenticity.
• Admissions teams look for fit, resilience, and a clear vision beyond just grades.
• Introspection is crucial for applicants to understand their unique stories.
• AI should be used as a tool, not a crutch for critical thinking.
• An application must convey the applicant's soul and personal journey.
• Every applicant has a place in a business school that fits their goals.
• Childhood experiences can inform and enrich an MBA application.
• The 'why' behind pursuing an MBA is essential for a compelling narrative.
• Balancing authenticity with polish is key to effective storytelling in applications.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AI in MBA Admissions 02:25 Susan's Journey and the Birth of SIA Admissions 07:03 Misconceptions in the Admissions Process 08:58 Authenticity in Applications 11:52 The Role of AI in Applications 15:27 What Gives an Application Its Soul? 22:13 Using AI Responsibly in the Application Process 23:48 The Power of Introspection in MBA Applications 30:56 Defining Your Goals and Authentic Story 39:38 Crafting Your Narrative: Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism 42:21 Bringing Authenticity Beyond Essays: Interviews and Recommendations

Can you get a good EA score after one week of prep? It turns out you can!

In the first week of his Executive Assessment journey, GMAC Zach finally puts his skills to the test — literally. After taking both the EA Question Sampler and his very first full-length practice exam, he sits down with test-prep legend Stacey Koprince of Manhattan Prep to unpack every result.

Together, they dig into what went right (and wrong) across Integrated Reasoning, Verbal, and Quant — including Zach's surprise 150 score and how close that is to being competitive for top programs. Stacey breaks down how to analyze mistakes, manage timing, and prioritize what to study next, while Zach learns that careless errors can be as valuable as correct answers.

Follow along each week as Zach shares his progress, pitfalls, and small wins on the road to exam day and his dream career.

About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student.

Helpful links:

Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register

Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare

GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources

Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Initial Impressions 00:54 EA Question Sampler Results 13:41 EA Practice Exam Results 23:34 Next Steps: Review Answers & Research Programs

GMAC Zach speaks with Keith Gallinelli and Emily Whitehouse from the Yale School of Management about Yale's MBA for Executives program. Together, they share what sets their EMBA apart, from its integrated core curriculum taught through an executive lens to the way students immediately apply new skills to their careers.

Keith and Emily also break down who the EMBA is designed for, how it differs from a traditional full-time MBA, and the value it brings to busy professionals aiming for senior leadership. They also offer insider advice on building a strong application, balancing work and personal commitments, and why Yale requires a test like the Executive Assessment (EA) as part of the admissions process.

Whether you're just starting to explore executive programs or considering the next big step in your career, this episode gives you the playbook for navigating the EMBA journey with confidence!

Featured Resources:

• Yale's EMBA Pre-Assessment
• About the Yale EMBA
• Take the EA exam

About Our Guests:

Keith Gallinelli is the Director of Admissions for the MBA for Executives program at the Yale School of Management. He leads a dedicated admissions team responsible for recruiting, selecting, and enrolling students for the program. He is responsible for developing and coordinating marketing and recruitment strategies to promote the EMBA program and its associated fellowships, including the Pozen-Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Health Equity Leadership. Prior to his role at Yale, Keith served as the Director of International Admissions at Sacred Heart University for 8 years, working and traveling extensively in countries around the globe. He lived in Asia for over 13 years working as a teacher and administrator at several schools in China and South Korea and is fluent in Chinese. He was also a TV talk show host for 7 years in China. He holds an MBA and a MS in Geology from Boston College. 

