Meet the MBA Class of 2023: Natalie Kvochak, Notre Dame (Mendoza)

Natalie Kvochak

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

“A big smile with a big personality. Strives to be kind, joyful, sincere, and true.”

Hometown: Aliso Viejo, California

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a singer. I have sung in a capella groups, worship bands, and choirs. I currently sing in Notre Dame’s Liturgical Choir

Undergraduate School and Major: and my major was environmental science.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: NV5 and Environmental Villanova University Health & Safety Specialist III

When you think of Notre Dame, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Mendoza program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? Quality academics, ethical leadership, and community.

My experiences so far definitely have lived up to my expectations for the program. So far, academics have been robust, and the professors have been exceptional. Not only are the professors’ masters in their fields, but they also make themselves available to their students in professional and even personal ways. One thing that makes Notre Dame stand out from other MBA programs is that ethical leadership is part of the curriculum. The motto of Mendoza is “Grow the good in business.” We take entire classes devoted to the subject and it is great to be surrounded by so many professors, staff, and fellow students that, like me, were attracted to Notre Dame because it values “growing the good” in the world.

Something that, actually, exceeded my expectations of the program is the quality of community I have experienced so far. Every student I have met is kind and inclusive. We truly are a tight-knit cohort.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the Mendoza MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The school’s focus on “growing the good in business” was most important to me. As a devote, practicing Catholic, I saw this focus on ethics and morality as one that would be aligned with my faith and even help to enhance it. Students at Notre Dame don’t just want a good job, they want to do good in the world through their jobs.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? Football games and tailgating with my class for sure! The energy on campus before a game is indescribable! There is an MBA tailgate every home game, so it is awesome to be able to meet up with my class (and sometimes even with professors) before the game and simply just have fun with each other. When people’s families or friends come to town for a game, they also are included in the fun.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I am proud of the relationships I was able to build with my clients as well as my coworkers. Even though I am at Notre Dame now, I still talk today to many people I worked with during my 4 ½ years at NV5.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? I, once again, am proud of the relationships I have been able to build, so far, within the Notre Dame community. I am so looking forward to the rest of these 2 ½ years together and anticipate these relationships living beyond graduation!

Mendoza is known as a purpose-driven MBA program that asks students to “Grow the good in business.” What is your mission and how has Mendoza been helping you realize it? My mission in life is to honor God, serve others, and be a force of good in both my professional and personal pursuits. Notre Dame is helping me with this by teaching me the nuts-and-bolts of business and how to be a quality leader. Mendoza’s focus on ethical business and the plethora of spiritual opportunities at Notre Dame are also helping me deepen my relationship with God, use business to serve others, and learn how to be a force of good in the world.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Mendoza MBA program? Take advantage of opportunities to talk with Notre Dame admissions staff, professors, and current students. At Notre Dame, it’s not just about getting the best grades and jobs after graduation. It’s also about being a part of the Notre Dame community. Making an effort to get to know that community beforehand will go a long way. Plus, in my experience, Notre Dame staff and students are extremely helpful and thus will be a great guide and source of support throughout your application journey.

DON’T MISS: MEET NOTRE DAME MENDOZA’S MBA CLASS OF 2023