Susan James
MBA Coaching by Ex-CBS Admissions Officer & Former Bain Recruiter
Columbia Business School
Available tomorrow
Starting at 5:00 PM UTC
I look forward to connecting! So that we can have a meaningful conversation prior to our first chat please send me (if applicable) your LinkedIn or resume, testing, GPA, target schools, desired degree, timeline and anything else you'd like me to know about you. Excited to partner to help you achieve your goals!
Questions?
You can start chatting with Susan before you get started.
Work with Susan
Early Starters MBA Prep Plan
$855
Boost Your MBA Applications
Starting at
$300
Craft Powerful MBA Essays
Starting at
$712.50
About
I’m an MBA admissions strategist with 10+ years of experience guiding candidates through highly selective processes—from elite colleges to top MBA programs. As a former admissions officer at Columbia Business School, MBA interviewer and application reader at both CBS and UNC Kenan-Flagler, and senior recruiter at Bain & Company leading Wharton and Yale SOM pipelines for summer associate and consultant recruiting, I’ve evaluated candidates from every angle. I know exactly how admissions committees and hiring managers assess talent—and how to craft compelling, authentic stories that stand out. I’ve reviewed thousands of applications and coached students through critical decisions, essays, interviews, and admissions offers. My approach is thoughtful, honest, and strategic, with a focus on fit, clarity, and confidence—not résumé padding or gimmicks.
Susan’s MBA Qualifications
Coaches professionally
Welcome to my profile! With over a decade of experience in MBA admissions and recruiting, I have a deep understanding of what top business schools are looking for in candidates. I served on the MBA Admissions Committees at Columbia Business School, where I reviewed applications and interviewed candidates, and later worked as an MBA Admissions Interviewer/Reader at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. My extensive background in talent acquisition and recruiting at prestigious firms like Bain has honed my skills in resume coaching and interview preparation. I am passionate about helping aspiring MBA students craft compelling applications and navigate the admissions process with confidence. Let's work together to make your MBA dreams a reality!
Susan can help with:
Application Strategy
Editing
Essays
General Exploration
Interviews
Recommendations
Resume
School Selection
Secondary Review
Testing & Assessments
Waitlist Strategy
Why do I coach?
I coach because I’ve seen how unfair and confusing high-stakes admissions and hiring can be—and how often talented people miss out simply because they don’t know how decisions are really made. Time and again, I watched strong candidates get passed over not for lack of ability, but because their story wasn’t clear or their strategy wasn’t quite right. Helping people close that gap is what I love most. Coaching lets me demystify the process, give honest, practical feedback, and help clients walk into these moments with clarity and confidence. Seeing things “click” for someone—and watching doors open because of it—is why I do this.
Work Experience
MBA Admissions Interviewer/Reader
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
January 2021 - June 2023
Interviewer
Interviewed and evaluated Full-Time MBA applicants, reviewing applications and resumes to support data-driven admissions decisions. Provided one-on-one resume coaching to first-year MBA students through the Career Management Office, improving recruiting readiness and approval rates.
Senior Global Recruiter
Bain & Company
October 2018 - August 2019
Hiring Manager
Led full-cycle MBA recruiting for Wharton and Yale SOM and supported consultant and summer associate recruiting in the New York office. Partnered with senior stakeholders and campus teams to execute recruiting campaigns, increasing candidate engagement and offer acceptance. Redesigned Wharton recruiting events and employer branding and boosted event attendance. Ensured consistent evaluation standards through resume review, interview debriefs, and cross-office coordination. Supervised and coached a Recruiting Associate, improving recruiting process efficiency. Served as NY liaison to Tuck, Wharton, and Yale SOM affinity groups. Planned large-scale intern programming for incoming consultants and summer associates.
Global Recruiter
Bain & Company
May 2016 - October 2018
Hiring Manager
Led full-cycle MBA recruiting for Wharton and supported recruiting, including the Summer Associate Program, in the New York office.
Senior Associate Director, Heilbrunn Center for Graham & Dodd Investing
Columbia Business School
June 2014 - May 2016
Admissions Committee
Advised MBA and Executive MBA students on investment management careers, including courses, events, internships, and hiring practices. Served on the Value Investing Program admissions committee; interviewed applicants, created rankings, and provided candidate feedback for selection of 40 students annually. Managed logistics and execution of the Center’s portfolio of events and supervised the Program Coordinator. Developed and published informational materials, presentations, and website content for students, advisory board members, and other stakeholders. Represented the Center to prospective students and served as primary liaison for investment fund recruiters, providing targeted student recommendations and facilitating hiring connections. Partnered with faculty and student affairs to design Center offerings and provide logistical support for academic programs.
Associate Director of MBA Admissions
Columbia Business School
October 2011 - June 2014
Admissions Committee
Served on the MBA and Executive MBA Admissions Committees; reviewed and evaluated applications. Managed and developed a team of four; hired and onboarded new staff members. Planned and executed on-campus recruiting events (information sessions, class visits, panels) and coordinated domestic travel for the admissions team. Led annual yield programming for admitted MBA and EMBA students in partnership with the Columbia Connect Committee. Interviewed prospective Executive MBA and select Full-Time MBA candidates. Represented the School at domestic and international recruiting events and MBA fairs. Managed vendor relationships for event space, catering, and promotional materials.
Assistant Director of MBA Admissions
Columbia Business School
September 2010 - October 2011
Admissions Committee
Served on the MBA and Executive MBA Admissions Committees; reviewed applications and interviewed candidates. Planned and executed recruiting and yield events for women and underrepresented minorities. Partnered with student leaders and admissions officers to recruit and yield diverse candidate populations. Led targeted outreach through partnerships with Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) and Forte. Represented Columbia Business School at on- and off-campus information sessions. Coordinated and trained student volunteers (Hermes Society) to support prospective student engagement and admissions best practices.
Admissions/College Counselor
Brentwood School
August 2004 - June 2008
Admissions Committee
Admissions Counselor: Conducted interviews with prospective students (grades 7–12) and their parents; served on middle and upper division admissions committees. Planned and executed open houses, on- and off-campus events, and represented the school to prospective families. College Counselor: Counseled 10th–12th grade students and parents on course selection, college research, applications, interviews, testing, and financial aid. Co-founded the Junior Ambassador Program, hosting 100+ college admissions representatives annually. Served as the department lead for University of California guidance, test prep, and AP exam coordination.
Education
Columbia University
MS, Social Work
2008 - 2010
Activities and societies: Columbia Business School Women's Rugby Team
Bates College
BA, History and Psychology
1999 - 2003
Activities and societies: Captain and Athlete, Varsity Track and Field Athlete, Varsity Tennis Senior Admissions Fellow Admissions Tour Guide Teaching Assistant Research Assistant
Punahou School
High School
1995 - 1999
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