MBA love stories: Building a bond through communication, commitment and care

• Mutual support system: Going through the rigors of business school would be challenging both academically and personally. Knowing that we had each other and understanding what we would go through together gave us the strength to support each other through the process.
• Collaboration and teamwork: The opportunity to study together and enhance skills like collaboration, communication and teamwork excited us. We also recognized these would be valuable both academically and in our personal lives.
• Leveraging each other's strengths: We have many complementary skills and experiences that we believe could benefit us academically and professionally, leading to a more enriched learning experience.
• Long-term planning: We both saw business school as an investment not only in our respective careers but also in our joint future. Sharing the experience of business school presented the opportunity for us to learn how to better navigate challenges and celebrate achievements together.

Tell us about your MBA application process and how you each landed at Kellogg. Was this intentional?

Once we both decided we wanted to embark on this journey together the first step was preparing for the GMAT. We took GMAT prep classes together and spent many weekends studying together for the exam. 

In some ways, this brought us closer because we were working toward a shared goal, but it also required a great deal of sacrifice. We started exploring programs around Chicago and attended several recruitment events at various schools. Early on, we were both unsure if we wanted to attend the same institution but mutually agreed we wanted to determine the best fit for each of us individually. 

Through attending events and speaking with current students at the time, it was evident to us that Kellogg was the perfect fit for us. The emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, academic rigor and culture were all aligned with our interests and values. We knew that a community-based model would help us flourish as students flourish in our own way. 

We also found academic programming that suited each of us individually. At the end of this exploratory journey, it was clear to us that Kellogg was the only option we wanted to pursue, and ultimately, the only place we applied.

Did you take any courses together or did you prefer to keep this aspect of your business school experience separate?

In the beginning, part of the fun of doing this together was being able to enjoy classes together. For at least the core classes, we decided to take them together. This allowed us more time to build a closer bond with our cohort and get to know a diverse set of people outside of our cohort.

Outside of core classes, our academic interests differed enough that we either did not have a mutual interest in classes or our schedules did not align. There were a few electives that we were fortunate enough to take together, but we largely took classes that differed based on what interested us most. 

Having the opportunity to take classes together was one of the highlights of our journey, and it made some very challenging courses easier to digest because we had each other to lean on.

In what ways did you create space to pour into your relationship while in business school?

We knew our time in business school would be hectic and time-consuming, yet rewarding. So, we wanted to be very intentional in our approach to make sure we prioritized the time we were able to spend together outside of school and work. 

A few ways in which we accomplished that were: 

• Communicate openly: We were very upfront and honest about our expectations of each other and ourselves. It took a considerable amount of effort to decide on class schedules and what each quarter would look like for both of us, so aligning calendars sometimes was hard. We encouraged each other to openly share our thoughts, feelings and concerns. Discussing both our challenges and successes allowed us to support each other better.
• Support each other's goals: We took an interest in each other's academic and career pursuits. There were many times compromises were required due to scheduling conflicts, but we always supported each other and did our best to attend each other's presentations, offer encouragement and celebrate milestones.
• Shared responsibilities: Given that we both had full-time jobs, an unexpected global pandemic, and several other major life events that occurred during our time in business school, it was very important we both shared household responsibilities and other obligations. This helped either of us from feeling overwhelmed and ensured that we both had the time to focus on our group work and relationship.

We made a conscious effort to find time for self-care activities individually and as a couple. This included exercise, date nights, hanging out with our cohort mates and other friends or simply relaxing together. It was vital to take care of ourselves so that we stayed mentally and emotionally healthy.

We also always provided each other with words of encouragement and regularly expressed our appreciation for one another and the experiences we shared. This was an exceptionally challenging chapter in our lives with so many conflicting priorities, but we never lost sight of the end goal or supporting each other. 

What did you enjoy most about completing your MBA as a couple at Kellogg?

Having the chance to get our MBAs together was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we were both very fortunate to have experienced. There are so many wonderful things that we enjoyed as a result of doing this as a couple.

We were able to make deep connections with many people from our cohort and have made many lifelong friends. We’ve also attended several of our classmates’ weddings and thoroughly enjoyed the many social events that Kellogg hosted.

One of the most memorable events included our very first cohort social (Whirlyball) that Gauri organized, which was extensively talked about among the group. We also loved attending Managers’ Ball, winter social and graduation gala.

All this to say, having each other as our +1 for all these social events made these events so much more fun while also working toward our shared goal.

Any advice you’d give to other couples contemplating business school?

Communicate with each other openly and frequently but also know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Seek support from friends or family if that is an option available to you. Having a strong support network outside of your relationship can provide additional resources and perspective during challenging times.

Lean on each other’s strengths and always be willing to compromise. We both experienced a lull around the halfway point of our MBA journey and were questioning our decision to take it all on together, but with a little encouragement from each other, we pushed through and are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished. 

In the hot seat with Gauri and Mitch: 

What’s your favorite date night in Evanston/Chicago?  

We both love to explore new restaurants and enjoy a variety of different cuisines. A couple of our favorite date spots are Tango Sur (Argentinian Steak House), Armitage Ale House (Anglo-Indian-inspired pub) and Aba (Mediterranean).
 
Other than that, we love a good speakeasy. A few of our favorite spots to grab a drink in Chicago are Sparrow (best kept secret!), Violet Hour and Blind Barber. 

What's your favorite place on campus? 

Since we both were evening and weekend students and most of our classes were at the downtown campus there wasn’t a favorite place; however, the “Kellogg Table” was our favorite spot to hang out and catch up with people before class and grab a quick bite! It was such a wonderful addition to what Kellogg offers and allowed us to connect with a diverse set of people within the program. 

Name three words (or a phrase) to describe your Kellogg experience as a couple:

Mitch: Whirlwind, empathy and growth
Gauri: Transformative, rewarding and collaborative

What is the biggest takeaway from going through an MBA program together?  

Take the risk! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and know that there will never be a perfect time to do this. Investing in yourself is a worthwhile endeavor, and everyone can find the balance they need to do this. 

While many students pursue this alone, finding a partner who is willing to do this together is so rewarding. It gives you a built-in advantage and a solid support system that you can lean on for personal, professional or academic advice. At the same time, social events are so much more fun to do with your spouse/partner and can provide fun date nights that you don’t even have to plan!

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Photos courtesy of Kim Ritchie Photography