Meet Chicago Booth’s MBA Class Of 2019

Kirsta Kellin 

University of Chicago, Booth School of Business 

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for nutrition, tackling moguls, running marathons, and family.

Hometown: Carefree, Arizona

Fun Fact About Yourself: I spent the majority of my childhood on the soccer field, playing for over 13 years with the most memorable being my last four years competing for Indiana University.

Undergraduate School and Major: Indiana University, BS in Finance and Entrepreneurship/Corporate Innovation

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Goldman Sachs – Private Wealth Management; Financial Analyst

Goldman Sachs – Private Wealth Management, Regional Management Team; Associate

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: 

My biggest accomplishment was being selected to join the Goldman Sachs Midwest Regional Private Wealth Management Team, working with the partner who runs the region to impact national strategies.  I truly value my ability to facilitate change, collaborate across multiple channels, and learn from key decision makers and senior leadership at Goldman Sachs.

Looking back on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to future business school applicants? In today’s age of technology, the ability to communicate face-to-face is more powerful and effective than ever. Use the admissions interview as a way to fully express yourself and develop a genuine connection with your interviewer. It goes without saying that you should have detailed reasons why you want to attend the school, but take it a step further and demonstrate the effort you put in to discover these reasons. Include examples of stories and opinions you gathered from speaking with current students and alumni; reflect on the time you visited campus; and reference certain clubs or groups you hope to join. Find ways to show your passion for the program and weave them into your future aspirations. Try to make it more of an effortless, two-way conversation where you learn about your interviewer as well. Ask thoughtful questions and sincerely thank them for taking the time to meet with you. Do not lose sight of the fact that you are fortunate to have made it to the interview and should therefore be grateful for the opportunity.

What was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? I was raised by two entrepreneurial parents who have always inspired me to explore new ideas and strive for improvement in all aspects of life. I wanted a culture that emulates this mentality while also surrounding myself with a diverse group of people who share an intense drive to challenge the status quo. Booth is unmatched in both arenas, thriving heavily off a group of people with varying backgrounds who persevere to create change.

What would success look like to you after your first year of business school? An internship at a VC or PE firm where I can directly apply the skills learned both in and outside of the classroom to work closely with entrepreneurs and evaluate investment opportunities.

Questions about this article? Email us or leave a comment below.