Kellogg INSIGHT
Kellogg faculty bring their latest research emphasizing key findings.In this issue:
Name-Letter Branding Miguel Brendl
Read More
Kellogg Full-Time MBA Program
Home Kellogg Programs Full-Time MBA Program MBA Programs One-Year (1Y) Program 1Ys Answer Your Questions
1Ys Answer Your Questions
Over the years we have collected questions that prospective students often have about the 1Y Program at Kellogg. Our alumni and students have taken time to give you their honest answers to these questions. We hope you enjoy reading their candid responses.
1. Are the 1Ys integrated into the traditional 2Y Program?
Soren Egholm ’09: Yes, as a 1Y, you can sign up for the same classes and do all the same things as a regular 2Y student! I remember the fall quarter when all the 2Y students started and I had a class with absolutely no one else from the 1Y program. It was a bit scary, but after the first class I figured out that most of the people in the class also did not know anybody else, as the other students were a mix of first-years, second-years, part-time students. and then a single 1Y. Additionally, the student-led clubs are open for everybody.
Moises Herszenhorn ’08: That varies for each graduation class and the efforts they make in order to integrate, but it is the same school, and people are there for the same reasons, so it is not hard to integrate.
2. Does it take long for the 1Y student to get to know the 2Y students?
Soren Egholm ’09: Near the end of my MBA I asked one of my friends that was finishing his two-year MBA what he thought about his experience. He answered: “I would rather have been a one-year student! You got the best of both worlds — a very tight group of friends from the 1Y program as well as the same opportunities as two-year students to make friends with other two-year students.” I talked to some of my friends from the 1Y program about this. We came to the conclusion that no matter what, you will always have a strong network of friends from the 1Y program, because there are only 80 people in the program. In addition, you have the same chances as everybody else to meet 2Y students through classes, clubs, trips, etc.
JD Roux ’08: There are multiple opportunities to get to know 2Ys before classes begin in the fall. I joined a KWEST trip and also volunteered to help run CIM; both of these programs are aimed at new 2Y students. I made some of my closest Kellogg friends (both first-year and second-year 2Y students) at KWEST and CIM, and continued to meet more 2Ys through them. Along with friends you meet in classes, organizations and events, it should not take any longer for a 1Y to get to know the 2Ys as any other Kellogg student.
3. Will I be at a relative disadvantage for not having taken the core courses at Kellogg?
Soren Egholm ’09: Skipping the core classes and jumping straight to the more advanced courses was one of the main reasons that I chose the 1Y program at Kellogg. With some prior business education and three years in consulting, I felt that I already had the basic business tools in place. Looking back, I have never felt at a disadvantage from not taking the core classes, but on the contrary, I feel that my previous experiences gave me an advantage in understanding some of the concepts from more advanced classes, as I had experienced some of the issues in real life prior to Kellogg. Observing my other 1Y classmates in class and talking to them, I heard the same. The previous experiences are worth a lot more than what any core class can teach you.
JD Roux ’08: There is very little disadvantage from not taking the core classes. I was worried when I arrived at Kellogg that I wouldn't remember the concepts from my undergraduate business school. However, when I took a marketing elective over the summer, I found that I very quickly got back up to speed when frameworks like STP and the Four P’s were presented by the professor. I also had no problem reviewing NPV, IRR and annuities in my first Kellogg finance class. Anything that I didn't know from the core classes was very quickly taught to me by another 1Y or 2Y student. This allowed me to spend my time taking more advanced electives and building on my prior knowledge, which better prepared me for my career. I don't think that the 2Ys thought the 1Ys were disadvantaged either — they frequently welcomed us into their groups!
