Esha’s MBA Journey: A Detailed Q&A Success Story
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Esha: Absolutely! My name is Esha Chalamalla, and I’m originally from India. I grew up in Mumbai in a family of entrepreneurs. My parents run a textile business—my dad is the founder and managing director of NK Text Fab, which supplies fabrics to major retailers like Raymond. He is also a national rank holder in chartered accountancy, and I think that’s where my interest in finance and accounting comes from.
I moved to the UK about seven years ago to pursue my BSc in Accounting and Finance at Warwick Business School. That was my first real international experience, and it shaped a lot of my personal and professional growth. During my undergrad, I interned with Citi in their SME financing space, called the Commercial Bank, and also received offers from HSBC. I also had an opportunity to explore consulting but decided to focus on Citi, knowing I wanted to build my career there.
Q: What motivated you to move to the UK for your undergraduate studies?
Esha: There were three main reasons. First, I wanted international exposure. During my 11th and 12th grade, I did the International Baccalaureate, which gave me the chance to experience a diverse classroom environment. I saw how impactful it is to learn alongside students with different perspectives.
Second, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. Growing up in Mumbai, I had the cushion of family support, and I wanted to become independent—managing academics, life, and career decisions entirely on my own.
Third, I wanted to gain a global perspective in finance and accounting. London is at the center of global business, and studying there helped me understand how trends play out in different markets. It also opened the door to a top internship at Citi, giving me early exposure to SME financing on a global scale.
Q: Were you involved in any clubs or societies at university?
Esha: Yes, I made it a point to engage in three types of student clubs. I was Vice President of the Warwick Women’s Career Society, Head of Marketing for the Warwick Risk Management Society, and Head of Creative Design for the Warwick India Forum.
The idea was to balance cultural, academic, and community engagement. In the Women’s Career Society, I focused on giving back; in the Risk Management Society, I focused on finance; and in the India Forum, I explored cultural connections. Leading these clubs taught me leadership, event management, and stakeholder coordination, as I worked with employers, celebrities, and professors.
Q: How did your family background influence your career goals?
Esha: Being the daughter of an SME owner, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges SMEs face—both the highs, like independently strategizing growth, and the lows, like securing new orders and navigating international expansion.
I wanted to contribute meaningfully to the SME space, especially in emerging markets like India, by providing robust financial guidance and bridging the information gap that often hinders SME growth. That’s why I pursued Accounting and Finance, followed by SME financing at Citi, and why an MBA is next on my path—to build the strategic mindset to support SMEs at scale.
Q: When you decided to pursue an MBA, what were your first steps?
Esha: Reflection was my first step. I had to be clear on why I wanted an MBA, which schools aligned with my goals, and where I saw myself in the future. Once I was confident, I focused on the GMAT, because your score really positions you for certain schools and informs your strategy.
After the GMAT, I attended school events to understand the admissions process, build relationships with committees, and uncover tips like letters of support and scholarship opportunities. Once I had that insight, I refined my applications and goals.
Q: Did you apply independently or with a consultant?
Esha: Initially, I hired a consultant, but the experience was disappointing. They weren’t familiar with my sector or schools, and most of their guidance didn’t add value. I ended up redoing my application independently after getting advice from alumni and current students from my target schools.
Networking directly with these students and attending school events was far more effective. I did multiple mock interviews with students from Wharton, Booth, and Columbia, and got detailed feedback on my CV and goals. This hands-on approach helped me craft authentic, compelling applications.
Q: How did you discover and engage with the Admissions Gateway community?
Esha: I discovered Admissions Gateway through Ravi Ramnik, who shares tips on LinkedIn. I also connected with students through GMAT Club who had worked with Admissions Gateway and had excellent experiences.
I joined the community in early March, just before my Wharton TBD. Even attending just two TBDs with Wharton students gave me a confidence boost, as it reassured me that my preparation was strong. It was one of the most valuable parts of my journey.
Q: Can you share your results and current status?
Esha: I’m thrilled to share that I’ve received an offer from Harvard Business School with 100% scholarship and have decided to join HBS! I’m incredibly grateful to Admissions Gateway, especially Mudit, for constantly encouraging me to aim high and apply to Harvard, and to Aparna for her unwavering support throughout my application journey. Their guidance and belief in me made all the difference, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
I also received offers from Wharton and Yale. It does feel like a dream
Q: What’s your advice for aspiring MBA applicants?
Esha: Reflect deeply before starting the process—know your “why” and your goals. Attend school events to learn nuances and build relationships. Seek guidance from current students or alumni—they understand what schools truly value.
Be authentic in your application, network strategically, and don’t over-rely on consultants. A thoughtful, well-prepared applicant can navigate the process successfully with the right support and insights.
