Admit Interviews

Finance / CBS J-term 2027

Background
After graduating from a private university in Japan with a degree in the humanities, I joined a private-sector bank as a new graduate and later changed jobs to a government-affiliated institution. At the time of application, I had about 11 years of full-time work experience. From my student years up to the present, I have not had any study abroad or overseas posting experience, aside from travel and business trips. I was also a self-sponsored applicant.
You have a longer career and changed your job once. Why did you think that you needed an MBA?
As I changed jobs and advanced in my career, the scope of my work expanded and I became involved in more international work. Through that process, the career path I wanted to pursue became much clearer, and I came to recognize that I needed an MBA in order to achieve it. Before that, I may simply not have had many opportunities to feel that need as strongly.

Another reason was that most of the people active in the field I aspire to enter held MBAs rather than other master’s degrees, so I felt that I would also need an MBA in order to succeed in the same way.
Why were you focused on CBS and what are you looking forward to the most about the CBS MBA?
I felt that CBS was the right fit for me because, in addition to offering a strong range of courses in the fields I am interested in, its location in New York, the center of global business, would allow me to connect with many guest speakers and EMBA students and remain constantly aware of major business trends even while studying.


As someone in the financial industry, I also believed that living in New York would be extremely valuable from a networking perspective going forward.

To give specific examples of what CBS offers, programs such as the Value Investing Program, Leo Impact Fund, and Climate Finance would allow me to build important capabilities as an institutional investor, while programs such as Pangea Advisors and Global Immersion would broaden my perspective on developing countries. I felt that CBS offered the full range of learning opportunities I was looking for.

Among these, although I understand that it is highly competitive and selective, I most want to challenge myself to join the Value Investing Program, build lasting relationships with global investment professionals, and deepen my knowledge of finance.
What was the most difficult part of the application process?
To begin with, time management was difficult. Ed might get mad at me for saying this, but I wanted to prioritize time with my family and children above all else. Even so, the hardest part was the essays. Ed gave me a lot of advice, especially on the essays, and I believe it would have been very difficult for me to gain admission without that guidance.
How did Edogijuku help you prepare a successful application?
I received advice on application strategy, essays, and the interview. I do not think I could have been admitted if any one of those had been missing. Given how disadvantaged my profile was, I am truly grateful to Ed for helping me achieve this result.
Application Strategy
I believe I received advice that properly reflected factors such as my age, self-sponsored status, and relatively low test score.
More specifically, Ed spoke candidly about how applying to CBS Fall Term would be quite challenging, including from a timing perspective. At the same time, he helped me think through a strategy for J-term that made sense in terms of both time and cost, while also differentiating me through the clarity of my career direction, which did not require an internship, and my commitment to CBS.
In particular, after I was denied from the Fall Term waitlist in April 2025, and before applying to J-term in May 2025, it was extremely effective to develop and execute a concrete action plan as a reapplicant in order to clarify how I had grown since my previous application. This included what I should do to offset my test score and what kinds of current students and alumni I should connect with. I truly felt that Ed designed a custom-made strategy specifically for me.
The essays were especially difficult. In my work, I mainly write internal approval documents, where the priority is to communicate facts accurately and without misunderstanding. Because of that habit, my essays often became simple lists of facts.
In addition, the structure was not effective from the perspective of a native English speaker, and as a native Japanese speaker, it was extremely difficult for me to close that intuitive gap on my own.
To address this, Ed continuously advised me, based on his many years of experience and expertise, on what an essay really is and what an effective structure looks like. In particular, I felt that the advice on how the admissions committee would perceive it and what a specific school was looking for was something only Ed could provide, given his extensive track record of admits and his ability to understand an applicant’s relative positioning.
In the end, the final essays reached a level that I honestly could never have come up with on my own. I was both surprised and deeply impressed by how clearly the quality of an essay counselor’s guidance can affect the final result.
Interview
In the interview as well, Ed repeatedly pointed out the kinds of awkwardness that arise when Japanese is your native language. He would explain things such as how a certain phrase might sound to a native speaker, which wording would be better, where typical Japanese-language habits tend to appear, and how English differs in those areas.
His feedback was consistently very logical, clear, and easy to understand. At the same time, one of his strengths is that he also respects the emotional side and has a good sense of balance. Very often, he would say something like, “Isn’t this what you really want to convey? If so, why not say it this way?” and almost every time I felt he was exactly right.
After I received the interview invitation, I was able to practice with Ed twice in a limited amount of time. As a result, although CBS was my first MBA interview ever, I was able to pass it without any issue.
Do you have advice for future applicants?
I truly believe that choosing the right counselor is extremely important. Especially for applicants who are on the borderline, like I was, due to factors such as career background, test score, age, or sponsorship status, it is no exaggeration to say that a counselor’s advice can determine the outcome. I would strongly recommend consulting Ed.
What advice would you give to the 20-year-old starting their career?
Also, making time is a very difficult challenge. In my case, I had no choice but to turn down drinking parties and similar social occasions. I do not think it is realistic to prepare for applications while maintaining exactly the same lifestyle as before, so some kind of adjustment is necessary.

