Hundreds of students enroll in the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business each year, so what about Kellstadt attracts them and how has Kellstadt supported their success? In this Q&A series, we’re inviting students as well as recent alumni to share their perspective on why they chose to study at Kellstadt and why they’re glad they did.
Palak Patel
Next up is alumna Palak Patel, who graduated in June 2021 with a Master of Science in Business Analytics. Patel is passionate about global supply chain management and currently works in operations management at Amazon.
Why did you choose Kellstadt?
Because I was pivoting to a new career path (my undergraduate degree is in chemical engineering), I wanted to be a part of a reputable business school with good connections and professional opportunities, especially in the heart of Chicago. Kellstadt had that to offer and more. The business analytics program at Kellstadt gave me a sense of excitement and opportunity. Business analytics to me represents the idea of a sustainable, essential and dynamic career in which numbers meet people. It was just the type of focus I was looking for.
What stands out to you when you think back on your time at Kellstadt?
The culture of community and support. DePaul and Kellstadt are full of kind and genuine people that help you feel more like a person than a number. My classmates were focused on their careers in a non-toxic, non-competitive way. Everyone that I had met and worked with was there to help each other out. I met so many people who genuinely wanted to help me grow professionally and I felt that the faculty and staff were personally invested in my career and success, all of which made me feel very supported throughout my time in the program. The bonds I formed during my grad school experience with classmates and professors continue today.
What Kellstadt resource made the biggest impact on you?
The Kellstadt Career Management Center (CMC) opened up so many opportunities, connections and experiences for me that I would never have found alone. All it took was one sincere, sit-down conversation with my advisor for me to recognize that the CMC is genuinely and personally invested in students.
The CMC introduced me to fellow students, professors, professionals and opportunities to help me figure out my career path and what I can contribute to the academic space. It connected me to the Kellstadt Business Analytics Organization (KBAO) and Supply Chain Management Society (SCMS), two student organizations that I became involved in and that helped me broaden my network, develop my confidence and inspired me to discover what I’m passionate about and what motivates me.
Through these organizations I was able to participate in student panels and discussions as well as case competitions. All of this helped me discover a career where analytics meets supply chain, and I met professors and mentors who guided me along the way. For introducing me to all of this, I’m so thankful to the people at the CMC. These opportunities gave me a lot more practical learning and business exposure beyond just the classroom.
What would you to say to someone who is considering studying at Kellstadt?
If you are looking for personalized support as you advance or change your career, a strong business community and opportunities to be a trailblazer, then Kellstadt is the place to be!
Read the other spotlight in this series:
Recent Comments