Meet The Masters Of Management

HIGH IMPACT, LOW EGO

Despite Kellogg’s high calibre faculty and curriculum, the school operates on a High Impact, Low Ego mandate. “At Kellogg, we’re known for our pay-it-forward culture and community of collaboration,” says Mayer. “As a part of this community, you can expect to have access to incredible alumni support that will fuel career success for the rest of your life.”

For Kellogg graduate Lily Gandhi, her success as a graduate student was directly linked to the number of positive relationships she built with her peers and professors. “I gained so much insight on their various life experiences and career trajectories that has allowed me to carry insights into my own life and journey.”

Mayer explains that their MSMS grads see quick progression in their careers given the blend of soft and hard skills they polished through the program. “Between extensive and challenging experiential learning projects, a broad range of courses to choose from, and global opportunities (when travel allows), a master’s in management from Kellogg is shaped by academic and real-world experiences that meaningfully evolve students’ capabilities as new professionals,” says Mayer.

This program provides a foundational toolkit to help recent undergraduates prepare to accelerate their careers, Mayer explains. “Students take core courses across business disciplines, providing them with broad exposure to areas like marketing, accounting, finance and strategy,” she says.

KELLOGG’S IDEAL CANDIDATE

In the past, the program has consisted of those with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, political science, and even performing arts. While the cohorts has individuals with diverse skill sets, Mayer says that they’re looking for students who have a strong track record of on-campus involvement, coupled with internships or research work.

Prior to applying for the program, Mayer advises that students reflect on the future of their career. “We are looking for candidates who are goal-oriented and passionate about building a foundation that will enable them to succeed,” she says. “Since the program is just one year long, having a clear idea of a path (or paths) you want to explore is very important.”

Those who have graduated from Kellogg’s MSMS program have benefitted from having clear goals, according to Mayer. “Graduates of the MSMS program pursue roles in a variety of industries and functions. Traditionally, a large portion of our graduates pursue finance and consulting roles at firms like Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, and Boston Consulting Group. However, our students boast a variety of backgrounds with a multitude of expertise, which has resulted in unique job searches. In 2019, one of our graduates entered the military, where he leveraged the leadership, strategy and team building skills he learned during the program,” says Mayer.

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Mayer stresses the importance of MSMS grads staying connected with their peers. “An experience like this one provides you with a close-knit network of like minded people with a broad variety of interests. You never know when you could use the help of a fellow MSMS alumnus,” she says.

She also advises that MSMS students focus on a current industry or interest. “Continue to build skills, grow a network, and be ready to attack your career at full-force.”

While many master’s of management students go straight into the program following their undergraduate degree, Boston University Questrom School of Business’ Claire Graham assures prospective students to not get caught up worrying about their lack of business experience.

“The less experience the better. Focus your energy on articulating what diverse perspective you bring to the table and how gaining a business background could propel you in your career,” she says.

When it comes to sharing what unique perspective students can bring to the table, Anne-Sophie Dobbelaar of Imperial College Business School recommends that students have a great story prepared. She says, “In your cover letter, don’t be afraid to show that you don’t necessarily want to pursue a traditional career – and always convey enthusiasm and ambition.”

“Embrace your background and whatever makes you unique,” adds Thomas Kidd of University of Michigan’s Ross Business School. “Nobody is going to have a business degree in the program, so focus on where you have been, where you want to go after graduation.”

Learn more about the educational and career journey about these Master’s in Management students who are creating impact. Click on the links below.

Alumni Member	Master’s in Management	Current Employer
Claire Graham	Boston University (Questrom)	InCrowd
Billy Murch Elliot	Cornell University (SC Johnson)	Carlisle & Company
Keerthana Chellappan	Duke University (Fuqua)	New Engen
Julia Schulze Bölling	Esade Business School	EY-Parthenon
Lucie Graewe	HEC Paris	KPMG
Lilly Ondera	University of Illinois (Gies)	CJ Affiliate
Anne-Sophie Dobbelaar	Imperial College Business School	Amazon
Lily Gandhi	Northwestern University (Kellogg)	Capital One Bank
Emily Norcliffe	London Business School	Strategy&
Thomas Kidd	University of Michigan (Ross)	Virtru
Lacey Mendelson	University of Notre Dame (Mendoza)	Google
Winnie Wei Du	University of Southern California (Marshall)	Alibaba
Sofia Ribeiro	Yale School of Management	Public Health Medical Doctor