S1 E5 | Engineering the Perfect MBA Application with Tyrel Sulzer (HBS)

In this conversation, Tyrel Sulzer (HBS '22) shares his journey from working as a geotechnical engineer in Canada's oil sands to pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School. He discusses his unique background as an indigenous Canadian and how he crafted his application essay around his experiences bridging corporate and community interests in the energy sector. The discussion covers his strategic approach to the application process, including his decision to apply to only three schools and how he drew on his distinctive perspective on indigenous sovereignty and energy development. Tyrel provides detailed insights into his essay writing process, which took an entire summer to refine, and explains how he positioned himself as different from typical engineering applicants. He also reflects on how his goals have evolved during business school and shares candid advice about dealing with skeptics during the application journey. The conversation offers valuable perspective on how applicants can authentically showcase unique backgrounds and experiences that set them apart in the admissions process. (0:00) Introduction to Tyrel Sulzer (1:45) Background and Pre-MBA Experience (2:55) GMAT Score and Application Stats (4:50) Harvard Business School Essay Reading (11:10) Reflecting on the Essay (13:20) What Made the Essay Unique (15:40) Essay Writing Process and Timeline (19:00) Career Goals and Vision Changes (21:05) School Selection Strategy (23:45) Application Resources and Advice (25:00) The Real Why Behind MBA (26:15) HBS Experience and Value (28:05) Rapid Fire Questions (34:30) Final Application Advice