Management Consulting

I know what it feels like to struggle with consulting interviews—because I’ve been there. When I first started casing, I felt anxious and stuck. I froze, convinced there was some hidden formula I just couldn’t unlock. Everything changed when I realized consulting interviews aren’t about memorizing frameworks—they’re about how you approach problems. Once I focused on genuinely solving the case, my confidence grew, my performance improved, and interviews became something I looked forward to instead of feared. I’ve walked the full consulting path—from earning admission to Yale’s 2+2 MBA program, to landing an offer at McKinsey, to coaching peers through the same process. Along the way, I’ve also worked in tech product management at Microsoft and founded my own startup, which means I can not only coach you through consulting interviews but also help you compare paths across industries. As your coach, I’ll meet you where you are—whether you’re just starting with frameworks, refining your math, or seeking partner-level feedback. I bring both empathy and experience: I know the stress and self-doubt of casing, and I know how to help you unlock the mindset shift that builds real confidence. My goal is to help you not just “crack the case,” but walk into every interview with clarity and self-belief.

Engineer → MBA → McKinsey → Strategy & BizOps. If you're aiming for consulting or a tech strategy role, I can help! I studied Electrical Engineering at Johns Hopkins, then pivoted to business at MIT Sloan. During my MBA, I landed interviews at 6+ consulting firms, went through the process at all three MBBs, and ultimately joined McKinsey. I've built my career across consulting and Strategy & BizOps, so I can help you prep for either path, or figure out which one fits you better. I'll coach you on any consulting case format or BizOps-style business problems, plus resumes, networking, and career strategy. Expect real practice, honest feedback on what's working and what isn't, and a game plan built around your target companies.

✨WHY CHOOSE MELANIE? Known as the "Case Assassin" at Columbia Business School, I successfully traded in a career as a Fashionista to McKinsey consultant, securing the MBA Summer Internship and Full-time Offer. Not only have I achieved MBB offers myself, but I also am a Professional ICF Certified Coach with proven experience coaching applicants to offers; and have deep interview and public speaking experience as a TEDx speaker on Executive Presence. ✨WHO I WORK WITH: • Traditional and Non-Traditional Candidates • Diverse Applicants including POC, Veterans, and LGBTQIA+ • Candidates with High and Low Test Scores • Masters, Undergraduate, and Experienced Hire Candidates ✨SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: Contact Melanie Espeland for your free consultation today.

As a qualified career coach specializing in consulting and strategy roles, my expertise comes from extensive industry experience and a passion for empowering students. With a background in top-tier consulting firms and tech, I've interviewed hundreds of candidates, giving me invaluable insights into what companies seek. I offer personalized coaching and interview preparation to help candidates stand out and excel in their career pursuits. Let's work together to achieve your goals and secure that dream role in consulting or strategy.

As an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company and a Harvard Business School graduate, I bring firsthand experience in navigating the competitive landscape of management consulting and MBA admissions. My experience as an interviewer at McKinsey following my own interview experience has equipped me with strategic insights that I now leverage to help aspiring consultants break into top firms. I specialize in case and behavioral interview preparation, resume refinement, and crafting compelling personal narratives. Whether you're just starting your consulting journey or looking to advance, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Let's connect and tailor a strategy that aligns with your career aspirations!

Hey there! Welcome to my profile. At McKinsey & Company, I've worn the hat of an Engagement Manager, helping clients navigate complex challenges with strategic insights. With an MBA from INSEAD and a Bachelor's in Computer Science from Nanyang Technological University, my journey has spanned data science, software engineering, and now, coaching aspirants through the consulting application maze. I specialize in prepping for those infamous case interviews, fine-tuning resumes and cover letters, and honing your interview skills to perfection. Let's team up to craft your roadmap to consulting success—reach out, and let's dive in!

Welcome to my profile! With a robust background in medicine, engineering, and business, I bring a unique perspective to management consulting coaching. As a former Senior Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company, I supported clients across the biopharma, healthcare, and health tech industries, honing my skills in strategic and operational topics. My experience at McKinsey, combined with my academic journey at the University of Miami School of Medicine and Vanderbilt's School of Engineering, equips me to guide aspiring consultants through the rigorous application process. I've successfully coached 5+ individuals, helping them navigate the complexities of consulting interviews and applications. If you're looking to break into the consulting world, especially from a medicine or engineering background, let's connect and craft a strategy tailored to your success!

Shahrukh is a seasoned McKinsey consultant where he spent a decade in multiple client-facing roles across offices in North America, Middle East and South Asia. Shahrukh also holds a MBA from Harvard Business School where he also led the student consulting club. Over the past 12 years, he has prepared 1000+ candidates to craft their resumes and crack their case interviews with MBBs and get an offer. Shahrukh is now working in tech in USA.

Zoe Tuan’s path from international student to McKinsey consultant is a story of resilience, strategy, and growth. Navigating the U.S. recruiting landscape as a non-citizen came with its own set of challenges — from visa hurdles to cultural adaptation — but Zoe turned those obstacles into strengths. Through over 100 live case practices, consistent peer coaching, and tools like RocketBlocks, she built the skills and confidence to earn a coveted offer from McKinsey. Now, Zoe channels that same determination into coaching international students and professionals who dream of breaking into consulting. Her firsthand experience, structured approach, and commitment to mentorship help her mentees go beyond preparation — to truly stand out. With Zoe’s guidance, you’ll gain the clarity, strategy, and mindset needed to land your U.S. consulting offer.

I spent 7 years inside McKinsey & Company, learning the firm’s operating rhythm at the highest level. I started my career working directly alongside (Senior) Partners, understanding how top-tier decision-makers evaluate talent and performance. During this time, I consistently ranked in the top 3% to 7% within Germany. I then transitioned into my core expertise: Recruiting. As a Senior Recruiter for McKinsey, I managed target university pipelines, ran interview days, and directed the retention program. Following McKinsey, I joined ZEISS Group as a Senior Recruiter, partnering directly with Ex-MBB hiring managers to build teams in Corporate Strategy, Business Innovation, and Ventures. From more than 2500 interviews and candidate interactions, I know the screening logics, the benchmarks, and why candidates fail the personal interviews or PEI. Today, I am the founder of Curate Futures and I use that experience on both sides of the table. For professionals who feel stuck or know it is time for more: together we design your Career Architecture Plan, your next moves mapped out. Then I prepare you for the rounds that decide and for the negotiation, so you land the top-tier offer you actually want. For founders and hiring managers filling a role that sets their company apart: I help you see who is really good and make sure your preferred candidate signs. Either as your sparring partner behind the scenes, or hands-on in the final interviews and the closing.