
Michael Lu
5.0
(5)
Crafting Winning Applications as a Former HBS and GSB Dual Admit
Studied at Harvard Business School
Worked at The Carlyle Group
Available tomorrow at 8:00 PM UTC
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Michael's Coaching Offerings
Custom hourly · $185/hr
Get help with Recommendations, Essays, and .
Michael also coaches for Private Equity and Investment Banking. View all.
Michael’s MBA Qualifications
Whether you need guidance on application strategy, essay crafting, or interview preparation, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's connect and work together to achieve your MBA goals! I applied to only two business schools - Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business - and was admitted to both schools coming from a more traditional background (investment banking and private equity). I have spent extensive time thinking through how to best position yourself early on in your career if you want to differentiate yourself for business school one day, and I am happy to support those who are both currently applying or thinking of applying in the future.
Michael can help with:
Recommendations
Essays
Application Strategy
General Exploration
Resume
Interviews
Waitlist Strategy
Testing & Assessments
School Selection
Michael also coaches for Private Equity and Investment Banking. View all.
About Michael
I’ve spent my career working in private equity and investment banking, and I try to bring that real-world perspective into how I coach. Most recently, I was a Private Equity Associate at The Carlyle Group, where I worked on multi-billion dollar investments, built models, and partnered closely with management teams through the full investment process. Before that, I was an Investment Banking Analyst at Moelis & Company, where I developed a strong technical foundation in valuation and deal execution. I’m currently finishing my MBA at Harvard Business School and will be joining a private equity firm as a Vice President, so I have a clear, up-to-date view on what actually matters in recruiting today. I’ve also spent a lot of time mentoring and helping others navigate the process, which has shaped how I approach coaching. My focus isn’t just on getting you to the “right answer,” but on helping you think like an investor—building the judgment, communication skills, and intuition that top private equity firms are really looking for.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I have personally benefited from a number of mentors during my own work experience that has helped shape the success I have today. My career in finance has been built through the apprenticeship model and I believe it is equally important for me to help support others who are looking to go down similar career journeys.
Work Experience
Private Equity Associate
The Carlyle Group
July 2022 - July 2024
Associate in the U.S. buyout healthcare private equity team with experience executing and diligencing across multi-billion dollar transactions, take-privates, portfolio company add-ons, etc.
Investment Banking Analyst
Moelis & Company
July 2020 - July 2022
Worked across four different closed buyside and sellside transactions in the media & entertainment sector
Education

Harvard Business School
Masters of Business Administration
2024 - 2026

University of Pennsylvania
Bachelors of Arts, Biology
2016 - 2020
Studied in the Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management. Graduated with a 3.95 GPA, Summa Cum Laude, Beta Gamma Sigma, and Dean's List (2016-2020)

The Wharton School (UPenn)
Bachelors of Sciences, Economics (Finance & Business Analytics)
2016 - 2020
Studied in the Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life Sciences and Management. Graduated with a 3.95 GPA, Summa Cum Laude, Beta Gamma Sigma, and Dean's List (2016-2020)
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Michael has helped clients get into these companies: