Maloney Foster

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

“Submarine veteran, husband, and dad aspiring to transfer military experience to the energy industry.”

Hometown: Spokane, WA

Fun Fact About Yourself: My parents chose my name while flipping through a phonebook.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Notre Dame, Applied Mathematics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: US Navy, Strategic Command Submarine Mission Planner

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? The opportunity to participate in the JD-MBA program was a key part of my decision to choose Northwestern. My last role in the Navy involved creating guiding instructions and documentation for specific submarine operations, which inspired an interest in the legal facets of running a business. I want to make the most of my career transition, and a program that also provides a rigorous legal education is invaluable, especially as I pursue a career in a tightly regulated industry like energy. The JD-MBA program gives students full immersion in both Kellogg and the Pritzker School of Law, with the first year entirely at Pritzker, the second year at Kellogg, and the third year at both. I am confident that this course of study will prepare me for the close interactions of law and business.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? After moving three times in seven years for the Navy, I was very excited to find a place where my family could finally put down roots, and Chicago is the perfect city for us. From a career perspective, Chicago provides exposure to the industries and employers of a world-class city, which is very important to me as I make my first foray into private sector work. On a personal level, Chicago is a family-friendly city and provides the Midwestern warmth that I loved in Indiana (during college) and Nebraska (during my last duty station).

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? Every step of my naval career has been in a teamwork-oriented environment, so seeking out an MBA with such a strong teamwork focus was a vital factor in my school search. A core part of being an effective teammate is the ability to learn from others’ experiences (and in turn, to effectively communicate your own experience to others).

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Northwestern Kellogg?

I am looking forward to participating in the Kellogg Energy and Sustainability Club. One of the primary reasons I joined the submarine force was to work in nuclear energy, and I hope to build on that experience to find purpose-driven work in energy. The Energy and Sustainability Club is an excellent platform to translate my military nuclear power experience to the civilian energy industry.

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. The defining trait of every interaction I have had with Kellogg students has been generosity. Every step of the process, from when I was touring schools to after I was admitted, a Kellogg student has been willing to give me their time to make sure I was as prepared as possible and that I really got to know the community. This has been especially important talking to the Kellogg Veterans Association and other students with spouses (i.e. Joint Ventures, in Kellogg lingo), who gave me the confidence that the Kellogg community would be perfect for my family.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far. I am most proud of the time I spent as a division officer on the USS Pennsylvania. By the end of my tour, I was leading approximately 50 sailors encompassing the entirety of the submarine’s weapons department. The role required a level of personal attention and engagement that I hope I can find again in my next career.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Studying mathematics in college and then serving in the military, I did not have much business-specific training. My primary goal in attending an MBA program is to build a strong foundation of business operations so that I can effectively translate my military experiences to the private sector and better apply my skills for future employers and clients.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Northwestern Kellogg’s MBA program? The best practice for any prospective student is to make the time to talk to current students, particularly those who are affiliated with the clubs that are aligned with your past career or your current interests. A great application will reflect an authentic interest in Kellogg—and that cannot be achieved without getting to know the people who know Kellogg best. Current students are extremely willing to talk and will answer any questions with full honesty. I never felt like anyone was trying to sell me on the school, but rather wanted to make sure I was well-informed so I could be sure Kellogg was the best fit for me.

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

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