Executive, Academia / Chicago EMBA 2027

Background
Alongside running a business that supports people’s growth, I have also been engaged in research and education related to human capital and leadership. With one foot in corporate management and the other in academia, I have approached the question of how people can fully realize their potential from both practical and theoretical perspectives.
You have an interesting career intersecting leadership, startups, and academia. Why did you think you needed an EMBA?
Up to this point, I have explored the question of how to unlock the potential people inherently possess through both business and academia. In recent years, however, I have found myself facing deeper and more complex questions that cannot be answered through domestic experience alone. Issues such as the coexistence of organizations and individuals, and leadership in multicultural environments, have become more visible, and these are challenges that cannot be fully understood within conventional frameworks.


Amid changes in Japan’s labor market and the international landscape, I felt a strong need to reexamine my own perspective and practice in a global context. If I am going to speak about human potential, then I must confront its essence beyond differences in culture and values. When I came to that realization, I no longer saw an MBA as merely a place to gain knowledge, but as a place to fundamentally question and expand my perspective itself.

To engage sincerely with peers from all over the world who bring diverse backgrounds, and to place myself in situations where even my own assumptions might be shaken, felt deeply worthwhile. Even if it meant temporarily slowing the pace of the career path I had built so far, I intuitively felt it was a challenge worth taking.
At first we did not consider Chicago EMBA so deeply. What made you decide it was the best program for you, and what are you looking forward to the most about the program?
At first, I was working with Ed on my applications with another school as my top choice. In the middle of that process, Ed introduced me to an information session for the Chicago EMBA, and that was where everything began. The admissions team and recruiters I met there have continued, from the very day I first met them up to now, to offer support with a level of warmth and sincerity that truly surprised me. In addition, meeting the two wonderful alumni whom Ed connected me with moved me deeply. I still vividly remember the moment when, after meeting these two individuals who were so full of intelligence and human warmth, I naturally thought, “I want to go to this school.”


These encounters were all miraculous connections that Ed made possible for me. I also feel that the recruiter’s interest in me came from the strength of the resume that Ed and I refined together day after day.

The MBA application process was full of firsts for me, and there was so much that could not be seen from official university websites or online testimonials. It felt like a constant process of feeling my way forward. That is exactly why I believe that gaining a broader perspective through Ed, a professional I could truly trust, led me unexpectedly to the program that suited me best.
What are you especially looking forward to in the program?
Beyond the classes themselves, is the entrepreneurship project I will work on with my classmates. I am genuinely excited about having the opportunity to take on a real challenge in the global market.
What was the most difficult part of the application process?
Everything was new to me, and the entire process truly felt like feeling my way forward in the dark. In my case, I did not have anyone close to me who had recently gone through the MBA study abroad experience, so I was starting from zero in both information and network. I was older, my background was very different from that of the typical overseas MBA applicant, and on top of that, I was not confident in English. To be honest, I often felt that this might be an overly ambitious challenge for me. In the midst of that, what supported me more than anything was Ed’s presence. Whenever I struggled with confidence, Ed would always encourage me warmly by saying, “Your background is unique, so take pride in it.” Those words became a major source of support that helped me keep moving forward, even through uncertainty.

