In this conversation, Kate van Keulen shares her journey from working in insurance and tech to pursuing an MBA at USC Marshall School of Business. She discusses her unique background in cyber security program management at One Medical, her decision to apply to business school despite skepticism from colleagues in San Francisco's tech scene, and her strategic approach to the application process.

Kate provides valuable insights into essay writing, focusing on showing who you are as a person rather than just listing accomplishments. She also shares her experience with scholarship negotiations, successfully doubling her initial award from $25,000 to $50,000 per year by using a competing offer from Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business. The conversation covers her first semester experience at USC Marshall and her reflections on the value of the MBA program, particularly the collaborative culture and networking opportunities.

(0:00) Introduction to Kate van Keulen

(2:05) Growing Up in Northern California

(3:40) Career in Cyber Security Program Management

(7:00) Decision to Pursue an MBA

(10:05) San Francisco Tech Skepticism About MBAs

(17:15) Research and School Selection Process

(20:45) GMAT Journey and Three-Time Test Taker

(27:05) Essay Writing Strategy and Approach

(32:00) Interview Process and Scheduling Tips

(37:45) Balancing MBA Applications with Relationships

(44:30) Scholarship Negotiation Success Story

(57:00) First Semester Experience at USC Marshall

(1:02:05) Advice for Future MBA Applicants