Nikhil Gaikwad, a former MER student and a mechanical engineer with a Master’s in manufacturing systems from California State University, has built a diverse career in engineering management across software and mechanical domains. While working as an engineering manager in the software and mechanical area, he aspired to transition into an executive leadership role in a top oil and lubrication company. To achieve this vision, he decided to pursue an Executive MBA.

When Nikhil first reached out to us, he had already secured an admission offer from Vanderbilt with a scholarship. He faced a critical decision—accept the offer or aim higher. In our initial conversation, we discussed both options, helping him gain the clarity he needed. Determined to pursue his top choice, Nikhil prepared for the Executive Assessment (EA), achieved an impressive score of 158, and approached us again to work on his Wharton application. His strong credentials, disciplined approach, and methodical work ethic, combined with our guidance, led to his admission to Wharton’s prestigious EMBA program.

A few months ago, Nikhil graduated from Wharton, and he has kindly agreed to share his MBA application journey, insights into the admissions process, and Wharton experience to provide prospective students with an insider’s perspective on both navigating the application journey and thriving in the program.

In this candid conversation, Nikhil discusses:

Talking Points:

• Challenges during the application process;  05:27
• Favorite aspect of the program;  09:26
• Top 4 Tips to Maintain Work-life- School Balance;  11:50
• Application of classroom learning to his work;   22:52
• Impact of Wharton alumni on his career;  27:16
• His contribution to the program;   33:52
• Advice for the incoming EMBA students;   37:50
• His activities beyond work;  43:25
• Relevance of MBA resume to work; 46:50

And let’s dive into the conversation with Nikhil……….

Poonam: Hello, Nikhil. How are you doing?

Nikhil: I'm doing good. Poonam. How are you doing?

Poonam: I'm doing well too. Thank you. Thank you for taking the time for this conversation.

Nikhil: Sure, sure. My pleasure.

Poonam: Congratulations on graduating from Warton. This is an incredible achievement. How does it feel?

Nikhil: Thank you. Yes, it feels very relaxing. The two years were extremely challenging managing work, school and the family with two kids was a learning experience. Initially, I struggled, but over time, I could cope with that, managed everything, and learned a lot from my program. Coming from a technical background, I gained a broad perspective through the MBA that helped me understand business and how to leverage my skills effectively.

Poonam: When you approached me for your Wharton application, you had already secured admission from the Vanderbilt EMBA program with a scholarship. We worked together on your application, and you received an admission offer from Wharton. Despite not receiving a scholarship, you chose Wharton over Vanderbilt. Can you please explain what drove your decision?

Nikhil: Yes, while I was going through the school selection, I  had Vanderbilt’s offer, and I had planned to take a break for one year and then explore other options. So, I picked Wharton, MIT, and Chicago Booth to understand the process. I realized it needs a lot of preparation to go through all the schools and their selection process.  Wharton stood out for me because of its huge alumni network, extensive placements, and world-class reputation within the business, and I  wanted to leverage that. Also, its leadership programs, cutting-edge curriculum, and global reach aligned perfectly with my goals. So those were the main decisions to go for Wharton.

Poonam: Reflecting on your application process, what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

Nikhil: Multiple challenges. First, preparing for Wharton and other universities required significant effort. Before even starting, I reached out to you. I remember we had a good discussion for almost one hour wherein you gave me clarity on how to approach the process. That's when I started preparing for the test. I dedicated six months to preparing for the Executive Assessment (EA). And once I got a good score on the executive assessment, I reached out to you. And then you helped me structure my essays and refine my thoughts for those essays. 5:00 That was the first challenge to go through the application process. Once I got this selection, then it was a matter of just like going through the program. But then the main challenge I faced was managing my work and managing my schools.

Poonam: How did you overcome the challenges of the application process?

Challenges During the Application Process

Nikhil: As I said, I committed six months to prepare for the executive assessment. Since I come from a technical background, I didn't have much exposure to reading essays or reading comprehension. So, I had to start from scratch. And since then, I learned to manage my time. I gave a couple of hours in the morning to prepare for the exam and then balanced my family responsibilities and work. But those morning couple of hours preparing for the mathematics and reading comprehension helped me get a strong score in the executive assessment.

Poonam: Yes, you scored a stellar 158. That's awesome.

Nikhil: Yes, all the preparation paid off. I'm glad it all worked out. Since I lacked prior reading practice, I had to train myself to read faster while comprehending effectively. After securing my EA score, I reached out to you. I had ideas but needed help structuring them. Your vast experience with top universities helped shape my essays methodically, telling my story in a compelling way. While working with you, I also realized the importance of refining my resume, so I opted for your comprehensive package that includes resume and interview prep. With my experience and exam score, combined with your guidance on essays, resume, and interview prep, everything came together smoothly. We invested a significant amount of time in preparation, and it was worth it.