Of course, there was the visible preparation, such as working on my resume and essays and preparing for interviews, but there was also a constant stream of what I would call “invisible preparation,” such as how to conduct myself in coffee chats and how to communicate naturally at information sessions. Yet through every small detail, Ed listened carefully and guided me with precision. Both emotionally and practically, his support was always there for me.

One moment that especially stays with me was right before the coffee chat with the admissions team at the school that had originally been my first choice. Ed and I had prepared thoroughly until late the night before, and as I was on my way to the meeting, feeling nervous, I received a warm message from him. That one message gave me the push I needed, and thanks to it, my conversation with admissions went extremely smoothly. It later even led to an unexpected preferential opportunity.
Looking back now, I feel that the application process was not simply about preparing documents. It was about carefully building, one by one, every interaction that arose along the way, from coffee chats and information sessions to even small email exchanges.

In a situation where I knew nothing, there was simply no way I could have gotten through such a delicate process on my own. That is why I truly feel that it was only because of Ed’s experienced guidance that I was able to direct my efforts properly and keep building in the right way.
How did Edogijuku help you prepare a successful application?
A year ago, I could not even imagine myself in the position I am in today, having earned admission like this. I cannot thank Ed enough for guiding me this warmly and powerfully all the way here. My one regret is that I hesitated because of English communication and did not consult Ed from the very beginning.

There are many counselors in the world who are highly capable and explain things clearly. However, what I truly needed in the MBA application process was not only depth of knowledge and experience, but also someone who would sincerely stand in the applicant’s shoes and support them wholeheartedly. Preparing applications while continuing to work is a constant battle against deadlines. Every time I felt anxious or uncertain and reached out to Ed, I was amazed by how quickly he responded with accurate advice. Ed’s support is grounded in professionalism and sincerity backed by deep experience. Above all, what consistently runs through everything he does is human warmth and deep care for applicants. No matter the situation, he thoroughly stood in the applicant’s position and supported me directly and wholeheartedly. That attitude moved me deeply again and again.


If anyone is considering an MBA from here on, I would strongly encourage you to consult Ed at least once, even if you do not feel confident communicating in English. I believe it will become the kind of encounter that transforms anxiety into hope and lights the path you should take.
Do you have advice for future applicants?
If you are visiting this site, I imagine you are seriously considering the MBA as an option right now. First of all, I would like to say that this alone is something truly admirable, and I sincerely respect that. Because this is such a demanding challenge in terms of time, cost, and physical energy, I strongly recommend taking the time to look inward carefully and ask yourself whether an MBA is truly necessary for your life. And if your answer is yes, then please do not let age, English ability, or your past career hold you back. I hope you will take the leap. I am sure there are people you can only meet and a world you can only see through this journey.

Preparing applications while working is genuinely difficult. And student life afterward is far from an easy road as well. Yet that is exactly why this journey becomes such a precious period of time, one in which you can deeply reflect on yourself and rediscover your mission and potential. For me, it was a treasured experience, one that marked a major turning point in my life.

I sincerely hope that everyone who chooses this path will fully realize their own potential and open up a future that is true to themselves. When you feel uncertain, please do not struggle alone. Reach out to someone. I myself was only able to come this far because I was supported by many people. I truly believe that consulting a reliable, first-rate professional like Ed early on is a major first step toward opening up your future. Let us walk this path of challenge together, working together, learning together, and moving forward together.
What advice would you give to the 20-year-old starting their career?
I am still very much in the middle of my own journey, but if there is one thing I can say from my experience so far, it is this:


If something moves your heart even a little, please be honest with yourself and jump into it. Even if it does not go well, your twenties are a time full of possibility, a time when you can get back up again and again.
Sense, compassion, and ideas.
These qualities, which are needed in both work and life, cannot be developed only at a desk.
I feel that people who have encountered different worlds, met many kinds of people, and kept moving forward even through uncertainty are the ones who, as they grow older, gain an astonishingly rich perspective and wider range of choices. I, too, am still in the middle of my own challenges. That is exactly why I would be happy if I could continue evolving together with those of you who are just beginning your own journey, even as we all struggle and hesitate at times.
Please believe in your own potential. Take one step toward whatever excites you, even just a little.

