In this conversation, Bethany Rolan, HBS '22, shares her journey from McKinsey to Harvard Business School and back to the firm in a specialized role. She discusses her pre-MBA background working at McKinsey for three years, including an internal rotation with their global social responsibility group, and her decision to pursue an MBA with company sponsorship.

Bethany provides detailed insights into her application strategy, including taking the GMAT during her final semester of undergrad, crafting her narrative around data analytics and mission-driven leadership, and managing feedback from multiple reviewers. She also covers her experience choosing between business schools during the early COVID period and highlights from her HBS experience, including a transformative service operations class that shaped her career focus. The conversation concludes with her current work in organizational performance at McKinsey and her future plans to transition into operational roles.

(0:00) Introduction to Bethany Rolan

(1:00) Background and Deciding on an MBA

(5:35) Timing the MBA Application

(7:15) Developing Career Focus Areas

(10:20) Application Narrative and Strategy

(13:15) Managing Application Feedback

(16:40) Choosing Recommenders at McKinsey

(19:45) School Selection and Decision Process

(21:40) HBS Experience Highlights

(24:10) HBS Academic Intensity

(25:40) Staying Connected Post-Graduation

(28:00) Current Role and Future Plans

(30:10) Advice for Potential Students