Poonam: You are also very diligent and organized. You were very systematic, followed my suggestions, and put in a lot of effort.  And I remember that you're an early riser. You used to wake up at 3:30 AM to work on your applications or read and utilize those 3-4 hours before the day begins for other people. So, I think that discipline has played a huge role in your professional and academic success.  We will discuss that later.  I'm curious to know what is your favorite aspect of the program, what stood out for you?

Favorite Aspect of the Program

Nikhil: My favorite aspect is the diversity in the program. Wharton brings in candidates from varied backgrounds, making discussions insightful. I enjoyed having discussions with other team members and professors, Even professors appreciated the range of perspectives in class. We had professionals from different industries, which enriched our learning. I could contribute my technical expertise, while others brought in different viewpoints. Interestingly, professors mentioned that they enjoy teaching executive programs more than full-time ones because they, too, learn from industry leaders in the cohort.

Poonam: Exactly. The professors like to work with mid-career professionals who have already put in 9-10 years of professional experience.

Nikhil: Exactly. It's a different group – people with 9-10 years of experience who will continue to gain more experience. But going through this program gives them valuable exposure to different mindsets and practical insights they can apply to their day-to-day work.

Poonam: Now, let’s talk about the biggest challenge of balancing a demanding full-time managerial job, family responsibilities, and a rigorous MBA program. It’s a significant challenge for everyone. How did you manage to maintain the work, life, and school?

Top 4 Tips to Maintain Work-life- School Balance

Nikhil: To be honest, it was tough at first. The first couple of months were particularly challenging in trying to maintain that balance. But as I progressed through the program, I learned to prioritize because it’s impossible to do everything. The key is to focus on what’s most important. At work, I had a good relationship with my manager, so I clearly communicated that while I wouldn’t be able to handle hands-on work, I would step in if something urgent came up during my off-hours. We worked out a mutual understanding.

One thing that surprised me was the travel. Living in Nashville and commuting to Pennsylvania had its unpredictability—flights getting canceled or delayed, which sometimes affected my classes the next day. There were nights I arrived at midnight or took red-eye flights to ensure I didn’t miss mandatory sessions.

Over time, I realized the importance of consistency and careful time management. When I was in class, I focused entirely on my studies; when at work, I was fully engaged in work. I compartmentalized my responsibilities.

At home, I dedicated my time to my kids from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, ensuring they had my undivided attention. My wife played a crucial role in supporting me, making sure our kids went to bed early so I could focus on my studies in the morning. Waking up early for schoolwork became my routine. It was tough, but with dedication, it was manageable.

Poonam: And kids knew that dad also has schoolwork.

Nikhil: Not exactly. But I took them to my graduation and gave them a tour of the university. They enjoyed it and got to see that I was also attending school. Now, we have a running joke that I am still in school.

Poonam: Yes. I saw your picture on LinkedIn with your son and daughter. You posted on LinkedIn that your son graduated from kindergarten.

Nikhil: Yes, he graduated from kindergarten, and I graduated from Wharton. We did the photo session together, and I posted it on LinkedIn.

Poonam: Nice. So, what are your tips to the other EMBA candidates on maintaining work-life, and school balance?

Nikhil: First, preparation is key. When applying, ensure you present a complete package. If you are lacking in one area, it reduces your chances. Strong essays are crucial—they help tell your story. Your resume and experiences should be well-aligned.

Second, take the Executive Assessment (EA) seriously. It evaluates your analytical skills, reading comprehension, and ability to handle a rigorous program. Many underestimate it, but it’s essential. If you don't take it seriously, you will have a hard time even if you get admission. Once you are in the program, there are multiple exams exactly similar to EA that require you to read longer paragraphs, and case studies under time constraints and keep up with the workload.

Poonam: Those are great tips for preparing for the EA, but I was asking about work-life balance.

Nikhil: For work-life balance, my top four tips would be:

1. Maintain an exercise routine – Staying physically active helps sustain energy levels throughout the day. I made sure that it started with exercise to keep me energetic throughout the day.

2. Be disciplined with time management – Then make sure that you're consistent with your time management. If you commit to being in bed by 9:00 PM, make sure that nothing stops you. Once it becomes a habit, waking up early for studies becomes easier. And getting those 2-3 hours of morning routine to manage my homework is a blessing because when kids are awake, then it becomes very hard.

3 .Plan your weekends wisely – And then on the weekends, I didn't plan much. For those two years, I was just completely dedicated to school and studies. Some people prefer studying late at night; for me, mornings worked best. I was talking to my friends in school who like to stay up late to focus on homework and school. You need to identify what suits you and stick to it.

