Malcolm M.

Malcolm M.

5.0

Harvard MBA/MPP | Former VC | Startup Chief of Staff

Harvard Kennedy School Logo

Studied at Harvard Kennedy School

BrightUp Logo

Worked at BrightUp

Available tomorrow at 2:30 PM UTC

Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.

Malcolm's Coaching Offerings

Pay as you go

Get help with Financial Aid & Scholarships, Editing, and .

Malcolm’s MBA Qualifications

Malcolm has helped clients get into these schools:

As a Harvard Business School and Kennedy School graduate with extensive experience across venture capital, investment management, impact investing, and startup operations, I bring a unique perspective to MBA admissions coaching that combines elite academic credentials with real-world business impact. During my dual-degree program, I served as a Rock Center Fellow, student government officer, and was selected for HBS' inaugural RISE Career Fellowship, giving me deep insights into what top business schools value in candidates. I also believe in helping candidates think holistically about the application process, including how this might impact their lives financially and personally. I'm particularly passionate about helping candidates from non-traditional paths, drawing from my own experience. Let's work together to showcase your unique story and secure your spot at your dream school!

Malcolm can help with:

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Editing

Recommendations

Interviews

School Selection

Application Strategy

Essays

Resume

View all of Malcolm’s categories

About Malcolm

Malcolm McClain is a Harvard Business School alumnus (MBA/MPP 2023) and the inaugural recipient of Harvard Business School's RISE Career Fellowship. Malcolm brings extensive experience in impact investing and venture capital and most recently served as Chief of Staff at BrightUp, a venture-backed fintech company focused on democratizing wealth building and financial wellness. Prior to Harvard, McClain worked at Rethink Impact, the largest female-focused VC firm in the U.S., and Cambridge Associates, where he advised institutional investors. He currently serves on the Investment Committee of Resilient Ventures and is passionate about leveraging private capital to create economic opportunity for historically overlooked communities. Malcolm holds a BA from Amherst college and is originally from Cleveland, Ohio.

Why do I coach?

I coach because I understand how challenging the graduate school application process and career changes can be. I applied to seven top graduate programs and was admitted to four, so I know what it takes to craft a strong application. I also broke into venture capital as a non-traditional hire. I feel a responsibility to pass these blueprints along.

Work Experience

BrightUp Logo

Chief of Staff

BrightUp

July 2023 - March 2025

Harvard Business School Logo

Fellow

Harvard Business School

July 2023 - July 2024

Harlem Children's Zone Logo

Summer Fellow

Harlem Children's Zone

June 2021 - August 2021

Modern Energy Logo

Associate

Modern Energy

September 2019 - July 2020

Rethink Capital Partners Logo

Associate / Senior Associate

Rethink Capital Partners

July 2017 - September 2019

Cambridge Associates Logo

Senior Associate

Cambridge Associates

January 2014 - March 2017

Education

Harvard Kennedy School Logo

Harvard Kennedy School

Master of Public Policy (MPP)

2020 - 2023

Awards and Fellowships: David M. Rubenstein Fellow & George Leadership Fellow, Center for Public Leadership

Harvard Business School Logo

Harvard Business School

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

2020 - 2023

Activities and societies: Student Association, Co-Chief DEI Officer; Rise Career Fellow

Malcolm was also personally admitted to

  • Columbia Business School Logo

    Columbia Business School

  • The Wharton School (UPenn) Logo

    The Wharton School (UPenn)

3 Reviews

Overall Rating

5.0


Malcolm has helped clients get into these schools:


Malcolm has helped Leland clients get into Rethink Food

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Malcolm M.

Malcolm M.

5.0

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