Continuing our series, we’re thrilled to share the story of Rosario, a Merchant GMAT & Admissions alumna whose journey led her from strategy consulting at EY Parthenon to a dynamic role at TikTok. Rosario’s path demonstrates the power of adaptability, persistence, and a strong support network.
Summer Internship: Gaining Insight into Strategy and Industry Fit
Rosario completed her summer internship at EY Parthenon in August 2023, where she explored various industries and strategy projects, helping her define her post-MBA career focus. “Working in a very technical industry was challenging,” she recalls. “I had to quickly catch up with my colleagues and clients, but the experience pushed me to grow and clarify which types of projects and industries excite me most.”
Job-Hunting Process: Embracing New Directions
After her internship, Rosario faced a challenging job market and, without a return offer, pivoted her focus to Big Tech. “The job-hunting process was very tough, especially without the return offer due to overstaffing,” she shares. To stay motivated, Rosario leaned on a support network of friends going through similar challenges. “Being around people who understood and supported me was so important—it made all the difference during those tough moments,” she adds. An unexpected lesson? “An MBA isn’t a golden ticket. I had to put in a lot of effort to secure a role,” she notes.
Interview Experience: Translating Consulting Skills to Tech
Rosario found that her consulting prep gave her an edge in Big Tech interviews. “My consulting preparation for EY Parthenon really helped with the tech interviews,” she says. To approach behavioral questions, she used the STAR framework, preparing detailed stories and quantifying her impact. “I felt confident because I had a story ready for each question, and numbers always make a difference,” Rosario advises.
Landing the Final Job at TikTok: A Fast-Paced Environment for Growth
When Rosario landed her role at TikTok, she quickly realized she was entering a startup-like atmosphere. “My learning curve was super fast, and since day one, I was in business meetings,” she shares. “My onboarding was just one morning—there was no time to waste!” The role has proven rewarding, validating her adaptability and persistence. Rosario views her position at TikTok as a stepping stone toward her long-term goals, refining her strategic and leadership skills in a high-impact environment.
Reflections on the MBA Journey: Embracing Growth and Change
Looking back, Rosario is proud of the resilience and adaptability her MBA journey instilled in her. She notes that the experience, while challenging, has shaped her into a more strategic thinker and opened doors to industries she hadn’t previously considered. “The MBA taught me to embrace new directions and focus on what truly excites me,” Rosario reflects.
Ready to Start Your Own Success Story?
Ready to take your career to the next level? Whether you’re aiming for a top consulting firm, a leadership role, or launching your own business, Merchant GMAT & Admissions can help you get there. With our proven track record of successful MBA candidates like Rosario, we offer personalized support every step of the way—from crafting a winning application to strategizing your post-MBA career.
Your success story starts here! Book a free strategy session today by filling out the form below, and let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your MBA dreams and beyond. The future you’ve always wanted is just a click away!
