The MBA résumé is significantly different from a job résumé which is designed for a specific functional role. The job resume is highly technical, focusing on industry-specific skills to secure a particular job. In contrast, an MBA resume is free from technical jargon and showcases applicants’ career progression, leadership, teamwork, initiative, and other interests/activities - qualities that define future business leaders.
But here is the interesting part: the skills you develop while creating your MBA resume can also enhance your performance at work.
In a recent interview, we spoke with Nikhil Gaikwad, a former MER student, who graduated from Wharton a few months ago. At the end of our conversation, we asked if there was anything he wished we had discussed. Nikhil shared a valuable perspective- how the résumé we created for his MBA application continues to benefit him in his job today.
Here is what Nikhil shared:
Poonam- Is there anything you wish I had asked?
Nikhil: I think we have covered everything! But I do want to say that I enjoyed working with you, Poonam. It was a great experience. You taught me how to build my resume. My first resume was overly technical and filled with numerous acronyms. You taught me how to simplify it for non-technical people and refine it, making my skills and experiences more accessible. This skill has benefited me professionally beyond my MBA application. I now apply your resume techniques while working on presentations, such as PowerPoint slides, incorporating the pointers you gave me about how they should come across. It's very easy to get caught up in technical details and lose sight of what the audience expects. To make that connection with the audience, we need to think from their perspective. It all started with my MBA preparation and working with you. You have been a great help, and I am grateful for that.
Poonam: Thank you so much, Nikhil. It was a pleasure working with you. I am glad that the work we did on your resume has helped you not just with your application but also with your career and presentations. Thanks for your time for this conversation. I wish you good luck in your personal and professional life.
Another former student MER student Shekar, a Booth graduate in 2021, shared in his interview with us that he used the same resume to apply for jobs at Booth that he had prepared with us for his MBA applications.
Click here for his video interview with us.
Stay tuned to Nikhil’s full interview.
About MER
Poonam Tandon, the founder of MER (myEssayReview), is a Ph.D. in English with 14 years of MBA consulting experience and 3 decades of teaching experience in India and the US. Poonam has successfully guided hundreds of students worldwide to gain admission into the esteemed MBA, EMBA, and specialized master's programs in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Throughout her four-decade-long professional career, she has reviewed 11,000+ essays written by applicants worldwide. Poonam was among the top 5 most reviewed consultants on the GMAT Club from September 2012 to December 2023.
You may email Poonam at poonam@myessayreview.com with questions about your application for the 2025-26 application cycle.
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