Retail / ESSEC EMBA 2028

You have a long career spanning Japanese and global firms and working in Japan and other countries. Why did you feel an EMBA was a good next step?
With nearly 20 years of experience in a traditional Japanese company, working both in Japan and overseas, my recent management experience in Europe made me strongly aware of the need to update my skills in global leadership, entrepreneurship, as well as new areas for me such as AI and ESG. By continuing my current role while studying, I believe strong synergies will be created, enabling further personal growth and expanding my ability to contribute on a global scale. In addition, I am eager to build a more international and diverse network, which is difficult to develop within a traditional Japanese corporate environment. For these reasons, I believe an EMBA is the most appropriate next step for me.
What are you looking forward to the most about the ESSEC EMBA, your dream school?
I am particularly looking forward to the team projects with classmates from diverse backgrounds. The program emphasizes “Multi Competency Teams,” where members from different nationalities and industries bring their expertise together to solve complex challenges. I expect this to offer perspectives and insights I could not gain elsewhere.
Because all participants continue working in demanding roles while studying, I also believe the learning will directly enhance my professional work and deepen my network and understanding on site.
What was the most difficult part of the application process?
Balancing my full-time job with essay writing and interview preparation was the most challenging aspect. Both required deep reflection on my career and clear articulation of my experiences, so finding the time and maintaining focus took significant effort and planning.
How did Edogijuku help you prepare a successful application?
Ed’s guidance went far beyond application techniques. His questions and insights encouraged me to objectively reflect on my past, clarify the life and career I want to pursue, and understand what I truly hope to learn. His extensive coaching experience provided highly practical feedback on both essays and interviews, which strengthened not only my application but also my readiness for the EMBA program. Each session with Ed helped clear my thinking and gave me confidence to move forward. I am sincerely grateful for his support.
Do you have advice for future applicants?
For me, the application process was a valuable opportunity to reflect deeply on my life and career. Rather than focusing solely on the outcome, I encourage future applicants to embrace this period as a meaningful time for self-discovery and personal growth.
What advice would you give to the 20 year old starting their career?
With some self-reflection, I would tell my 20 year old self to start improving English skills as early as possible. Strong language ability significantly broadens the range of people you meet, the networks you build, and the experiences you gain, ultimately expanding your career possibilities in a meaningful way.

Entrepreneur / HEC MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship 2026

Can you share your unique career path?
I have a unique career journey, from starting and selling my own bridal boutique in Japan to working in consulting and leading global projects in digital transformation. Despite my experience, I wanted to gain deeper insights into building and scaling impactful businesses, which led me to pursue graduate studies.
Why did you choose the HEC MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
I chose HEC Paris’s MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship because it focuses on practical learning, collaboration with industry leaders, and building ventures. This program fits my goals better than a traditional MBA, as it provides hands-on experiences that align with my entrepreneurial ambitions.
What was the hardest part of the application process?
The biggest challenge in the application process was linking my diverse past experiences with my future goals and the unique program HEC offered. On top of that, I was pregnant at the time, so managing deadlines and schedules was difficult. Ed Lee was an incredible support, helping me organize tasks, arrange my ideas, and stay on track. His super-fast responses and structured approach made the process much more manageable.
How did Edogijuku help you prepare a successful application?
Thanks to Ed’s guidance, my essays and application video were very strong, and I was admitted without needing an interview, which is usually required. His feedback and advice ensured my application truly reflected my potential.
Do you have advice for future applicants?
For future applicants, my advice is to start early, focus on connecting your story to the program, and stay disciplined with your timeline. Ed’s expertise and personalized support will help you craft a compelling application and achieve your goals.

Food Business / HBS Class of 2026

Worked at a food giant in Japan and transferred to my family business before applying.

You developed winning strategies. One strategy is getting over the college brand and GPA. Of course, the score helped, but can you share how to help people overcome a weakness in their application?
First of all, the key was to excel on GMAT to show my academic capability. My score was good enough to cover my low GPA from a non-top tier college. I also looked for a story behind my low GPA. My challenge spirit to get out of Japan and my leadership activity at college on which I devoted my time more than on academics. Weakness is also a uniqueness. There must be interesting stories behind it. Find them and appeal to them as uniqueness.

