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.
By Noelle Rotte
As I find myself halfway through my MBA journey at DePaul University, I’m reminded of the many reasons that led me to choose the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business for my MBA over other MBA programs. Here’s a glimpse into why Kellstadt stood out to me:
(1) Access to Professors
Coming from a small undergraduate institution with intimate class sizes and meaningful interactions with professors, I wanted to continue this personalized approach in my MBA. DePaul’s commitment to fostering close student-faculty relationships aligned perfectly with my academic preferences.
(2) Financial Aid Opportunities
DePaul’s comprehensive financial aid offerings played a pivotal role in my decision-making process. As a full-time MBA student, I received a Graduate Assistantship offer. The Graduate Assistantship I received covers half of my tuition for the first three quarters. The student-first policy, allowing flexibility in work hours during demanding academic periods, further underscored DePaul’s commitment to supporting students holistically.
(3) Access to Career Opportunities
Situated in the vibrant city of Chicago, DePaul provides unparalleled access to a multitude of career prospects and networking avenues. With its extensive alumni network and strong reputation within the city, DePaul serves as an ideal place for expanding one’s professional horizons.
(4) Diverse Learning Modalities
DePaul’s diverse range of learning modalities caters to various student needs and preferences. Whether it’s hybrid, flex, or fully online classes, the flexibility offered has been invaluable.
(5) Engagement with the Driehaus/Kellstadt Community
DePaul fosters an inclusive community through numerous engagement opportunities. From leadership roles in student organizations to participation in networking events and case competitions, the avenues for involvement are abundant, allowing students to forge meaningful connections and contribute to the university’s dynamic environment.
With these factors in mind, I am confident that choosing DePaul University for my MBA program was the right decision. DePaul’s unwavering support, coupled with its conducive learning environment and vast array of opportunities, has enriched my academic journey and positioned me for success in as I begin to step back into the world of business.
Making the decision to pursue your MBA is one of the biggest investments you can make in yourself. Whether you’re on a specific career path or thinking about pivoting, pursuing your MBA degree at the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business can help you accomplish your career goals. Here’s why:
Networking is crucial
…to professional growth and success in business. The problem is, a person’s network is typically limited to their place of work. Sure, you can attend conferences. But conferences only last a weekend or at most a week. When you enroll in an MBA program, however, you have the potential to expand your network exponentially. At Kellstadt, there are many ways to do this:
- In class, you’re sitting with people from many different companies that have many different connections and experiences. Class sizes are small too, which makes creating those connections easier.
- You have access to student organizations and the Kellstadt Career Management Center, both of which provide a plethora of opportunities to learn and grow your network outside the classroom.
- Want to go even further? You can take an international business seminar trip to really expand your horizons and build connections overseas.
Kellstadt faculty are also an excellent resource for making connections, getting advice and learning about opportunities. Faculty bring students face-to-face with industry experts, whether that’s through guest lecturers or a class visit to an organization. They’re known for their real-world connections and expertise and are always eager to support students if you connect with them about your goals.
Even after you graduate, you’re forever connected to a vast alumni network of DePaul business alumni, including DePaul’s Alumni Sharing Knowledge Network (ASK).
Adding to your skills & knowledge opens more doors
There are many opportunities in the job market right now, but there have also been many layoffs happening at companies. You can’t control external factors, but you can control what you bring to the table by adding to your skills and knowledge with an MBA.
Doing this makes you more marketable as a job candidate and more valuable as an employee.
At work, it’s not always possible to take on new projects that will expand your skills and experiences. But as an MBA student, you can experiment and take risks with class projects that will help you learn in a supportive environment. Many courses at Kellstadt incorporate data analytics, which gives you experience working with and analyzing data to make decisions. This is a skillset that companies increasingly want to see in their employees.
Employers notice when you’re investing in yourself. Why? Because when you have more skills and knowledge, you bring more value to the company. Dedicating yourself to an MBA shows that you’re not just coming in to do a job, but that you’re willing to go that extra mile. This can open up opportunities for career advancement and promotions.
Kellstadt will help you execute
Okay, so you’re working on adding new skills and making the effort to network—that’s great. But having a plan for what you want to do with your MBA is what makes everything come together. Being a student at Kellstadt means you have access to career advisors to help you chart your path forward. This guidance from advisors coupled with guidance from faculty will help you determine where to focus your energies so that you’re being strategic.
At Kellstadt, you have a support system, resources, peers and a solid foundation from which to launch the next chapter of your career. All these elements are important when it comes to carving out your future. Because even if you have a specific goal in mind, everybody needs a little help along the way.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a 1:1 appointment with a member of our Kellstadt team.
Attend our (virtual) graduate open house on Thursday, Feb. 16.
Learn more about the DePaul MBA at Kellstadt.
by Nadia Alfadel Coloma
When you’re interested in learning about Kellstadt—maybe you’re a prospective student or maybe you’ve been recently admitted—sure, you can find lots of information online. But attending a Kellstadt open house is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable insight about your program of interest, university processes and services like financial aid and registration, ask your burning questions, get referrals to resources, and so much more.