4. Eat Healthy: Also, I made sure to eat healthy. It might sound simple, but it makes a big difference. Initially, I noticed I was reading but not comprehending it well. I realized that a good diet and regular exercise helped me stay mentally sharp. These habits aren’t just for the MBA journey; I have continued them even after graduation. And it has helped.

Poonam: Absolutely! Physical and mental stamina is crucial for managing the rigors of the program and personal commitments.

Nikhil: Yes, and it’s not just me. Many Wharton students make exercise a daily habit. Some would go for a run even on the weekends while we were at school. And I could see why these people are super smart. They are not afraid to sacrifice things to get what they want. That level of discipline was inspiring for me.

Poonam: Nikhil, one of the biggest advantages of part-time MBA programs is applying classroom learnings to work immediately. How were you able to do this?

Application of Classroom Learning to His Work

Nikhil: That’s the best part! I would learn concepts over the weekend and start applying them at work on Monday. For example, during a leadership class, we learned about team management. The following Monday, I applied those lessons with my team, sharing insights on how we should approach projects. So my team could also benefit from the leadership class.

It worked both ways—I would bring real-world challenges to class discussions and get valuable perspectives from peers and professors. This back-and-forth application made learning incredibly practical.

Poonam: Can you cite an example of leadership skills that you learned in the classroom and applied at work that benefited your team?

Nikhil: Yes! One key learning was about optimal team size. In the leadership class, we discussed that teams of 5-10 members work best—smaller teams may lack resources, while larger teams struggle with coordination. At work, we were expanding my team. I shared these insights with my VP and even provided case studies from my class. My VP agreed, and we structured our team accordingly. It was a simple yet highly effective application of classroom learning.

Poonam: That’s a valuable example! The alumni network can offer valuable connections and insights. Could you share how the Wharton alumni network has impacted your career or opened new opportunities?

Impact of Wharton Alumni on His Career

Nikhil: It has been incredible. I now receive multiple opportunities and collaboration requests. There are students from different organizations, and they have different opportunities within their organizations. Some of them dream of launching their company So now as I'm in the wider network, they reach out to our group.

And we haven't started anything. But I am working through a couple of groups to explore AI initiatives in healthcare. We are evaluating companies for potential investment. That’s just one of many opportunities. Even in my group, there were classmates at VP or higher level. So, I could communicate with them and talk to them whenever we were in the class.

Talking to them broadened my perspective on leadership and business challenges. To this day, I reach out to alumni for guidance—whether for stakeholder presentations or structuring a pitch. Their insights are invaluable.

Poonam: That’s wonderful.

Nikhil: Yes, the best part is Wharton alumni are incredibly helpful. If I need to change jobs, I can reach out to the pool of 100,000 Wharton alumni I can get help from. Once you get the referral, it makes your job much easier to get into that company. So, if you can understand what they are doing, and what their business model is, you get the overall picture of what's happening. And then with reference, it puts you well ahead of other candidates.

We also have a Slack group for our cohort where we stay connected, share knowledge, and discuss industry trends. Lately, I have been looking into the use of AI in Healthcare. So, I reached out to my friends from Wharton to discuss how to navigate this because a lot of stakeholders raised concerns about the ethical use of artificial intelligence, particularly its machine learning models. The insights I received from them helped me navigate those discussions at my company. So, I am using their experiences and knowledge to help me navigate it within my scenarios.

Poonam: Awesome. It's a two-way street, the way they are helping you, you also must be helping them. So, these connections will always be helpful.

Nikhil: Yes, we talk like friends, and we have a regular touch point; we connect every couple of weeks.

Poonam: Great. In your view, what was your most valuable contribution to the program, the classroom, and group projects?

His Contribution to the Program

Nikhil: Most of my experience was on the technical side, given my engineering background. In our teams, we were often divided into different functional areas within the company. Coming from the product management side of engineering, I provided insights on how we should approach things from a product management perspective.

Additionally, in leadership roles, I guided my team on effective management strategies. In one of the projects I participated in, we secured second place in the batch competition. I also had experience building a website from scratch, which proved valuable for my group. My expertise in website creation helped us develop and present our project more effectively.

Poonam: I am curious to know what the website was about.

Nikhil: We had a product, and our challenge was to figure out how to market it effectively. We came up with the idea of selling imperfect but still edible fruits—ones that didn’t pass strict quality checks for large food chains like Kroger or Costco but were otherwise perfectly good. These fruits would typically go to waste, so we aimed to create a market for them.

To support this, we built a website to promote and sell these fruits. We also leveraged Google Analytics to track traffic and engagement. The site went live, and we gathered feedback while analyzing visitor data to understand how to market the product better and get more eyes on this product. It was an experiment that taught us valuable lessons about digital marketing and consumer engagement.