You come from a family business background and shifted from working in a leading company into your family business. I believe this was another winning strategy. Can you explain about this decision / tradition and how it helped your application?
The roles recent graduates are assigned at work are usually entry level. They are not usually impactful enough to stand out against others. I joined my family business one year before the application and executed mass organizational restructuring. It is something other applicants working at public companies can never do.

The application process is challenging. You effectively developed relationships and networks at schools to support you. Can you share some insights? Do you have some hints about the campus visit? I think that you used the campus visit effectively.

Think of networking and campus visit as a part of the application process. The key was to show how my knowledge, experience, and myself would be valuable assets for the community. Instead of showing how you meet their qualifications, make them eager to have you.

What was the most difficult part of the application process?
Essay writing and interview. It was quite a self-reflection I’d never done. Squeezing all I wanted to say into a limited word count was also very difficult. However, I became better at writing an essay each time. My advice is that you work on the essay in the order from your least choice school to top choice. Interview was very nerve-wracking because we only had one shot. Unlike essays, there is no opportunity to revise. Since I got the invitation, I practiced with consultants at least one hour every day and prepared for any situation.
How did Edogijuku help you prepare a successful application?
Ed offers a comprehensive package which was very helpful. Not only traditional services such as essay writing and interviews, Ed prepared me for campus visits and chat with adcom as well. Ed’s style is like pulling out the potential, rather than pushing a winning tactics, so I was able to reflect my authentic self on my application. His cheerful character motivated me during the stressful process as well.

Do you have advice for future applicants?
Everyone has a chance, so never give up. Motivation is the key for full performance.

Entrepreneur / HEC MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship 2026

Can you share your unique career path?
I have a unique career journey, from starting and selling my own bridal boutique in Japan to working in consulting and leading global projects in digital transformation. Despite my experience, I wanted to gain deeper insights into building and scaling impactful businesses, which led me to pursue graduate studies.

Why did you choose the HEC MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship?
I chose HEC Paris’s MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship because it focuses on practical learning, collaboration with industry leaders, and building ventures. This program fits my goals better than a traditional MBA, as it provides hands-on experiences that align with my entrepreneurial ambitions.

What was the hardest part of the application process?
The biggest challenge in the application process was linking my diverse past experiences with my future goals and the unique program HEC offered. On top of that, I was pregnant at the time, so managing deadlines and schedules was difficult. Ed Lee was an incredible support, helping me organize tasks, arrange my ideas, and stay on track. His super-fast responses and structured approach made the process much more manageable.

How did Edogijuku help you prepare a successful application?
Thanks to Ed’s guidance, my essays and application video were very strong, and I was admitted without needing an interview, which is usually required. His feedback and advice ensured my application truly reflected my potential.

Do you have advice for future applicants?
For future applicants, my advice is to start early, focus on connecting your story to the program, and stay disciplined with your timeline. Ed’s expertise and personalized support will help you craft a compelling application and achieve your goals.

Tech / Cambridge Class of 2025

You pursued a career in tech and are a software engineer, why did you decide to pursue the MBA?
I wanted to pivot into management positions in the short term goal as a product manager, and hopefully in the future, climb the ladder within the tech industry. Also, at some point in my career, I plan to create my own company and an MBA is a good step to take to be closer at achieving these goals.

What are you attracted to the most about Cambridge and how is it going to help your career?
Cambridge is strong in tech/entrepreneurship, which directly aligns with my career goals. Furthermore, I was drawn to the collegial system at Cambridge. One important aspect of my MBA is to build my network. Through the business school, I will get to know other MBA students. Through the collegial system, I can get to know other students at Cambridge, and this can help me foster lasting professional and personal relationships. Another thing about Cambridge that I like is how it is a 1-year program, so it is substantially cheaper to attend than a 2-year program. I am a privately funded student, so I care quite a lot about how much the MBA is going to cost me. The 1-year program made the MBA journey much more financially viable.

