S3 E5 | Making Student Loans More Affordable with Nico Echegaray (Wharton)

In this episode, we sit down with Nicolas Echegaray (WG ’21) to unpack his path from Lima to Wharton – including how taking the GMAT early helped him score a 750, how he built a mission-driven narrative around financial inclusion, and how he navigated interviews as a non-native English speaker. Nico also shares how a viral LinkedIn post led him to an internship at Juno during COVID, why he ultimately chose Wharton, and how the MBA shaped his transition from investment banking to becoming COO of a fast-growing fintech startup.

This episode is brought to you by Juno, the collective-bargaining platform that helps MBA students secure lower rates on student loans. Learn more at ⁠⁠juno.us/m7a

(00:00) M7A Sponsor: Juno

(00:34) Opener

(01:01) Introducing Nico Echegaray

(01:58) Pre-MBA Background

(03:34) Motivation to Pursue an MBA

(04:43) Taking the GMAT Early

(05:36) B-School Selection Process

(07:19) Starting the Application Process

(08:05) Hiring an MBA Admissions Consultant

(08:20) Crafting an MBA Application Narrative

(11:09) MBA Application Challenges

(11:54) Preparing for MBA Interviews

(13:42) Value of an MBA Admissions Consultant

(14:57) MBA Application Results

(16:42) Wharton MBA Highlights

(17:51) Advice for Future Applicants (and Current Students)

(19:08) Post-MBA Career

(24:07) Juno

(25:42) Working as a COO

(26:18) Changes to Federal Student Loans

(27:24) Value of a Wharton MBA

(28:21) Advice for Future Applicants