4. I want to be Involved in clubs and leadership positions. Would I miss out on this as a 1Y?
JD Roux ’08: 1Ys are involved in a variety of clubs and leadership positions during their year at Kellogg. I personally was the co-representative of the 1Y section in the Kellogg Student Association, a student member of the Kellogg admissions committee and a member of the Transportation Club. My 1Y friends were in leadership positions in organizations such as the Consulting Club, the Marketing Club and almost all of the conferences. Many organizations specifically set aside leadership positions specifically for the 1Ys. While most of the highest leadership positions are only available to second-year MBA students, there is no shortage of opportunities for 1Ys to get involved and lead at Kellogg.
Moises Herszenhorn ’08: Yes, most leadership positions are filled in the end of the first year. It is still possible to get involved, but not necessarily as a leader. Many clubs have specific spots for 1Y students (usually are filled during the summer). It is important to be proactive and reach out to club leaderships if you are interested.
5. What is it like to be on campus at Kellogg over the summer?
JD Roux ’08: Being at Kellogg during the summer is a special and unique experience. The 1Ys practically take over the Jacobs Center and get plenty of attention from faculty, staff and administration. Because most of the Kellogg students are in summer internships, the 1Ys have almost unlimited opportunities to meet with career counselors in the CMC over the summer and plan their recruiting strategy for the year. Evanston is also relatively quiet over the summer, but it seemed like I was always running into fellow 1Ys in Evanston (in addition to the numerous outings we planned in Chicago). The 1Ys get the attention and tight-knit community of a smaller school over the summer, but later are able to take full advantage of the many organizations, classes and large network that are only available at a school as large as Kellogg.
6. As an alum of the 1Y Program, how do I stay involved and engaged with the school?
JD Roux ’08: Kellogg has a very active alumni community. 1Ys will only be students at Kellogg for one year, but will remain alumni for the rest of their lives. Kellogg has a variety of alumni clubs to keep us connected to the school. I am a member of the Kellogg Los Angeles Alumni Club and also lead the 1Y MBA Alumni Club. This is the best way for me to continue to build my network. I give back to the school by offering my time as an interviewer of prospective students. Students find that joining clubs and being involved is a critical part of the Kellogg experience, but we continue that tradition as alumni as well!
7. How is the 1Y experience different from the 2Y?
Marc Noland ’09: Summer school is the main difference. Chicago is the best summer city in the world and the summertime, when the 1Ys own the school, creates a unique bonding experience for our class. During the rest of the year, the experience is similar. I was able to take all classes I desired; had the same recruiting opportunity; took a leadership role in the student association; could do KWEST, the ski trip, and GIM; traveled to UCLA, the University of Texas, and Dartmouth on the Kellogg soccer team; won a case entrepreneurship case competition at Tulane; was a finalist in the Kellogg Cup entrepreneurship case competition; won the school chili cook-off; played intramural football, basketball, softball, and kickball; and went to all the major balls — to name a few.
Moises Herszenhorn ’08: The class is more united because of the summer spent together, but the classes are more intense, since they are combined with recruiting and a lot of other activities that 2Ys have had their first year to prepare for. In terms of recruiting, the major difference is not being able to do a summer internship.
8. Do I miss something important by not doing a summer internship?
Marc Noland ’09: Those of us from the 1Y program naturally missed doing an internship. But like most things, it comes down to tradeoffs. By missing the opportunity to do an internship, I got through graduate school in one year, I received the same degree and education as others with significantly lower costs, and I am going to get a 12-month head start on my ideal full-time job. Considering the trade offs, a 10-week internship would have cost me a substantial sacrifice of resources and provided little benefit in achieving my near- and long-term career objectives.
9. Do recruiters view the Kellogg MBA differently when you are a 1Y?
Marc Noland ’09: Recruiting is about telling your story — where did you come from, where are you trying to go and how is your MBA program helping you get there? On paper, there is no difference between the programs and some students leave it at that. I would, however, always attempt to discuss the fact that I am doing the 1Y program. It is my opinion that the Kellogg 1Y program is the best-kept secret in the MBA business. I loved talking about it to recruiters. It gave me a chance to tell my story and get personal. To demonstrate that my strong background allowed me to be part of a select group capable of tackling the rigors of an MBA in an accelerated fashion. Anyone deep into their career appreciates the logic associated with the lower costs and reduced time out of the workforce. They expect that logic in their business.
