Kristin Conklin
Manager, Financial Analysis
Havi Global Solutions

Student, Evening Program

The desire to make an impact, ardor for the intensity of competition and love for an intellectual challenge are only a few reasons why I participated in the USC Global Case Competition. My team of fellow Kellogg part-time students, along with seven other teams from around the world, was tasked with a business problem currently facing the sponsoring company. Our results were judged on three dimensions: by the sponsoring company on the quality and feasibility of the recommendation, by a panel of industry experts on the accuracy of our research and understanding of industry dynamics, and by a panel of consultants on the structure of our approach and analysis.

We had four weeks from the time we were given the case question to develop a framework, gather relevant information, analyze the data and develop recommendations. Pots of coffee and hours of research are often inevitable aspects of a case competition. They are overshadowed, though, by the richness of the experience stemming from the discovery of key insights, effective conveyance of ideas and invigoration of a cohesive team. For us, it came with the nods from the company’s executive team while presenting, from the ability to jump to a slide in our presentation that captured the crux of a judge’s question, and from the sense of accomplishment when printing the final deck.

The knowledge and experience acquired at Kellogg amply prepared us for helping Lexus tackle the issue. Learning how to solve business problems and have an impact were two primary reasons why I chose to attend Kellogg. And as was the case in this competition, having the knowledge and skill set isn’t always enough. The caliber and diversity of your Kellogg teammates lead to success. In our case, success resulted in the title of “Overall Winner.”

Simon Goodall
VP, Business Development & Luxury Brands
World Travel Holdings

Student, Evening Program

Kellogg’s Part-Time Program has offered me the unique opportunity to continue to advance my career while obtaining an MBA from a world-renowned institution. Living in Boston when I decided to pursue my MBA I had the opportunity to attend a number of great business schools in my own backyard, however the opportunity offered by Kellogg was so unique that my wife and I sold our house, she left her job and we moved to Chicago.

The Kellogg experience has been tremendously rewarding both professionally and personally. Learning through practical application both at work and through Kellogg team projects helps ingrain the classroom teachings. Countless times I’ve been able to take concepts learned in a Kellogg class one evening and directly apply them to my job the next day, which has helped facilitate strong professional growth and advancement during my time at Kellogg.

Rob Haugen
Energy Equities Trader, Baird
Founder, Ian's Pizza

Alumnus

Before my Kellogg experience, my restaurant business partner and I sat down and wondered how we would finance our growing business. The topic of venture capital came up, and neither of us knew a thing about it. A few useless Google searches and a couple of boring books later, I decided it was time to learn about it from the best. Now I not only know where to go for capital, but I can price and structure the transaction in a way that best fits our long-term goals. None of this would have been possible had I not gone to Kellogg.

On top of all of the business understanding Kellogg has brought me, I have an even more invaluable tool at my disposal now that I never had before. The network I’ve created through Kellogg ranges from professors who have seen every type of business come through their doors, to an endless list of people who are willing to help us just because we share the Kellogg bond.

The knowledge and the network have helped me build businesses in both the financial world, and the retail space that would have never been as great without my Kellogg experience. We continue to strive at Ian’s Pizza and Gotham Bagels in Madison, Wisconsin to create a business that is growing and great.

With my knowledge base and network from Kellogg helping me navigate, there’s no telling how much better off we will be as a company going forward.

Jennifer Logan
Account Supervisor
Arc Worldwide

Alumna

My decision to go to Kellogg is one of the best choices I have ever made, both professionally and personally. From the amazing range of people I have met, to the incredible experiences both inside and outside of the classroom, Kellogg has greatly enriched my life.

My most exceptional Kellogg experience was the Global Initiatives in Management China class. This student-led, study abroad class allowed me to study and visit this economic powerhouse and develop a deep understanding of the culture and the intricacies of doing business there. As a member of the leadership team, I was able to play an integral role in setting the course objectives, aligning guest speakers, and planning the trip to China. I know that what I learned in this class will be invaluable to me as business with China becomes more and more mainstream and I would highly recommend this experience to any Kellogg student. I constantly see the impact that Kellogg has made on my career and truly value what I have learned.

Bobby Modi
Assistant Brand Manager
Procter and Gamble

Student, Saturday Program

Every Saturday morning I wake up at 4:15 am and hop in the car and drive 300 miles from Cincinnati to Chicago to attend the newly formed Kellogg Saturday Part Time MBA program. I was extremely excited to learn that Kellogg created a Saturday program. I knew I wanted a top notch MBA experience that leverages a diverse student body, outstanding faculty, and rich history, but I wasn't ready to leave my job as Assistant Brand Manager at Procter and Gamble. The Kellogg program fulfills both objectives. I am only five weeks into my part time MBA experience and I already know that the 60,000 plus miles I will travel over the next 2.5 years will be worth it. Perhaps the most amazing thing about the Saturday MBA program is the friendships that I have formed in such a short time. The size of the program and the cohort structure have allowed me to develop strong relationships even though many of us are thousands of miles apart and only see each other once a week.

Catherine L. Walker
Customer Service Manager
GE Capital Solutions, Fleet Services

Student, Saturday Program

My Kellogg experience has given me the unique opportunity to interact with professionals from all parts of the business world, and from all corners of the country. The Saturday program offers a unique perspective to the MBA experience because my fellow students and I travel from California, Texas, D.C., New York, Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Missouri. I knew that my Kellogg experience would be eye opening but it didn’t hit home until orientation when I met my future classmates. We bring experience in IT, research science, engineering, finance, marketing, operations and management consulting. This diversity is especially important for me, as I’ve spent my career thus far in operations.

At orientation I realized that I would be spending the next two and a half years with a truly diverse mix of talented, engaged and motivated professionals, probably more so than at any other point in my career. Since the majority of us travel each weekend and are giving up our Saturdays to take classes, we want to maximize our experience. The Saturday Program is set up on a cohort basis (our class will be taking the same set of courses together) so we’ve already built a strong bond, possibly because we’re making the same set of sacrifices.

As one of two class representatives for the KPTSA, I can share our class’ unique concerns with other KPTSA members and stay involved with the current culture of the school. I think this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to have this breadth of knowledge in a single program all working towards the same goal. It’s very exciting to me and I would recommend it to anyone who is willing to make the commitment.

Clinton S. Warren
VP, Investment Specialist
JP Morgan Chase

Alumnus

The breadth and depth of knowledge I acquired from the Part-Time MBA Program at Kellogg has been invaluable to my career as an investment specialist with JP Morgan.

A direct result of my Kellogg education has been an ability to understand organizational and client investment issues, then integrate and apply theories of investment management and analysis for recommended plans of action. My critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and problem-solving skills have been strengthened via the Kellogg experience.

Additionally, the School’s focus on intense collaboration among students and faculty sharpened my interpersonal and team building skills, which have been an asset when meeting with clients and presenting proposals to executive management.

The foundation of knowledge and skills developed through my Kellogg experience has enabled me to successfully leverage the same in investment banking, retail marketing and merger strategy job assignments at my firm. I feel well positioned for leadership roles in the future and continued career growth at JP Morgan Chase.