Poonam: Great!  What advice would you give to the incoming EMBA students?

Advice for the Incoming EMBA Students

Nikhil: Well, I don't consider myself super smart, but if I see other candidates, I notice that they're average candidates, but they are willing to push themselves. Some students only sleep 3-4 hours, and they are so passionate about whatever they're doing, and they just want to accomplish it.  And I realized if you put in that many hours, you will definitely get better at it.

I have learned that if you consistently put in the hours, you will improve. Before the program, I assumed Wharton students were all industry experts, but I’ve come to see that success comes down to a strong work ethic, effective time management, and smart decision-making. The best students don’t try to do everything; they prioritize well, focus on impactful work, and manage their time efficiently. That’s something I’m working on incorporating into my approach.

Poonam: I think you are too humble. You are only appreciating your classmates' success., but not your own. You are an equally successful, smart hard-working, and successful person. You have progressed so well in your career and managed your time effectively. Now you have two master's degrees including a master’s in business management from a prestigious institute, Wharton.

Nikhil: Yes, now you can say that. But 3-4 years back, I was just working at one company. I have realized that anybody who is determined and is willing to put in effort needs to believe in themselves. Hard work pays off. If we are willing to sacrifice a few things, put in hard work, and maintain integrity, we can achieve our goals. It’s not about being naturally brilliant—it’s about persistence and the hours you put in. That was my point.

Poonam: I couldn’t agree more with you. You have also achieved your goal. You are now a Wharton graduate.

Nikhil: Before joining Wharton, I was always curious about what these people do differently when they go to schools like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. I used to wonder if I would be able to fit into the culture. But once I was there, I realized that they are not extraordinary people; they just do things differently.

Poonam: Absolutely. Hard work leads to success. Hard work, time management, and prioritization are key. Everybody has 24 hours. But how we use it makes all the difference.

Nikhil: And nowadays there are a lot of distractions. Staying focused is harder than ever. So discipline is the key.

Poonam: Can you share some of your hobbies outside of academics and work? Let us about non-work activities.

His Activities Beyond Work

Nikhil: I do all kinds of activities. Cricket is my passion.  It was very hard for me to keep away from cricket during EMBA. Now I feel so happy to be back to playing cricket. I am also taking piano classes with my daughter. We attend weekly private classes together, and learning alongside her has been a unique and rewarding experience. Beyond that, I play chess and tennis, and my weekly schedule is always packed. I enjoy singing—both Hindi and Marathi songs. Recently, I participated in a Ganpati festival event.

Additionally, I am involved in voluntary work at my company. I organized team-led community service projects; we helped colleagues affected by hurricanes Helen and Milton. We supported them in their recovery efforts, including developing a website to assist in rebuilding efforts.

Poonam: I'm so glad you have helped people affected by the hurricane.

Nikhil: It was a company-wide initiative, and I was fortunate to represent my group in those efforts.

Poonam: You were involved in that work?

Nikhil: Yeah, exactly.

Poonam:  Nikhil, it’s been a pleasure speaking with you. Is there anything I haven’t asked that you’d like to share?

Relevance of MBA Resume to Work

Nikhil: No. I think we’ve covered everything! I do want to say that I enjoyed working with you, Poonam. It was a great experience. It also taught me how to build my resume. My first resume was overly technical and filled with numerous acronyms, and you taught me how to simplify for non-technical people.   You helped me refine it in a way that made my skills and experiences more accessible, which has benefited me professionally.

I have been applying your resume techniques even while working on the presentations, such as PowerPoint slides, incorporating the pointers you mentioned 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. You need to think from their perspective to make that connection with the audience. It all started with my  MBA preparation and working with you. You have been a great help, and I am truly grateful for that.

Poonam: And I'm so glad to hear that our work on your resume has helped you not just with your application but also with your career and presentations.

Nikhil: Yes, a resume is something you have to continuously update. Knowing those pointers is incredibly helpful.

Poonam:  Nikhil, it was a privilege to have worked with you on your application and it was my pleasure to learn about your MBA experience today. I can't thank you enough for your time. It was a rewarding conversation. And I hope the prospective   Wharton EMBA candidates benefit from your application experience and Wharton experience. I wish you good luck in your personal and professional life.

Nikhil: Thank you so much, I also enjoyed it and I am glad that I chose you as my consultant. I really appreciate going through the process; it was fun, and it all worked out for the best. So, I would encourage anyone who wants to go and prepare for the MBA to contact you. Thank you so much.

Poonam: Thank you. Have a great day and stay in touch.

You can connect with Nikhil via LinkedIn.

Click  here for   Nikhil’s  testimonial of MER Services

Click  here for his recommendation on LinkedIn

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About MER (myEssayReview)

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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