Each summer, hundreds of Kellstadt students take on internships at companies around Chicago. It’s less a break from classes than it is a continuation of them; many classes at Kellstadt involve hands-on real-world components.
Below, three Kellstadt students reflect on their internship experiences: from work environments and passion projects to how Kellstadt helped them get there and where they’re going next.
The interns
David Burns, MBA ’24 (fall)
Continuous Improvement and Implementation program, NOW Foods
Mayuri Ghorpade, MS in Business Analytics ’25
Marketing Analyst, Mainstreet Investment Advisors
Hritik Gole, MS in Business Analytics ’24 (December)
Product Intern, Labcorp
On adapting to new environments …
Mayuri Ghorpade at her office for the summer.
MG: Coming from a hierarchical work environment in India, I was initially unsure of what to expect in an American workplace. However, I quickly found that everyone at Mainstreet Investment Advisors is incredibly friendly and always willing to offer help and guidance.
The workplace culture here values openness and freedom, breaking down traditional hierarchical barriers and fostering a collaborative environment. This was a refreshing change for me and has greatly enhanced my ability to contribute effectively to the team.
HG: The biggest adjustment has been transitioning from smaller startups to a Fortune 300 company like Labcorp. There’s so much to learn about navigating larger teams and processes, but I’m embracing the challenge with support from mentors and by learning as much as I can.
On the projects that inspire them …
HG: This summer, I’m diving into Labcorp’s Biopharma Digital Products Portfolio, where we develop software that helps labs streamline their operations. It’s been thrilling to see firsthand how our tech impacts healthcare behind the scenes.
David Burns in his office at Now Foods
DB: The main project I was hired to work on involves reducing changeover times. When a product is run, it’s done to fulfill a specific order, which can range from a few hundred to over a hundred thousand units. Between orders, we need to disassemble the production line, sanitize it, conduct quality tests, and prepare it for the next product.
To tackle this project, I drew inspiration from a scene in the movie “The Founder”, where the McDonald’s founders map out their processes on a tennis court, considering space, workers, and workflow. Similarly, I engaged with many of the machine operators to identify pain points in the process. I then used Excel to organize and analyze data from the past eight months to detect patterns and areas for improvement.
I’ve looked at every single step of the process. I might save 10 minutes here, or 20 minutes there. But because there are many steps, everything adds up.
On how Kellstadt helped them get there …
MG: Although I have previous work experience in India, adapting to a new country and its work culture was initially quite daunting. However, the comprehensive course curriculum at Kellstadt instilled immense confidence in me. The coursework emphasizes real-world applications of business analytics, which provided me with practical skills that I could directly apply during my internship.
DB: An innovation course I took at Kellstadt also played a crucial role in shaping my career vision. It taught me to think creatively and strategically about how I can bring innovation to companies professionally. This mindset has been instrumental in my approach to projects at NOW Foods.
On finding what fulfills them …
MG: The experience has shown me that I thrive in roles that combine creativity, strategic thinking, and analytical skills. I now envision myself pursuing a career that leverages both my technical skills and creative abilities. I am particularly drawn to positions that involve digital marketing, data analytics, and strategic planning, where I can contribute to innovative and impactful marketing campaigns.
DB: Before this internship, I never really knew what I wanted to do after graduation. My internship experience has given me a clearer vision of my career goals. I was given significant autonomy and minimal instruction, which allowed me to take initiative and explore various projects, including some that I conceived myself.
I’ve always been involved in music, and I believe much of my creativity stems from that background. The discipline and creativity required in music have translated well into my professional endeavors, allowing me to approach problems from unique angles.
Hritik Gole shows off his labcorp swag.
HG: Before joining Labcorp, I hadn’t thought much about working in healthcare. But now, seeing how my work can directly improve healthcare outcomes has been eye-opening. I’m now passionate about continuing to work in healthcare, focusing on making a positive difference in people’s lives. This internship has really guided me onto a path where I can use technology to benefit healthcare and society as a whole.
DB: Currently, I’m working on a proposal for a full-time role, as this program is new and offers the potential to create my own position. Although the internship has presented challenges, it has never felt like work. The dynamic environment and constant opportunities for improvement have been highly motivating and fulfilling.
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