Kellogg Chronicles: Bridging Two Worlds In The JD-MBA Program

When I decided to pursue a JD-MBA, I wasn’t just looking for two degrees. I was searching for a way to combine two passions: business and law.

As a self-employed entrepreneur, I loved the challenge of running my own business, but felt limited by the ceiling I had hit without formal training. I wanted to be able to read between the lines of legal documents and craft the business strategies behind them. More than that, I wanted to pressure-test the skills I had taught myself and grow into a leader who could bridge both worlds.

What I didn’t anticipate was how much the JD-MBA program at Northwestern University would change the way I approach not only my career but my sense of community and leadership. For those considering a similar path, here’s what made my experience uniquely impactful—and how it could shape yours.

AN INTENTIONAL START

Before stepping onto Northwestern’s campus, I knew I had to be intentional about my goals. I applied as a JD candidate at the Pritzker School of Law with the intention of later transferring into the dual-degree JD-MBA program—a decision I did not make lightly. While I recognized the potential value of a JD-MBA, I initially chose not to enroll in business school because I wasn’t entirely sure how the program would align with my career goals. At the time, my primary focus was transitioning into a legal career, shaped by my extensive experience working with legal contracts through my business. Additionally, I understood that pursuing the JD-MBA would require significant investments of time, effort, and financial resources. I wanted to ensure the program was the right fit before making such an important commitment.

My first priority was to attend a law school with both a strong business school and a robust business concentration within its law program. This approach gave me the flexibility to explore my options and determine the best path for my career. In case I didn’t have the opportunity to transfer into the dual-degree program, I saw Northwestern as the ideal choice to support my goals. Was there a chance I wouldn’t be accepted into the business school? Absolutely. But I viewed it as a calculated risk and an opportunity to take a strategic leap forward in my career aspirations. Ultimately, it was preparation meets opportunity.

The summer before starting law school, I reached out to every JD-MBA student I could find, asking about their experiences and strategies for navigating the transfer process into the program. Their advice gave me a roadmap for how to be a strong candidate and helped me refine my application. Some even took the time to personally coach me through the interview process, which ultimately helped me get accepted into the program.

For prospective students, I can’t stress enough the importance of preparation. As someone who didn’t have a single JD-MBA in my immediate network, I knew I had to step outside of my comfort zone to learn more about this unique path. To gain an understanding of the degree’s benefits and potential impact on my career, I sought out individuals who were not only pursuing the JD-MBA but also program alumni. As a whole, they gave me a piece of advice that profoundly influenced my decision. In particular, they urged me to adopt a forward-thinking mindset and envision the career I aspired to build and the caliber of people I wanted to grow alongside in my professional network.

SWITCHING GEARS AND BREAKING COMFORT ZONES

The JD-MBA program spans three years: the first year at Pritzker School of Law, the second year at Kellogg, and the final year back at Pritzker. One of the most challenging—and rewarding—aspects of the program is the mental shift between legal analysis and business strategy. Law school often focuses on precision and precedent, while business school thrives on collaboration and innovation. Mastering both approaches was no small feat, but it opened doors to opportunities I never imagined.

For example, I joined the Asset Management Practicum at Kellogg—a space that felt entirely outside my comfort zone. As someone without a finance-heavy background, I initially hesitated to apply. I vividly remember when I was first approached with the opportunity. My initial reaction was a mix of surprise and self-doubt: “Me? Are you sure? I know nothing about this industry.” Still, my belief in trying something at least once, no matter how nervous it makes me, pushed me to embrace the challenge—and this experience ultimately reaffirmed that mindset.

I did my externship for the practicum at Bosun Asset Management. The firm leadership reassured me that this was a place where I could explore something entirely new, uncover a potential interest, and grow in unexpected ways.

As the practicum progressed, I began to realize that, despite my initial hesitation, I knew more about asset management than I had given myself credit. My personal experiences and my interest in staying informed about financial markets and investment trends provided a solid foundation that helped me navigate and thrive in this new environment. My professor, Philip Ordway, also instilled confidence in me and served as a valuable resource, encouraging me to ask questions I might have considered unimportant or trivial throughout the quarter.

In the practicum, one particularly impactful moment was attending the NASP Trailblazing Women in Finance Luncheon. Surrounded by honorees who looked like me and were making incredible strides in the industry, I felt both inspired and validated. These were women I had never heard of before, but now I knew their names, their stories, and their impact. Seeing myself reflected in their success made me realize that a career in finance was not only possible but also could be both fruitful and deeply rewarding.

This practicum taught me an invaluable lesson: sometimes the best opportunities are the ones that push you the furthest out of your comfort zone.

