Charlene Y.
5.0
(4)
Admissions Committee at The Wharton School (UPenn)
Hiring Manager at Kearney
Successful clients at
Available Friday at 11:30 PM UTC
I'm usually available Mon - Fri, but can be flexible as needed. Please contact me and we can chat on availability needs.
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
About Charlene
**Currently accepting limited clients for MBA R2 and R3 applications** Hello! I'm Charlene, former management consultant, University of Pennsylvania '15, and Wharton MBA/MA '21 alum. I help ambitious professionals secure their future—whether gaining admission to a top MBA program or landing a role at a leading consulting firm. As a former Wharton Admissions Fellow, I provide end-to-end MBA application guidance (essays, resume, interviews, and beyond) with an insider’s perspective on what committees truly want. Additionally, I leverage my deep consulting expertise to coach candidates through rigorous case and behavioral interviews. My approach is structured, strategic, and focused on turning your unique story into decisive advantage. When I’m not advising, you’ll find me traveling, practicing and teaching Pilates, or hunting for obscure international films—always seeking stories that challenge the status quo.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I’ve seen how strategic guidance can unlock a candidate's true potential. As a former Wharton Admissions Fellow, I witnessed talented individuals struggle to articulate their own stories. I bridge that gap. My passion is turning high-stakes processes—like MBA applications and consulting interviews—into opportunities for clarity and confidence. I don’t just prepare you for questions; I equip you with a lasting framework for storytelling and problem-solving. Your breakthrough is why I do this.
Work Experience
Coach
[solidcore]
July 2025 - Present
Helping clients find their strength through Solidcore’s high-intensity, low-impact workouts. Leveraging my background in leadership and performance optimization to motivate, correct form, and build community—one shaking muscle at a time.
Advisor
Square One Prep
March 2024 - Present
I help MBA applicants tell their story—not someone else’s. As a former management consultant (Kearney) and Wharton/Lauder admissions insider, I blend strategic rigor with a passion for bringing underrepresented voices to the forefront of business education. Let’s connect if you want to: → Demystify the MBA admissions process → Build a standout application strategy → Discuss why every team needs someone who can analyze data and recommend the best dumpling spots
Manager
Kearney
July 2023 - March 2025
Hiring Manager
Engagement experience focused on market entry, growth strategy, and innovation, with industry experience in prestige beauty, retail, financial institutions, and technology Select Project Experience: • Conducted U.S. golf market assessment and consumer research to develop marketing, channel / distribution, operating model, and financial strategy plan for Japanese golf club manufacturer looking to expand share in the U.S. market; aided in implementation • Created growth strategy plan in concrete and cement additives markets for U.S. branch of French company looking to expand U.S. market share; conducted market assessment and built business case and go-to-market strategy for both segments • Developed payment strategy for a technology company to capitalize on small business (SMB) merchant card payments, including looking at potential international markets to enter / expand upon and strategies to increase SMB card payment usage / acceptance • Conducted assessment for a major bank to investigate the prospect of “cashless” accounts in the U.S., including comparing the U.S. state of “cashless” with other countries, investigating current “cashless” players in the U.S., and building a “cashless” projection model Financial Analysis, Growth Strategies and +8 skills
Associate / Senior Associate
Kearney
October 2021 - June 2023
Financial Analysis, Growth Strategies and +7 skills
MBA Strategy Intern
Molten Cloud
May 2020 - August 2020
Defined long-term business strategy for early-stage SAAS startup streamlining media operations, working closely with the founder and COO Financial Analysis, Growth Strategies and +6 skills
Associate / Senior Associate
Kearney
July 2018 - April 2019
Financial Analysis, Growth Strategies and +7 skills
Senior Business Analyst
Kearney
January 2017 - June 2018
Financial Analysis, Growth Strategies and +7 skills
Business Analyst
Kearney
October 2015 - December 2016
Financial Analysis, Growth Strategies and +7 skills
Product Development Intern
Macy's
June 2014 - July 2014
• Sourced materials, updated data sheets, and tracked sales for Macy’s Club Room brand apparel • Analyzed sales reports weekly, negotiated with 4 international vendors, attended developmental and buying meetings to present to senior management • Developed final intern project on recommendations to internationally expand Macy’s online business, estimating $1 million in growth Communication
Charlene was also given offers to work at
Comcast
The Walt Disney Company
Education
The Wharton School (UPenn)
Master of Business Administration - MBA, Management
2019 - 2021
Admissions Committee Experience
University of Pennsylvania
Master of Arts - MA, International Studies
2019 - 2021
Admissions Committee Experience
Lauder Institute, Global track
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor's Degree, French, Communications
2011 - 2015
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Charlene has helped clients get into these schools:
Charlene has helped clients get into these companies: