
Madeleine Fernando
5.0
(1)
6+ Years of Coaching | CBS '26, Media & Tech | 5/5 MBA Acceptances
Studied at Columbia Business School
Worked at Electronic Arts
Successful clients at
Available Friday at 3:00 PM UTC
Feel free to message me directly for additional availability!
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Madeleine's Coaching Offerings
Custom hourly · $90/hr
Get help with Recommendations, Cover Letters, and .
Madeleine’s MBA Qualifications
Madeleine has helped clients get into these schools:
As a former journalist and publicist, I bring a unique perspective to MBA coaching, especially for those who may identify as "nontraditional" MBA applicants like myself. After graduating from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, I honed my skills at major brands like Apple, Pixar Animation Studios, Capcom, and Dolby, where I prepared C-suite executives for high-stakes media appearances, developed strategic messaging for major launches, and crafted public-facing materials. I'm a recent graduate of Columbia Business School, where I specialized in Marketing and Media & Technology, served as co-president of the Media Management Association for 200+ members, and was a member of the Hermes Society, acting on behalf of Admissions to lead tours and speak with prospective students. I'm also a proud member of The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management. I have 6+ years of experience as an education essay consultant, working with students applying to MBA programs, medical schools, and undergrad, leading to acceptances at top schools. I myself applied to five schools during my MBA journey and was admitted to all five: CBS, Kellogg, Yale SOM, NYU Stern, and UCLA Anderson. I know the ins and outs of this process, and my background as a writer and publicist equips me to help you uncover your unique narrative, polish your essays, and shine during interviews. Everyone has a story to tell, and I can't wait to help you discover and craft yours!
Madeleine can help with:
Recommendations
Cover Letters
Resume
General Exploration
Testing & Assessments
Supplementary Materials
School Selection
Essays
Secondary Review
Application Strategy
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Interviews
Editing
Ding Analysis
Networking Strategy
Waitlist Strategy
About Madeleine
As a former journalist and publicist in media and entertainment, I bring a unique perspective to MBA coaching, especially for those who may identify as "nontraditional" MBA applicants like myself. After graduating from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, I honed my skills at major brands like Apple, Pixar Animation Studios, Capcom, and Dolby, where brand storytelling and prepping high-profile execs was the majority of my day job. I'm a recent graduate of Columbia Business School, where I specialized in Marketing and Media & Technology and served as co-president of the Media Management Association for 200+ members. I was also a member of the Hermes Society, acting on behalf of Admissions to lead tours and speak with prospective students. I have 6+ years of experience as an education essay consultant, working with students applying to MBA programs, medical schools, and undergrad, leading to acceptances at top schools. I especially love working with applicants hoping to pursue media, gaming or tech — though I've helped students from all backgrounds find their voice. I myself applied to five schools during my MBA journey and was admitted to all five: CBS, Kellogg, Yale SOM, NYU Stern, and UCLA Anderson. I know the ins and outs of this process, and my background as a writer and publicist equips me to help you uncover your unique narrative, polish your essays, and shine during interviews. Everyone has a story to tell, and I can't wait to help you discover and craft yours!
Work Experience

Product Manager (MBA Intern)
Electronic Arts
May 2025 - August 2025
Worked as a Game Product Manager on The Sims team.

Strategy and Operations (MBA Intern)
Magnolia Pictures
February 2025 - May 2025
Successfully landed in-semester internship as a first year at Magnolia Pictures, the first MBA intern in the role.

Senior Public Relations Specialist
Dolby Laboratories
January 2022 - July 2024
Prepared top executives for high-stakes media appearances and speaking engagements, crafting tailored messaging and public-facing materials -- the same strategic storytelling approach I bring to helping applicants stand out.

Public Relations Specialist
Capcom
September 2021 - May 2022
Developed strategic messaging and marketing strategies for major game launches like The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles and Resident Evil Village.

Public Relations Intern
Pixar Animation Studios
June 2019 - September 2019

Public Relations Intern
Apple
June 2018 - September 2018
Education

Columbia Business School
MBA, Media & Technology Program
2024 - 2026
Focus in Media & Technology. Co-President of the Media Management Association, VP of Gaming Club. Internship as a Product Manager at Electronic Arts.

Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Journalism, Double Major in Political Science, Minor in Music, Marketing Communications Certificate
2016 - 2020
Admissions Committee Experience
Activities and societies: The Daily Northwestern (Arts Editor), Asian American Student Journalists (Co-President), Strive for College at Northwestern (President, Marketing Chair), The Dolphin Show (PR Director), Philharmonia (Principal Flautist), Northwestern Admissions Tour Guide Graduated Cum Laude, GPA: 3.83/4.0, Dean's List 7/9 Quarters
1 Review
Overall Rating
5.0
Madeleine has helped clients get into these schools: