Katie Wiggin

Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame

“Active, authentic, driven, thoughtful, and genuine, with a contagious laugh and a love for fitness.”

Hometown: Oakland, New Jersey

Fun Fact About Yourself: In 2026, my goal is to get professionally certified in Pilates and work towards becoming an instructor!

Undergraduate School and Major: University of South Carolina, Darla Moore School of Business

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Goldman Sachs, Associate

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? When I think of Notre Dame, I think of a close-knit, family-like community where people genuinely care for one another and are wholeheartedly invested in each other’s success, no matter how it is defined. Notre Dame gives me an undeniable sense of belonging and reassures me that I am exactly where I’m meant to be. My experiences with Mendoza have only deepened the initial gut feeling I had about Notre Dame. The people – including my classmates, professors, and the admissions team – have gone above-and-beyond to ensure I feel supported and valued every step of the way.

Aside from your classmates, what was the one key part of the Mendoza MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Choosing Mendoza was an easy decision for me. The connection I felt to the school went far beyond that of a typical business program. Growing in my faith and choosing a school that emphasizes not only academic and professional excellence but also the importance of building character and serving others was incredibly meaningful to me. You can sense that the people at Notre Dame are genuinely committed to being here and dedicated to shape our future leaders – leaders like the one I aspire to become.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? At Mendoza, career services thoughtfully pairs us into learning groups of five, bringing together a diverse set of individuals with complementary skills. This group becomes your team, working together on projects and attending the same classes throughout the first year. The idea is to create a dynamic where each member can contribute a unique strength and learn from one another. So far, my learning group has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience. It’s been invaluable to have a supportive team to lean on, especially when a certain class or subject area wasn’t my strongest. I can confidently say I have made lasting friendships that go beyond the classroom and will continue to shape my MBA journey.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my career so far has been uprooting my life and moving to Dallas, TX. This decision challenged me to face instability and uncertainty head-on, and I came out stronger on the other side. Starting fresh in a new city – without friends or family nearby – showed me just how resilient I am. It taught me that I am capable of navigating significant changes, embracing new opportunities to meet new people, and building a life for myself.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far has been getting involved in recruiting the 2027 incoming class. I’ve had the opportunity to speak on panels and give campus tours, sharing my experiences with prospective students. It’s been incredibly rewarding to reflect on my own journey just a year ago while helping others navigate theirs, and it has reinforced my commitment to supporting the Mendoza community.

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 is to align my career with my passions, focusing on work that can create appositive impact. I’ve always believed in the importance of bringing my whole self to work and the best advice I ever received was to “incorporate the things you love into your everyday work life.” Mendoza’s focus on ethical leadership, community, and personal growth, has led me to explore integrating my passions into a career that can create value for not only myself but others as well.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My best memory as an MBA student so far was the Reflection Journey our class took towards the end of orientation. This experience was designed to be a campus tour, but our first stop at the Basilica was a turning point for me. As I sat there, surrounded by the beauty of the church, I had a moment of clarity. I realized that my MBA journey at Notre Dame was going to be unlike any typical business school experience. It wasn’t just about academics or career goals; it was about personal growth and faith.  When I graduate and find myself in a new city, looking back on my time at Notre Dame, I will picture myself sitting at the Basilica, surrounded by people I care deeply about and remind myself of the meaningful moments and relationships that have shaped my MBA journey.

DON’T MISS: MEET NOTRE DAME MENDOZA’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

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