What was the most difficult part of the application process?
Formulating my story. I think a strong story is key to finding success in the admissions process. I had to really think deeply into what makes my application's story unique, and this was the most difficult part.
How did Edogijuku help you prepare a successful application?
Ed was quite helpful when I was working on my essay. This includes discussing what ideas to write in the essay. After knowing what to write about, Ed was helpful in reviewing my essay draft. Even if you have a good story/idea to write in the essay, if you don't present it well in the essay, your application won't be as strong as it can be. Ed was helpful to make sure my essay was as strong as it can be.

Do you have advice for future applicants?
Start early. Time is your biggest enemy. You do not want to rush to submit the application. You want to take ample time to make sure your application is as strong as it can be.

Startup / Chicago Class of 2026

Question: You had a unique career in the startup versus the typical path to the MBA, why did you decide to pursue the MBA now?
Throughout my career, working in both large corporate and startup environments, I've gained invaluable hands-on experience and developed a keen understanding of business dynamics. However, I recognized the need for formal business education to complement my practical knowledge. Pursuing an MBA now allows me to refine my skills, broaden my perspective, and add more value to my 10 years of business experience.

You plan to go back to your family business in the future, why did you think that the MBA was necessary?
Returning to my family business is a significant goal for me, but I realized that to effectively lead and transform the company, I needed to acquire new skills and perspectives. An MBA provides me with the opportunity to deepen my understanding of business fundamentals, develop strategic thinking abilities, and expand my professional network. These resources are essential for navigating the complexities of today's business environment and implementing impactful changes within my family business.

You focused on Chicago, what is it that attracted you to Booth and why is it the best for your career?
Booth's renowned reputation for academic rigor and its flexible curriculum greatly appealed to me. The emphasis on flexibility allows me to tailor my course selection to best suit my goals, which I consider a significant advantage. Overall, I firmly believe that Booth offers the ideal platform for me to achieve my objectives and make a meaningful impact in the business world.

What was the most difficult part of the application process?
The most challenging aspect of the application process was the GMAT. I struggled to achieve good test scores, which was discouraging. However, Ed continued to encourage me throughout the process, especially while we worked together on the essay portion.
How did Edogijuku help you prepare a successful application?
Edogijuku played a crucial role in guiding me through the application process, providing invaluable insights, feedback, and support at every stage. In the initial phase, Ed helped me refine my "real goal" for attending business school and why it is important to me. Ed helped me organize my thoughts and then assisted me in articulating them in a compelling way that resonated with admissions committees.

Do you have advice for future applicants?
My advice for future applicants is to seek professional help like Ed during the application process. If you are unsure whether you have enough knowledge and clarity, then professional advice is crucial.

Telecom / Kellogg Class of 2026

You have worked in the telecom space and are sponsored by your company - what were you looking for in an MBA and when did you start thinking about earning an MBA?
With a non-traditional background and no tech experience, I believe it's essential for me to enhance my skills and broaden my experience to continue pursuing a career at a tech company.

You have an interesting background and do you have some insights about how to develop a winning storyline for the MBA application?
I do believe that my unconventional background contributed to my success. However, even if it may seem ordinary, it's important to uncover its unique lessons or insights from the experience.

What attracted you to Kellogg and what are you looking forward to the most about the program?
To be honest, its ranking and renowned history were the most attractive factors for me. However, I am also looking forward to enjoying the teamwork and collaborative culture within the Kellogg community.

What was the most difficult part of the application process?
Every single part of the process wasn't easy - the GMAT was particularly challenging, and afterward, crafting my resume and essay presented their own difficulties due to the lack of a definite answer. Interviews always make me nervous, but Ed was a significant help for me in navigating through this entire process after the GMAT.

How did Edogijuku help you prepare a successful application?
Ed is truly exceptional. I can say this with confidence because I worked with another consultant before Ed. His insights were enriching, and his guidance was clear and direct. He always cheered me up when I felt discouraged by the challenging process. I wish I had met him earlier, and I genuinely appreciate his invaluable help and kind guidance.

