At Merchant GMAT & Admissions, we often focus on the journey to getting into top MBA programs—perfecting applications, crafting essays, and preparing for interviews. But what happens after the MBA? That’s a story we don’t talk about nearly enough. To change that, we’re launching a new series called “Life After MBA – Real Success Stories of Merchant Alumni,” where we’ll highlight how our alumni are thriving post-MBA and the transformative impact of their degrees.
Francisco’s Post-MBA Success: From IESE to Kearney
Today, we’re kicking off the series with the inspiring journey of Francisco Hitzfelder, an IESE Business School graduate who leveraged his MBA to secure a position at Kearney, one of the world’s leading consulting firms. Francisco is not only a Merchant alumnus, but with the help of Merchant coaches, he achieved an impressive 740 on his GMAT before joining Merchant as a Quant Coach, where he helped many students tackle the quantitative challenges of the GMAT. After gaining admission to multiple top MBA programs—including Bocconi, London Business School (LBS), HEC Paris, and INSEAD—Francisco ultimately chose IESE for its strong consulting focus and international exposure. This decision paid off during his summer internship at Kearney, where he not only gained experience in a new geography—Mexico—but also navigated the fast-paced environment of a top consulting firm.
Making an Impact During His Internship
“The internship allowed me to truly understand the dynamics of consulting,” Fran shares. “Navigating multiple workstreams, meeting client demands, and managing time effectively within a cross-functional team pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected.”
During his internship, Fran faced several challenges: adapting quickly to complex client demands, balancing multiple workstreams, and effectively communicating within a cross-functional team. These experiences sharpened his time management and strategic problem-solving skills, which ultimately led to a full-time offer from Kearney at the end of the internship. The decision to join Kearney felt natural, as the firm’s methodology and global reach aligned with Francisco’s career aspirations.
Securing a Full-Time Offer at Kearney
Francisco’s interview process reinforced the importance of thorough preparation. He used a mix of case interview prep resources and problem-solving frameworks, which helped him articulate his approach confidently. Once he landed the role, his initial reaction was a mix of relief and excitement, knowing he had secured a position at a firm he admired. “When I received the full-time offer, it was a moment of validation. I had worked hard to get there, and it was great to see everything come together,” he recalls.
Taking the Next Step in His Consulting Career
This opportunity has allowed him to build on his consulting experience, work across geographies, and contribute to high-profile projects that shape industry strategies. “Kearney’s global reach and focus on strategic problem-solving make it an ideal place for me to grow and refine my skills while making a real impact,” Francisco notes.
Reflecting on His MBA Journey
Reflecting on his MBA journey, Francisco attributes much of his growth to the analytical and strategic thinking skills honed at IESE. The program’s rigorous curriculum, combined with the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals from around the world, broadened his perspective and prepared him to navigate global business challenges. Beyond academics, the MBA experience taught him resilience and adaptability. Balancing intense workloads with personal commitments pushed him to grow in unexpected ways, and the support network of peers and mentors played an instrumental role in his success.
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 Francisco, 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!
