Candela Kechkian

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management (and McCormick School of Engineering)

“Continuous learner who is a little too obsessed with emerging tech.”

Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina – most recently, Charlotte, NC

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love to fish and I was on the Clemson Bass Fishing Team!

Undergraduate School and Major: Clemson University, B.S. Mechanical Engineering & B.A. Communication

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Deloitte Consulting, Senior Consultant

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA curriculum or programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? My target field is AI product management, and I was looking for a program that offered combined business-technical exposure to better understand the end-to-end product lifecycle. I was very determined to either find it or build it myself. As I researched schools, I prioritized those that would allow me to take engineering and computer science classes alongside business studies. I Googled “MBA with integrated AI curriculum” and remember how crazy it felt going through the MBAi website because it was like Kellogg had read my mind. Kellogg demonstrates a clear focus on technology, innovation, and product. I have not seen many business programs integrate subjects like programming into electives as Kellogg does (not just for MBAi), for example. This was my first proof of Kellogg’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and market adaptation.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? Something I really appreciate about getting my MBA in Evanston is that it has a small-town feel with the resources of nearby Chicago. That said, Chicago was actually not a selling point for me. My campus visit during Day at Kellogg (DAK), our admitted students weekend, was my first time in Illinois, and I have not had the chance to explore the city yet. While moving somewhere unfamiliar was initially an overwhelming thought, I have become very excited about the opportunity to experience something completely new. Growing up in Argentina and a few different U.S. states has shown me the value of exposing oneself to diverse environments. Though it will be different from the year-round fishing- and golf-friendly weather in the Carolinas, I look forward to the growth that lies ahead.

Kellogg is known for a team-driven culture. What quality do you bring as a teammate and why will it be so important to the success of MBA class? I am thankful for my cultural experiences and diverse studies that helped me build strong interdisciplinary skills to perceive, understand, and accommodate how different people interact. I look forward to helping foster Kellogg’s collaborative, thought-provoking environment so diverse ideas can thrive, converge, and contribute to our collective growth.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Northwestern Kellogg? I really love how “small group dinners” are part of Kellogg’s culture and even encouraged by the school. We were able to experience this during DAK, for which they said over 100 students opened their homes to us. The students mentioned they usually try to invite people they have not had the chance to get to know yet, and I think it is such a meaningful way to get to know people. I also personally enjoy laid-back social events like these more than late nights out in the city.

What has been your first impression of the Kellogg MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Kellogg story so far. I have been impressed by many aspects of Kellogg students and alumni, particularly their genuine, enterprising, and helpful nature. During my DAK visit, students and professors demonstrated sincere care in helping us make the best decision for ourselves, not just convincing us to choose Kellogg. They were honest and unbiased in their responses. Our student tour guide stayed over an hour to answer individual questions, and multiple students offered to help me negotiate my scholarship and prepare for recruiting, regardless of whether I accepted my offer. Recently, the career center hosted an alumni tech panel and one alum shared his entire recruiting folder with us. My MBAi peers have been incredibly supportive as well.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The growth I have seen in the analysts I have mentored. I am proud of how they have furthered their impact within our involvements and beyond, gaining the confidence to thrive in leadership and mentorship roles themselves.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? I do have specific academic, professional, and personal development goals that led me to pursue a graduate degree in the first place. However, building meaningful relationships and supporting my peers’ growth will be equally important for a successful MBA experience.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? MIT LGO, Duke Fuqua, and UT Austin McCombs.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA program?  My advice is to really understand why you want an MBA, why Kellogg specifically is the best place for you to get it, and what you will uniquely bring to the community. Convey this in your application through a consistent story, ensuring your resume, short answers, essays, video essays, and interview all contribute to a cohesive, genuine narrative of who you are.

DON’T MISS: MEET NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG’S MBA CLASS OF 2026