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Words of Advice From Kellogg’s Class of 2022

Business school is a time for learning, connecting, and growing. But the B-school experience can also be challenging—from rigorous coursework to the overall stress that comes with the MBA environment.

As the Class of 2022 embarks on a new chapter in their lives, Kellogg grads shared a few parting words of advice for the new MBA students.

FIGURE OUT WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU

Two years isn’t enough time to do everything. How you spend your two years at business school depends on how well you prioritize your time.

“You really are told when you get here to just prioritize as much as you can, so figure out what matters most to you and prioritize those things over anything else,” Alyssa Federico, a Kellogg MBA, says. “It’s just figuring out where you can tone back on some other things so that you can really invest yourself as much as you can in the two years that you are here.”

“It goes quick,” Saed Salah, a Kellogg MBA, adds. “Enjoy it. Make those connections, put yourself out there, reach out to faculty, reach out to classmates, and enjoy the ride and the journey.”

EMBRACE THE COMMUNITY

With top students from around the world, Kellogg’s bar for entry is high. The community is top-tier and well-accomplished, but Kellogg grads say that shouldn’t be reason to be intimidated.

“Don’t be afraid of that impostor syndrome,” Nehali Patel, a Kellogg MBA, says. “You may feel like you don’t belong, but you actually do and you made it here for a reason.”

“Probably what surprised me the most is how friendly and socially outgoing all the other students are,” Mike Rawls, a Kellogg MBA, adds. “Students are extremely willing to help you, and they want to be friends and want to continue to build professional relationships outside of Kellogg. Actually, the professors are the same way as well, so extremely helpful both personally and professionally.”

“I think Kellogg really does a great job of somehow selecting just so many different people but all kind of the same as if there’s some common thread among everyone here, and you can’t really put a name to it besides just ‘Kellogg,’’” Trevor Lu, a Kellogg MBA, says.

While these next two years will be difficult and challenging, it’s important to remember that you made it this far for a reason.

“Really lean in but gracefully,” Sandra Carruitero, a Kellogg MBA, says. “I think we are so excited by all the opportunities that there are on campus, so when we are here, understand that if you’re overwhelmed that it is OK; everyone else is overwhelmed. But also don’t be afraid to try new things. These two years are meant for us to experience and grow as humans.”

Sources: Northwestern Kellogg, Northwestern Kellogg, P&Q

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