MBA Essay and Narrative Review

Gaelle C.

Wharton MBA coaching non-traditional candidates to top programs

I have spent my career at the intersection of evidence, policy, and impact, with roles across philanthropy, research, and multilateral development organizations. Getting an MBA was never an obvious choice, and for a long time, it wasn't even on my radar. My path was non-linear: a BA in Global Affairs from Yale and an MSc in Development Management from LSE led me into international development work, moving across institutions, countries, and sectors before eventually making my way to Wharton. Each step was a deliberate choice, and I have sat with the exact questions and uncertainty my clients bring to me. What I have found is that people from mission-driven backgrounds often undersell themselves. They have done remarkable work in the field, in policy, and in research, and they struggle to translate it into a compelling application narrative. That is where I come in. Having spent close to a decade in social impact, I can also advise on long-term career goals for candidates considering those paths after their degree. I have a strong understanding of what these careers actually require, the skills that matter, and the tradeoffs that come with choosing a mission-driven path. For candidates who are still figuring out where they want to land, that context is part of what I bring to our work together. My coaching style combines analytical rigor with genuine warmth. I ask the questions clients have not yet thought to ask themselves, and I give honest feedback that actually moves the needle. I have lived the path I coach, and I know what it takes to get into top programs when your background does not follow a conventional trajectory.