Do you have advice for future applicants?
In my personal opinion, it's crucial to research school fit and culture because, like me, you might not expect to get into Kellogg after a 20-minute interview and submitting what felt like a copy-and-paste essay. They always say 'just be yourself,' and it's great if you find a school that truly fits you. However, even if you initially feel like you don't quite fit with the school, thorough research can help you uncover aspects of yourself that align with the institution. It's essential to highlight these aspects and base your appeal on them. Save your time and resources by conducting thorough research before starting the application process. Engage in conversations with current students and alumni, as this will also aid you in making a final decision in the end.

Government / Chicago EMBA Class of 2025

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yehwan-kim-548057148/

You have an interesting career in the Ministry and covering the energy industry - why did you think it was a good time to pursue your MBA overseas?
The Free Trade Agreement deal was a big issue when I was a freshman at university, leading me to pursue a career in the government, particularly in the trade department. As I gained professional experience in the ministry, I witnessed that new business opportunities were emerging. One new business that drew my attention was hydrogen.
As governments around the world are pursuing carbon net-zero policy, clean energy technology was needed in order to achieve the carbon net-zero target.
I saw that hydrogen will take a crucial part to deliver carbon net-zero and clean energy technology, which means a reorganization of current global energy paradigm.
In this context, I thought pursuing an MBA overseas would benefit me as I can network with future business leaders who will exchange ideas and support future businesses.

It can be challenging for the private sponsored person to get the letters of recommendation - do you have any suggestions?
I think you should find someone who can represent you very well. The recommender doesn't have to be someone in your organization.
I found one recommender from the ministry I work for and the other from an organization to which I was dispatched. Therefore, I suggest you should look not just inside but outside to find someone who can write a good recommendation for you.

The EMBA seemed to be a better fit can you comment on this?
I started my career as a deputy director(middle-manager level) in the ministry and will be promoted to a director level a few years later, which makes the EMBA a good fit considering my career trajectory.
Furthermore, If you are a more experienced applicant compared to the full-time MBA cohorts, you should consider applying to EMBA as it will allow you to gain professional experience while learning from MBA courses.
In addition, when you consider opportunity cost, the salary you keep during the EMBA program will make your investment more profitable compared to the full-time MBA program.

You could win a scholarship, do you have any insights to share with future applicants?
It's hard to say as every school has different criteria when it comes to scholarship decisions. But, I think having a unique background could help your probability of winning a scholarship alongside your test score.
Having a high test score can help your odds if you're applying to schools that need high scorers to increase their average score. But for the top schools, working on other aspects of your application that can make you stand out among others will increase your odds more.
I personally think that my background as a civil servant made me stand out as I can give a unique perspective to the class rife with students from private backgrounds.
My alumni interviewer also mentioned that he didn't have someone with a public background in his cohort and what I can bring to the classroom could be valuable to the discussion.

What are you attracted to and looking forward to the most about the Chicago EMBA?
The Chicago EMBA has a unique feature that other EMBA programs do not provide. The Chicago EMBA has 3 campuses in the world: Chicago, London, and Hong Kong. You can choose to visit campuses other than your home campus during your program, which will allow you to make a global network. Furthermore, as a person who majored in Business Administration and Economics, I'm well aware of UChicago's reputation in Finance and Economics.
I'm looking forward to taking Chicago's finest courses during my EMBA program.

What was the most difficult part of the application process?
The most difficult part of the application was essay writing. As I was quite accustomed to the application process where only test scores dominate, essay writing gave me the hardest time. Furthermore, each MBA school has different prompts for its essays, so I needed to write essays tailored to each school's fit.

How did Edogijuku help you prepare a successful application?
Edogijuku service helped me brainstorm the stories that can be used for my essays and how they can be used in my narratives.
On top of that, Edogijuku sevice gave me feedback for my essays so that they could represent my experience well and go in the right direction for each school I applied for. The stories that I brainstormed also helped in my interview, as I could conjure up adequate answers to the given questions.

Do you have advice for future applicants?
My advice for future applicants is to evaluate their profile carefully before the application so that they can increase their odds. Analyze yourself based on your score, career, years of experience, age, current rank in your organization, etc, and choose the MBA programs that fit you well. Then, you can strategize by choosing which round/school to apply, working on your area of weakness, etc.