Tiffany Tran offers expert guidance for college and graduate school admissions, with a specialized focus on applicants aspiring to enter the field of management consulting post-graduation
Tiffany Tran offers expert guidance for college and graduate school admissions focusED the field of management consulting post-graduation
I’m Tiffany Tran, Founder and CEO of LightPath Admissions. LightPath Admissions offers expert guidance for college and graduate school admissions, with a specialized focus on applicants aspiring to enter the field of management consulting post-graduation. I’m a former admissions officer at Stanford University in the Electrical Engineering department and USC Marshall School and worked as an MBA recruiter at McKinsey & Co. I bring my admissions and industry expertise to serve my clients.
What motivated you to become an entrepreneur? Is having your own business something you always wanted?
I didn't initially plan to become an entrepreneur, but I found my path when I saw an opportunity to combine my admissions background and management consulting recruiting experience. My career trajectory has been quite diverse, from serving as an admissions officer at Stanford University in the Electrical Engineering department to working at the USC Marshall School, and then transitioning into the role of an MBA recruiter at McKinsey & Co. Each of these roles equipped me with valuable skills, insights, and expertise that eventually led me to start LightPath Admissions.
Now that I find myself in the trenches of my own admissions consulting business, I couldn't be more thrilled with the direction my career has taken. It's a journey that I've come to cherish and appreciate with each passing day. The work I do is consistently dynamic and immensely interesting. I have the privilege of meeting remarkable people who have achieved so much and are at pivotal points in their lives, making the most critical decisions regarding their future.
What advice would you give to someone starting out or pivoting their business or their career?
My career journey wasn't a straightforward, linear path. It was filled with ups and downs, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. However, these experiences played a crucial role in shaping my professional expertise. In the early stages, it can be challenging not to compare your progress to those who have already reached significant levels of success while you're just beginning.
My advice to someone starting out or making a career pivot is to be kind to yourself. Understand that building a brand and clientele takes time and patience. It's essential to focus on your own progress and not be discouraged by the accomplishments of others. Keep learning, adapting, and staying committed to your goals, and over time, you'll see the fruits of your efforts as your brand and client base grow.
What is the most important when it comes to goal setting? Do you have any goal setting hacks?
As the saying goes, there's a lot of wisdom in the idea that you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time. It's a cliche for a reason—it holds a valuable truth. I prioritize my most urgent and important tasks, which I call "reds," and I deprioritize the less critical ones, referred to as "yellows" and "greens." This allows me to focus my energy where it matters most.
I also create a to-do list for the next day in my phone notes’ app. This helps me set clear objectives and stay on track. It may not be the most sophisticated method, but it's a great way to offload mental stress and be well-prepared for the next day.
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