Emily Whitehouse currently serves as Associate Director of Admissions for the MBA for Executives program at the Yale School of Management. In her role, she leads recruitment and outreach strategy and oversees the Student Ambassadors program. She has worked at the Yale School of Management for 8 years, beginning with Full-Time MBA Admissions in 2017 and was instrumental in the launch of the Masters in Asset Management program in 2019, where she served as Associate Director of Admissions before joining EMBA. Emily holds a Masters in Higher Education Administration. A lifelong Connecticut resident, she resides in Wallingford, CT with her husband, Andrew, their 18-month old son, and Schnauzer-Yorkie named Bowie.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Yale EMBA Program 01:08 Roles and Responsibilities in Admissions 04:48 Understanding the EMBA Structure 07:35 Differences Between EMBA and Full-Time MBA 09:38 Value of the EMBA for Established Professionals 11:06 Evaluating Mid-Career Candidates 14:16 Crafting a Thoughtful Application 16:56 Qualities That Stand Out in Applications 19:36 Common Application Pitfalls 21:43 The Role of Standardized Tests 24:19 Preparing for the Executive Assessment 30:07 Next Steps for Interested Candidates

Now for something completely different!

GMAC Zach is putting himself in the hot seat. In this kickoff episode, he sits down with Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep to talk about his own career goals, and whether a full-time, part-time, or executive MBA could be the right next step. Zach opens up about the leadership skills he wants to strengthen beyond his graduate marketing degree, while Stacey shares expert advice on choosing between programs, the ROI of grad school, and how to balance education with a full-time career.

They also dive into what makes the Executive Assessment (EA) unique, how Zach will prepare, and the study strategies he'll put to the test.

If you are at your own career crossroads, this is a journey you do not want to miss!

Follow along each week as Zach shares his progress, pitfalls, and small wins on the road to exam day and his dream career.

About Stacey: Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student.

Helpful links:

Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register

Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare

GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources

Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep

Chapters:

00:00 Navigating Career Crossroads 02:29 Exploring Graduate Education Options 05:10 Understanding MBA vs Executive MBA 07:34 Balancing Work and Education 09:59 Researching Schools and Programs 12:49 Preparing for Admission Tests 14:09 Assessing Readiness for Graduate Studies 16:21 Study Strategies and Resources 19:00 Leveraging Insider Knowledge 20:59 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach and guest Ellin Lolis from Ellin Lolis Consulting discuss the significance of crafting a career-defining narrative for MBA applicants. They explore how storytelling can enhance clarity and connection in applications, the evaluation criteria used by admissions committees, and methodologies for developing a compelling narrative. Ellin emphasizes the importance of personal branding, the strategic use of stories across multiple essays, and how to address setbacks in a way that showcases resilience. The conversation concludes with insights on evolving one's career narrative post-MBA and practical advice for prospective applicants.

Links:

Ellin Lolis Consulting: https://ellinlolis.com/ (Recently rated #1 MBA Consultant on Poets & Quants)

My Admit Coach: https://myadmitcoach.com/

Take the GMAT: gmat.com/register

Takeaways:

• Storytelling is essential for building connections.
• A clear career narrative enhances self-advocacy.
• Admissions committees prioritize clarity and passion.
• Your narrative should align with your career goals.
• Personal branding adds depth to your application.
• Use a few strong stories across multiple essays.
• Address failures strategically in your narrative.
• Your career narrative should evolve over time.
• Diversity in experiences enriches the MBA class.
• A well-structured timeline is crucial for application success.

Chapters:

00:00 The Importance of a Career Defining Narrative 02:12 Storytelling and Communication Skills 06:08 Crafting Your Narrative for Business School 12:16 Methodology for Developing Your Narrative 15:11 Navigating Early Career Applications 16:28 Customizing Essays for Business School Applications 19:34 Addressing Setbacks and Resume Gaps 23:42 Dynamic Career Narratives Post-MBA 25:54 Updating Your Career Narrative Over Time 28:17 Final Thoughts on MBA Applications

Application and test prep season can feel overwhelming with deadlines, essays, recommendations, and GMAT prep all colliding at once. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Alexis Meares, Manager of New Product Development at GMAC, to unpack what a realistic business school application plan looks like. Together, they explore why "perfect plans" often unravel, the role of flexibility in staying on track, and how to avoid burnout during peak season.

Alexis also introduces Advancery, GMAC's new step-by-step planning tool designed to help candidates balance test prep, applications, and personal commitments with clarity and confidence. It allows users to search and review programs, break up big tasks into manageable milestones and checklists, and support the application process with coaching and prep resources.