COMMUNITY AS A CATALYST

Being part of two schools—Pritzker School of Law and the Kellogg School of Management —means navigating two distinct cultures. At law school, networking often seems to have more structure: “What did you achieve? Ad How did you do it?” Business school, however, introduced me to a different kind of networking—one rooted in authentic connection and shared experiences. This contrast allowed me to refine my approach to building relationships, blending the professionalism and goal-oriented nature of law school with the collaborative and personal focus of business school. Over time, I learned the value of balancing both styles: the clarity of purpose that comes from law school networking and the genuine rapport fostered at business school.

One of the organizations that promoted genuine rapport for me was the Black Management Association (BMA) at Kellogg, which quickly became my anchor. Through BMA, I found a vibrant community that supported me academically, professionally, and personally. From attending the renowned Black Management Association Conference to enjoying a fun-filled weekend at Black Ski Weekend in Park City, Utah, BMA provided countless opportunities to build meaningful connections.

These experiences allowed me to not only nurture a strong sense of community with my peers at Kellogg, but also build relationships with students from top business schools across the country. BMA became more than just an organization—it was a space where I felt empowered, inspired, and deeply connected.

For Black women in industries or organizations where we are often underrepresented, finding or creating community is essential. My involvement in BMA reminded me that I wasn’t navigating this journey alone—and that I could, in turn, pave the way for others.

A memorable example of blending connection and collaboration occurred when I partnered with Courtney Sloan, one of the current BMA presidents, to host a fondue and wine night as part of the Cork and Screw wine club at Kellogg. Together, we assembled a diverse group of classmates by leveraging our individual networks. With Kellogg’s expansive class size, this event offered a unique opportunity to connect with peers in an intimate and relaxed setting.

Over glasses of wine and cheesy fondue, I had meaningful conversations with classmates whose paths I might not have crossed otherwise, thanks to the networks Courtney and I had cultivated. I focused on building genuine rapport by asking open-ended questions about my classmates’ backgrounds, their experiences before business school, and what brought them to Kellogg. A fun highlight of the night was sharing a little-known side of myself—my knowledge of wine. Many don’t realize how much I enjoy exploring different tastes and pairings, and the event provided the perfect opportunity to showcase what I knew.

This experience reminded me that being part of BMA doesn’t mean limiting myself to networking solely with those who share similar backgrounds. Instead, it underscores the strength of community in forming connections that bridge differences, enabling me to build relationships across a wide range of perspectives. The event not only deepened my connections within the Kellogg community, but also reinforced the importance of collaboration in creating spaces for shared learning and meaningful dialogue. It highlighted how blending diverse experiences and viewpoints enriches our community, making it more inclusive and impactful.

Beyond my work in the classroom, I’ve found creative ways to document and share my JD-MBA journey with a wider audience. On TikTok, I’ve built a platform to shed light on the dual-degree experience, breaking down the complexities of law and business education for viewers who might not have access to traditional pathways to elite programs. From documenting my first few weeks at Kellogg to sharing candid advice, I’ve used this platform to make the JD-MBA program feel accessible and achievable for underrepresented communities. I’ve even connected with prospective students who, after engaging with my content, decided to apply to Kellogg themselves.

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP

At Kellogg, leadership isn’t just something you learn in the classroom—it’s something you practice every day. Group projects were a cornerstone of my experience. While they weren’t always easy, they taught me skills I’ll carry for the rest of my career.

I learned to navigate different personalities, delegate tasks effectively, and give space for others to contribute. When I returned to law school this year for group projects, I noticed how much these skills set me apart.

During a negotiation exercise in my negotiation class, we worked in groups with assigned different interests, striving to reach a common goal under tight time constraints. Through this experience, I learned the importance of active listening, understanding diverse perspectives, and identifying overlapping interests to build consensus. These skills allowed me to approach negotiations with a collaborative mindset, fostering trust among team members while driving toward a solution that satisfied everyone’s priorities. This blend of strategic thinking and interpersonal awareness became a defining strength in my ability to lead and contribute in high-pressure situations.

Ultimately, leadership is about creating an environment where everyone can thrive. And in business school, you quickly learn that success is rarely a solo endeavor.

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

If you’re considering a JD-MBA, my advice is simple: be fearless and flexible. Start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve, but be open to adjusting that vision as you grow.

Make every experience—professional, academic, and personal—count. Whether it’s reaching out to potential mentors or taking a risk on an unfamiliar opportunity, the skills and relationships you build along the way will set you apart.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to bring your whole self to the table. For me, that means embracing my identity as a Black woman in business and law, sharing my journey with others, and building a community where everyone feels seen and supported.

Bio: I am a third-year JD-MBA student from Queens, New York, and a proud graduate of Hampton University. I currently serve as VP of Academics for the Black Management Association and am on the executive board of Kellogg’s wine club, Cork and Screw. I am also a Northwestern Law Underrepresented Student Initiative Fellow. This spring, I will serve as an Ascend Fellow and undertake independent research on the evolving complexities of corporate restructuring. On my free time, you can find me experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen or catching the latest season of The Lincoln Lawyer.