“From where?? Yakutsk? “– an outraged voice behind the door with the plate Deputy Head hinted on the outcome of my first Moscow job interview. The HR lady returned with apologies. I did not mind: the guy did not read my CV thoroughly. Yakutsk, the regional capital, was not that bad compared to my birthplace.
I grew up in a rustic village in the heart of Siberia with a scanty population of 2500. Since kindergarten, I not only excelled in academics, but also demonstrated a keen interest in drawing, dancing and singing. I have always shouldered higher responsibilities and delighted my family with laurels – the pioneer squad lead, school newspaper chief, school president for two years and honours diplomas to name a few.
At fifteen, my school selected me for an international camp as the kids-leader. Rubbing shoulders with boys and girls having bold dreams and thrilling hobbies for 45 days, I broadened my mental horizon. This transformative experience made me realize the incredible inspiration in the idea of incorporating other countries’ mindset and achievements in Russia, as my personal example persuaded me how beneficial such exposure could be. Moreover, I became adept to the campers’ motto “If not me, than who” and memorized that I was the only one to shape my destiny. Thereafter, I took intensive English courses to enter the World Economics faculty, the only one with recognized international bias in the region. After graduation the path seemed clear: experience acquiring and moving to Moscow in order to join an international consulting company. Consulting then seemed a direct opportunity to enrich Russian economy with seasoned international expertise.
However, I had to delay my economy savior agenda: I married and relocated 3000 miles in the direction opposite to the capital and my plans. Unexpectedly that experience laid the foundation of my ensuing success. I learned to succeed in a different culture and mindset: within three years, I managed to get a top-management position in a local bank, opened a new office and launched a retail business in the national minority enclave. Besides, by taking that huge step, I only confirmed my initial calling.
At that juncture of my life, I refreshed the roadmap, divorced and relocated to Moscow. That was my best parachute jump: flying one-way, finding a flat within a day, travelling to Malta in order to reanimate English in a language school, accepting a consultant position at KPMG to win a double promotion within four months and the next double promotion a year later.
The sands of time has blown by and I now manage the innovation pipeline for the biggest Food & Beverage company in Russia, bringing global practices to local business. But I still enjoy risky sports, participate in start-up ideas review and lunch together with my husband. My new challenge is an independent project with the help of a global MBA, and I know nothing stands in my way if I myself do not.
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Today I got accepted into INSEAD for 2011 batch. Thanks to Sandip for his guidance during the admission process. BTW ..…I scored 650 on GMAT and wasn’t expecting even an interview call. I guess that’s history now.
James Moore, INSEAD
Your essay reviews were insightful and meaningful, but the extra interview preparation might have been decisive to get admitted to ISB. Excellent work, Thanks!
Rajesh Saxena, ISB
I couldn’t have come even closer to writing application essays like the one’s you have. Thanks a million for showcasing my uniqueness in the essays. You made my Harvard dream a reality!
Lisa Subramanium, Harvard
Thanks Sandip for all the help you provided. The essays are absolutely superb. Getting you as my mentor made a key difference. I will recommend your service to my friends in future.
Chen Li, Stanford
Thanks for making me think about every essay from the bottom up and giving me honest feedback. I wish I had taken your service last year. Through our brainstorming and those detailed evaluations, I was able to make a totally new set of essays.
Huan Wu, Harvard Business School
Thanks a bunch for showing me the way! I was confused with what to write in the essays and how to express my thinking. Your feedback on essays, interview and recos were really in-depth and well-thought. Cheers!
Jinghua Ma, Columbia
Sandip helped me to get into Wharton! His understanding of the school, strategic planning on my essays and editing were all superb, not to mention his dedication and passion in achieving the very best. I would not have achieved this without his help.
Richard Yang, Wharton
Sandip made a huge contribution to my chances with Stanford through his charismatic writing style, in-depth questions and extensive background knowledge of the schools. Quite a few of the factors that can help one to get admission are out of applicant’s control. Using his help was in my control and I believe that was the single most important decision I made in getting in.
Rajat Dutta, Stanford
The brainstorming sessions were really eye opening. It really helped me to focus on the few schools. I wrote and rewrote the INSEAD essays with your guidance and the final set of essays were masterpieces!
Dennis Parker, INSEAD
Sandip was fantastic to work with. He was incredibly responsive, and challenged me to deepen my thoughts about who I was and why I wanted an MBA degree. He met all of my expectations of what an MBA admissions consultant should offer. Thanks very much for the support, and I look forward to making the most of my MBA experience!
Stanley Wu, London Business School
Thanks a million! You made my dream come true. I was confused with the way to differentiate myself from the crowd. Discussing with you made it really simple. Thanks Again!
Suraj Dasika, Harvard
Without your midas touch, my Harvard dream would have remained only a dream. Brainstorming on the essay helped me to understand what HBS looks from candidates. The mock interview prep was pivotal in cracking the final interview. Many Thanks!
Jian Ma, Harvard Business School
With you, I could have never made to it. My essays were really influential and thought provoking. The personal touch in the essays to project my uniqueness really made all the difference.
Donghai Wang, London Business School
I wish I had taken your service last year. Your analysis on my weaknesses was thorough and I was able to cover some of those areas for this year’s ISB application. The essays were very well written. Thanks for all the help!
Bindra Ahuja, ISB