Sessions happen two to three times per year, and since 2020, they have all been virtual (on Zoom), making it even easier for you to fit one into your schedule. The next one is coming up on Thursday, February 10—which you can register for here.
So, what can you expect from a Kellstadt open house, especially one that’s virtual?
On the day of the open house there are two identical sessions: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Both include a one-hour presentation from Kellstadt recruitment and advising staff, with some time for Q&A afterwards. Theoretically, you can attend the first session and log off early if you need to, then attend the second half of the second session to catch up on what you missed. Easy.
It’s important to note that a virtual open house and in-person open house deliver the exact same information. In fact, there are benefits to the virtual format, like getting your questions answered in real-time since you can pose them in the chat box on Zoom during the live presentation, and getting specific information faster since staff can provide links to resources you need right there on the spot (thus eliminating a future scenario in which you’re frantically searching for that piece of paper you wrote an email address on). In a virtual format, Kellstadt staff can respond to you at a much quicker pace and set you up with appointments more easily.
What other things should you know before attending a Kellstadt open house?
Read on for some tips from Kellstadt Director of Recruitment and Admissions Garry Cooke, on how to prepare for a virtual open house to get the most out of your experience.
- Check your computer’s connectivity before start time. How’s the internet quality? Are your speakers working? This may seem obvious but it’s worth it to not skip this step so you can troubleshoot any unexpected issues. After all, your computer may have its own plans and decide to install that lengthy update right as you’re logging in (of course).
- Prep your environment. Make sure you’re in a good spot to pay attention. Eliminate distractions by sitting somewhere quiet or wearing headphones (double check that your headphones are charged if they are the Bluetooth kind). If you’re going to have your camera on, prep the space behind you as you would if you were attending any virtual meeting.
- Have some questions prepared. As you listen to the presentation, your questions may get answered or other questions may come up and that’s perfectly fine. But take advantage of having a direct line of communication with Kellstadt staff and come prepared with questions to ask. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions, either. For example, if you want to know why you should attend DePaul, go ahead and ask.
- Know your motive. Probably the most important thing to know before you attend is what you want to get out of it. At least have an idea. Maybe you want to know more about the overall student experience in the program, or you need help navigating registration, or you want to make an appointment with a career advisor to discuss potential career paths. There are many reasons to attend an open house, and knowing yours will ensure that you leave the event satisfied. Because whatever your reason, we can help you. You just have to let us know!
Are you ready? Sign up here to attend the Kellstadt virtual open house on Thursday, February 10.
Nadia Alfadel Coloma (MA ’11) is a communication analyst in the Driehaus College of Business and the editor of the Inside Kellstadt blog.
By Jaclyn Lansbery | Photo by Kathy Hillegonds
Managers make decisions every day – decisions that influence the organization, the people they manage and overall business outcomes. So how can managers become better decision-makers?
For the past 10 years, the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business has offered the MBA in Business Strategy and Decision Making. One of 14 MBA concentrations offered by Kellstadt, the Business Strategy and Decision Making program teaches students how to diagnose strategic positions, evaluate alternative courses of action, and make the best possible decisions. The program is a fast-track career development option for managers who want the skills and abilities to make strategic economic decisions in a business environment.
Professor of Economics Rafael Tenorio, who oversees the program, says it gives students skills they can use in several different industries. Below, he shares three reasons an MBA in Business Strategy and Decision Making may be right for you.
Transferable Skills
More than 1,200 alumni have taken the business strategy classes, and collectively they work in all kinds of sectors– from finance and manufacturing to nonprofit and management consulting. One of the most popular classes, “ECO 525 – Strategic Decision Making and Game Theory,” teaches students how to use game theory insights to problems in business, economics, and other disciplines.
“Game theory can be applied to just about any industry or policy scenario,” Tenorio says. “It’s about making decisions in situations in which your outcomes depend on what other people do. Think about problems like optimal pricing, how to bid in auctions, how to negotiate a new contract, or how to position your product or service in the presence of competition.”
Classroom Experience
MBA alumna Admira Ibisevic
The MBA concentration consists of two required core classes and one elective that best matches your personal and professionals goals. Since the frameworks and applications discussed in the strategy classes are also of interest to applied economists, MBA students in this concentration often take classes with students enrolled in DePaul’s MS in Economics and Policy Analysis program.
“One of the things that really enriches the experience in the strategy classes is the fact that we get students from both programs,” Tenorio says. “Since these classes blend theory with a more analytical way of thinking about real-world business decisions, the interactions we have in our classes are just phenomenal.”
MBA alumna Admira Ibisevic says the classroom environment is what drew her to the program. “It can be difficult to find settings that are both useful and fun, yet that was exactly the atmosphere in these classrooms,” says Ibisevic, who is a Managing Partner at Illumia Consulting Group, an organizational effectiveness firm focused on driving performance through people.
Alumni Network
With a growing and diverse alumni network, Tenorio considers it very important to nurture relationships with students after they graduate. He organizes quarterly alumni events and manages a LinkedIn group that connects alumni and current students. There is also a mentoring program, where experienced alumni provide guidance to those just starting their careers. “To me, my students and alumni are my lifelines,” he says.
Learn more about the MBA in Business Strategy and Decision Making
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