1. Are the 1Ys integrated into the traditional 2Y Program?
Soren Egholm ’09: Yes, as a 1Y, you can sign up for the same classes and do all the same things as a regular 2Y student! I remember the fall quarter when all the 2Y students started and I had a class with absolutely no one else from the 1Y program. It was a bit scary, but after the first class I figured out that most of the people in the class also did not know anybody else, as the other students were a mix of first-years, second-years, part-time students. and then a single 1Y. Additionally, the student-led clubs are open for everybody.
Moises Herszenhorn ’08: That varies for each graduation class and the efforts they make in order to integrate, but it is the same school, and people are there for the same reasons, so it is not hard to integrate.
2. Does it take long for the 1Y student to get to know the 2Y students?
Soren Egholm ’09: Near the end of my MBA I asked one of my friends that was finishing his two-year MBA what he thought about his experience. He answered: “I would rather have been a one-year student! You got the best of both worlds — a very tight group of friends from the 1Y program as well as the same opportunities as two-year students to make friends with other two-year students.” I talked to some of my friends from the 1Y program about this. We came to the conclusion that no matter what, you will always have a strong network of friends from the 1Y program, because there are only 80 people in the program. In addition, you have the same chances as everybody else to meet 2Y students through classes, clubs, trips, etc.
JD Roux ’08: There are multiple opportunities to get to know 2Ys before classes begin in the fall. I joined a KWEST trip and also volunteered to help run CIM; both of these programs are aimed at new 2Y students. I made some of my closest Kellogg friends (both first-year and second-year 2Y students) at KWEST and CIM, and continued to meet more 2Ys through them. Along with friends you meet in classes, organizations and events, it should not take any longer for a 1Y to get to know the 2Ys as any other Kellogg student.
3. Will I be at a relative disadvantage for not having taken the core courses at Kellogg?
Soren Egholm ’09: Skipping the core classes and jumping straight to the more advanced courses was one of the main reasons that I chose the 1Y program at Kellogg. With some prior business education and three years in consulting, I felt that I already had the basic business tools in place. Looking back, I have never felt at a disadvantage from not taking the core classes, but on the contrary, I feel that my previous experiences gave me an advantage in understanding some of the concepts from more advanced classes, as I had experienced some of the issues in real life prior to Kellogg. Observing my other 1Y classmates in class and talking to them, I heard the same. The previous experiences are worth a lot more than what any core class can teach you.
JD Roux ’08: There is very little disadvantage from not taking the core classes. I was worried when I arrived at Kellogg that I wouldn't remember the concepts from my undergraduate business school. However, when I took a marketing elective over the summer, I found that I very quickly got back up to speed when frameworks like STP and the Four P’s were presented by the professor. I also had no problem reviewing NPV, IRR and annuities in my first Kellogg finance class. Anything that I didn't know from the core classes was very quickly taught to me by another 1Y or 2Y student. This allowed me to spend my time taking more advanced electives and building on my prior knowledge, which better prepared me for my career. I don't think that the 2Ys thought the 1Ys were disadvantaged either — they frequently welcomed us into their groups!
4. I want to be Involved in clubs and leadership positions. Would I miss out on this as a 1Y?
JD Roux ’08: 1Ys are involved in a variety of clubs and leadership positions during their year at Kellogg. I personally was the co-representative of the 1Y section in the Kellogg Student Association, a student member of the Kellogg admissions committee and a member of the Transportation Club. My 1Y friends were in leadership positions in organizations such as the Consulting Club, the Marketing Club and almost all of the conferences. Many organizations specifically set aside leadership positions specifically for the 1Ys. While most of the highest leadership positions are only available to second-year MBA students, there is no shortage of opportunities for 1Ys to get involved and lead at Kellogg.
