Why we chose Kellogg: Exploration, opportunity and community
Deciding to pursue an MBA is no small commitment. Today’s prospective students are looking beyond rankings, weighing everything from academics and culture to cost, location, career opportunities and alumni networks. They’re asking questions such as: How accessible are students and alumni? What opportunities will help me explore new career paths? How will the school’s location expand my horizons? What does community support look like?
For these five members of the newest Full-Time MBA class, answers to those questions played a key role in their decision to enroll. From hands-on learning opportunities and career exploration to a collaborative culture, they share why they chose Kellogg and what they hope to gain from their experience.
Kellogg, just a train ride away from downtown Chicago and a world of opportunity
Hometown: Konkan coast, Goa and Karnataka, India
“One weekend, I can spend hours at the Art Institute observing how intentional design shapes human life, and the next I could be listening to founders at 1871, attending an industry event downtown or grabbing coffee with a Kellogg alum whose office is just a few train stops away. Kellogg has a large and engaged alumni community right here in Chicago, and the fact that Chicago is home to Fortune 500s, deep-tech startups, nonprofits, manufacturing, public policy and one of the richest architectural and design legacies in the world definitely sweetens the deal!
“What’s even better is that I get to call Evanston home — it's the perfect balance! A close-knit college town on the lake where you can slow down, reflect and build lifelong friendships. For me, that's the best of both worlds.”
Support that extends beyond campus
Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia
“The Kellogg community has been welcoming and generous with their time. Every conversation I've had with students and alumni has felt authentic. After participating in a week-long program at a consulting firm, I discovered other Kellogg students and alumni who were either working there or completing their internships. Every single one of them reached out, scheduling time to chat and sharing advice to help me make the most of the experience.
“They had no obligation to do so, but they genuinely wanted to support me. That moment showed me that the Kellogg community goes far beyond campus — the willingness to help and invest in each other's success is something that truly sets the school apart.”
The freedom to explore and the support to grow
Hometown: Evergreen Park, Illinois
“As a non-business major in undergrad, it was important for me to find a program that provided solid business fundamentals while still cultivating an exploratory, hands-on environment. Kellogg offers many experiential learning courses and labs, and for someone pivoting towards impact investing, courses like PE Lab stood out as opportunities to gain real-world experience in a supportive, collaborative setting.
“Before applying, take time to meaningfully engage with the community, whether that’s scheduling coffee chats with current students, attending prospective student events hosted by clubs or visiting the Global Hub. I found that Kellogg students and alumni were remarkably generous with their time, and every conversation gave me a clearer picture as to what life on campus looks like. That research pays off both in your application and in your ability to articulate why Kellogg is the right school for you. Don’t be afraid to let that specificity shine through as you tell your unique story.”
A team-driven culture that fuels success for everyone
Hometown: Moorpark, California
“My mother was an elementary teacher for most of her career and watching her growing up instilled in me the value of education. I’ve carried this with me into my own career, where I loved learning and growing alongside my team through book clubs, certification programs or other shared learning experiences.
“I would like to bring that same mindset to Kellogg. I hope to help create an environment where my peers feel comfortable sharing what they know, asking questions and investing in each other’s growth. I think this will be important to the success of our class because the value of the MBA experience will come not only from individual achievement, but from how much we help one another learn along the way.”
A community that shows up
Hometown: Manson, Washington
“As a father of three kids, the One-Year Program was incredibly attractive to me, particularly the numerous entrepreneurial programs and fellowships, the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem at Northwestern University and the strong sense of community that drew me to Kellogg.
“A couple of weeks into the summer term, my daughter had a medical emergency that required a trip to the emergency room and an overnight hospital stay. My wife stayed with her while I kept things together at home with our two boys. I immediately reached out to my section and other parents in my cohort for support, and they all came through for us. One classmate brought us dinner and another one shared notes from classes I missed and others helped arranged playdates for my kids while my wife and I navigated our daughter’s care plan. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through those first few weeks of term without my classmates.”
Explore our Full-Time MBA Programs to find the right fit for your career ambitions and the future you want to build.
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The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Kellogg School of Management or Northwestern University.