Ellie Bentley

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

“Always up for a challenge; seeking to make the world a better place.”

Hometown: Vienna, VA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have visited all 50 states. Last year, I completed this feat with a road trip concluding in Oklahoma—my 50th state!

Undergraduate School and Major: The College of William & Mary, Finance

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Cambridge Associates; Associate Investment Director, Sustainable and Impact Investing

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? While I am eager to gain exposure across all management disciplines, I was impressed by Kellogg’s pathway offerings, which allow students the flexibility to tailor their academic experience to align with their specific interests and career goals. In particular, I am excited to explore the Private Equity and Venture Capital Pathway and the Sustainability: Climate, Environment, and Energy Pathway. Kellogg’s breadth of innovative sustainability offerings and unparalleled experiential learning opportunities makes it the ideal MBA program.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? After moving away from Chicago a few years ago, I am excited to return; I’ve missed the vibrant food scene, sporting events, and living near Lake Michigan! Kellogg’s geographic proximity to the city offers countless opportunities to connect with industry experts through networking events, speaker series, and internships.

That being said, what drew me to Kellogg was the tight-knit community in Evanston. When selecting a school, I was looking for a program where students are eager to immerse themselves in the experience, and I felt that Evanston creates the perfect setting for that level of engagement.

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? Open-mindedness. I am excited to contribute to Kellogg’s team-driven culture by promoting inclusiveness and active listening as a principle for sound decision-making. Encouraging classmates to share their perspectives and facilitating knowledge sharing will lead to more thoughtful and effective outcomes both in the MBA classroom and after graduation.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Northwestern Kellogg? I am enthusiastic to participate in Kellogg Worldwide Exploration Student Trips (KWEST) before the semester begins. Led by second-year students, KWEST trips are a unique tradition to Kellogg and truly speak to the school’s culture. I’m looking forward to traveling to Senegal and am excited to build meaningful connections with my classmates while exploring a new country together.

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. Based on my conversations with Kellogg students, professors, and alumni, it was clear that Kellogg is a school that prioritizes community and collaboration. This impression was reinforced during my Day at Kellogg (DAK) visit, a core part of the Kellogg experience, where students welcomed us and candidly answered our questions at a small group dinner. Their genuine care and desire to help us make the best decisions for ourselves demonstrated the supportive nature of the Kellogg community.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far. In my role at Cambridge Associates, I conducted investment due diligence on leading impact funds across asset classes to identify investment ideas for institutional investors looking to incorporate sustainability and ESG into the portfolios. One of my most meaningful responsibilities was leading a volunteer group of 40 analysts, providing exposure to the firm’s sustainable investing platform through training and mentorship.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? In addition to expanding my network and making lifelong friends, I’m excited to engage with peers and faculty across other sectors and industries to gain new perspectives and problem-solving approaches. These interactions will allow me to become a more effective leader and equip me with the resources to tackle the hardest challenges our society faces and drive meaningful change.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA program? In my opinion, self-reflection is instrumental during the MBA application process. It is important to gain clarity on what it is you hope to gain out of your MBA experience and how the school’s values align with your own.

DON’T MISS: MEET NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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