Moises Herszenhorn ’08: Yes, most leadership positions are filled in the end of the first year. It is still possible to get involved, but not necessarily as a leader. Many clubs have specific spots for 1Y students (usually are filled during the summer). It is important to be proactive and reach out to club leaderships if you are interested.
5. What is it like to be on campus at Kellogg over the summer?
JD Roux ’08: Being at Kellogg during the summer is a special and unique experience. The 1Ys practically take over the Jacobs Center and get plenty of attention from faculty, staff and administration. Because most of the Kellogg students are in summer internships, the 1Ys have almost unlimited opportunities to meet with career counselors in the CMC over the summer and plan their recruiting strategy for the year. Evanston is also relatively quiet over the summer, but it seemed like I was always running into fellow 1Ys in Evanston (in addition to the numerous outings we planned in Chicago). The 1Ys get the attention and tight-knit community of a smaller school over the summer, but later are able to take full advantage of the many organizations, classes and large network that are only available at a school as large as Kellogg.
6. As an alum of the 1Y Program, how do I stay involved and engaged with the school?
JD Roux ’08: Kellogg has a very active alumni community. 1Ys will only be students at Kellogg for one year, but will remain alumni for the rest of their lives. Kellogg has a variety of alumni clubs to keep us connected to the school. I am a member of the Kellogg Los Angeles Alumni Club and also lead the 1Y MBA Alumni Club. This is the best way for me to continue to build my network. I give back to the school by offering my time as an interviewer of prospective students. Students find that joining clubs and being involved is a critical part of the Kellogg experience, but we continue that tradition as alumni as well!
7. How is the 1Y experience different from the 2Y?
Marc Noland ’09: Summer school is the main difference. Chicago is the best summer city in the world and the summertime, when the 1Ys own the school, creates a unique bonding experience for our class. During the rest of the year, the experience is similar. I was able to take all classes I desired; had the same recruiting opportunity; took a leadership role in the student association; could do KWEST, the ski trip, and GIM; traveled to UCLA, the University of Texas, and Dartmouth on the Kellogg soccer team; won a case entrepreneurship case competition at Tulane; was a finalist in the Kellogg Cup entrepreneurship case competition; won the school chili cook-off; played intramural football, basketball, softball, and kickball; and went to all the major balls — to name a few.
Moises Herszenhorn ’08: The class is more united because of the summer spent together, but the classes are more intense, since they are combined with recruiting and a lot of other activities that 2Ys have had their first year to prepare for. In terms of recruiting, the major difference is not being able to do a summer internship.
8. Do I miss something important by not doing a summer internship?
Marc Noland ’09: Those of us from the 1Y program naturally missed doing an internship. But like most things, it comes down to tradeoffs. By missing the opportunity to do an internship, I got through graduate school in one year, I received the same degree and education as others with significantly lower costs, and I am going to get a 12-month head start on my ideal full-time job. Considering the trade offs, a 10-week internship would have cost me a substantial sacrifice of resources and provided little benefit in achieving my near- and long-term career objectives.
9. Do recruiters view the Kellogg MBA differently when you are a 1Y?
Marc Noland ’09: Recruiting is about telling your story — where did you come from, where are you trying to go and how is your MBA program helping you get there? On paper, there is no difference between the programs and some students leave it at that. I would, however, always attempt to discuss the fact that I am doing the 1Y program. It is my opinion that the Kellogg 1Y program is the best-kept secret in the MBA business. I loved talking about it to recruiters. It gave me a chance to tell my story and get personal. To demonstrate that my strong background allowed me to be part of a select group capable of tackling the rigors of an MBA in an accelerated fashion. Anyone deep into their career appreciates the logic associated with the lower costs and reduced time out of the workforce. They expect that logic in their business.