🎧 Exclusive for listeners: Enjoy 50% off a 3-month Advancery subscription with promo code Podcast50 at advanceary.gmac.com.

Whether you're just starting to map out your journey or already knee-deep in essays, you'll walk away with tools and strategies to reduce stress, reset your priorities, and move forward with confidence.

Chapters:

00:00 Advancery Promo - 50% Off! 00:51 Introduction to Alexis & Advancery 01:51 What Does an Ideal Plan Look Like? 04:14 Navigating Realities of Application Planning 07:14 Using Advancery to Stay Grounded 08:41 Strategies for Managing Application Overwhelm 13:00 Maintaining Balance and Self-Care 14:27 How to Get Back on Track 16:26 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

"Sometimes with more choice comes more anxiety. And the decision of which exam to take ends up being part of the process that can be complicated and painful."

Deciding which exam to take can be tough - but it doesn't have to be!

In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined by Charles Bibilos, founder of GMAT Ninja, to discuss the complexities of choosing between the GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA) for MBA admissions. They explore the unique features of each test, the psychological aspects of test-taking, common myths surrounding standardized tests, and effective preparation strategies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses in relation to the tests, as well as the need for a balanced approach to studying and mental well-being.

Links:

GMAT Ninja: https://gmatninja.com/

Straight Talk with GMAC on YouTube

Take the GMAT: gmat.com/register

Takeaways:

• Choosing the right test can be a source of anxiety for MBA applicants.
• The GMAT, GRE, and EA each serve different purposes and audiences.
• Understanding the structure and content differences is crucial for test-takers.
• Test anxiety can significantly impact performance; managing it is essential.
• Many myths about standardized tests can lead to unnecessary stress.
• The GRE is a general admissions test, while the GMAT and EA are tailored for MBA programs.
• Preparation should include physical and mental well-being for optimal performance.
• Cramming is ineffective; consistent study is key to success.
• Understanding the reasoning behind questions is more important than memorizing formulas.
• Test-takers should focus on their individual strengths when choosing a test.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Standardized Testing Choices 05:03 Choosing the Right Test for Your Goals 07:25 Exploring the Options: GMAT, EA, and GRE 12:06 Content Differences Between GMAT and GRE 18:51 GMAT's Data Insights Section 23:55 The Best Test for Each Type of Student 27:21 EA vs GRE, GMAT 30:21 Improving Your Quant Skills 35:15 Each Exam's Major Myths 42:03 Most Underrated Prep Tip

"The most important thing is to not give up and to believe that it's possible."

What does it take to turn setbacks into success? In this episode, GMAC Zach sits down with recent GMAT test taker Ana Marie Dias, who shares her candid journey from underestimating the exam to earning a competitive score of 685 that opened doors to her dream program in Munich, Germany.

Ana Dias, originally from Portugal, earned her bachelor's degree in Economics at the University of Coimbra. For the past three years, she has been working in finance in Germany, where she is now preparing to pursue a master's degree.

Ana reveals how she went from rushed, unstructured prep and disappointing early scores to finally cracking the GMAT on her fourth attempt thanks to a structured plan, consistent effort, and the unwavering support of her community. Along the way, she learned surprising lessons about herself and realizing the importance of mastering the basics (especially in quant).

Ana's story is proof that the GMAT isn't just about intelligence. It's about resilience, persistence, and finding the strategy that works for you!

Official GMAT Prep: mba.com/prep

Take the GMAT: mba.com/gmat

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Ana's GMAT Journey 00:48 Motivation for Pursuing a Business Master's Degree 01:32 Deciding to Take the GMAT 02:24 Initial Study Strategies and Challenges 03:58 The Second GMAT Attempt 05:03 Reassessing Goals and Study Plans 05:54 Structured Preparation and Resources 07:28 Overcoming Setbacks and Learning from Mistakes 08:39 Third Attempt and Realizations 09:01 The Fourth Attempt and Support System 11:57 Reflection on the Journey and Future Goals 15:33 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Test Takers