By Noelle Rotte
As graduate business students, we are challenged to think critically, analyze data, and devise strategic solutions to real-world problems. One of the most exciting ways to put these skills to the test is through participation in case competitions. Recently, I had the opportunity to compete in my first case competition. It was challenging – and immensely rewarding.
A case competition involves teams coming together to tackle a business problem presented by a company or organization. It’s an opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life scenarios — often under tight time constraints and intense pressure. These competitions give business students the chance to hone essential skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, presentation, and problem-solving.
In collaboration with United Airlines, the Kellstadt Marketing Group organized a case competition that pitted ten teams against each other. My team included three full-time MBA students: myself (Noelle Rotte), Shihab Chowdhury, and Alessia Serafino. Each team was tasked with devising a marketing strategy for United’s new uniform rollout. I was especially excited about the target audience for this marketing strategy. United has a diverse employee base; we had to consider how our strategy would resonate with people of all different generations, genders, races, ethnicities and other identities.
The competition began with teams submitting proposals outlining the marketing strategies they would use and how each strategy should be implemented. After the initial proposals were reviewed, five of the ten teams went on to the second round. Luckily, my team made it to the second round!
We were charged with bringing our proposals to life through a presentation. Each team was paired with a previous KMG president to bounce ideas from and provide feedback on what to include. We were paired with Zach Bosy, a Brand Manager of Disruptive Innovation at Kraft Heinz.
On the day of the presentation, we were filled with a mixture of nerves and excitement. We felt prepared; we had completed and practiced our presentation, limited to just 15 minutes, the day before. Despite being the first team to present, we delivered our proposal with confidence. The subsequent question-and-answer session provided us with valuable insights and challenged us to defend our ideas.
Although my team did not emerge as the winners (shout-out to Devika Chaddha, Nikita Nese, and Souman Sami who came in first!) the experience left a lasting mark on me. It emphasized the significance of understanding your audience’s needs, the importance of preparation, and the value of taking risks.
So, to all aspiring business leaders: seize opportunities like these! They offer a unique chance to refine your skills, expand your network, and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
When Weam Abdalla moved to Chicago to start her MBA at Kellstadt, she already had experience in building a robust professional network from the ground up. Born in Saudi Arabia and educated in Sudan, where her family has roots, Abdalla launched her career in the United Arab Emirates. Abdalla’s experience is in human capital; she worked in recruitment consultancies for multinational firms, including a boutique consultancy that specializes in executive searches, leadership assessments and board appointments.
For Abdalla, earning an MBA was a natural next step. Kellstadt’s program stood out because it would allow her to focus on business strategy and decision-making. Abdalla started the program in fall 2023.
She arrived excited to take her career to the next level – and unsure about what building a professional network in a new cultural context would look like.
Now that she’s in her second quarter of the MBA, here are five of Abdalla’s key takeaways about networking:
1. Understand the Chicago Market
I kicked off with diving into market research, identifying the key industries and sectors in Chicago. I looked at the startup scene, hedge funds, consulting firms: at their employees and their backgrounds and the exciting job opportunities advertised. Thanks to “LinkedIn stalking,” as they call it, I gained a comprehensive view of professionals in these sectors. This gave me a solid idea of where I’d like to target after the MBA.
2. Utilize Alumni Networks
One of the networking events Abdalla attended.
Alumni! We already have one thing in common; a shared educational experience! Engaging with fellow graduates helped me gain valuable insights into Chicago’s vibrant business scene. I also reached out to DePaul alumni currently based in the UAE, and they responded positively to my inquires.
Additionally, I leveraged the incredible alumni network at DePaul University. There are so many opportunities here. We have Kellstadt Career Management Center events; Kellstadt Women in Business; graduate business students mixers; and more. As full-time MBA students, we really have a demanding schedule with case studies and assignments. But attending these events — even for a short period — is still time spent wisely.
3. Conduct Informational Interviews
Luckily, this activity was emphasized by two of my MBA professors at DePaul. I proactively reached out to professionals in my industry with careers I’d like to emulate. I used these conversations to delve deeper into the local market, gain advice, and expand my network organically. One way I implemented this was by reaching out to Chicago-based individuals at Michael Page, one of the companies I’d worked for in the UAE that also has a global presence.
4. Be Inquisitive
It can be easy to feel anxious or worry about how you come across. It can also be easy to overly focus on cultural differences and fail to notice underlying similarities. But as Dr. Rubin highlighted in Management 500, “we are more the same than we are different.” Finding common ground is easier than you think it will be! Approach conversations with curiosity, and, more often than not, people will be happy to share important aspects of themselves and their careers.
5. Be Patient
Abdalla with one of her classmates in the MBA program.
Building a new network is a gradual process, so don’t rush it – be patient and persistent. Give yourself the time needed to make meaningful connections, and don’t be discouraged by temporary setbacks, such as not getting responses on LinkedIn. Keep your focus on the long-term benefits of having an established network.
The Coleman Entrepreneurship Center is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship programming at Kellstadt. Among its many resources are its summer internship program. Open to all Kellstadt students, the program expanded this year to include a track for organizations that focus on sustainability or on making a social impact.
Over on their blog, Entrepreneurship at DePaul, the Coleman center is sharing the stories of three of those interns. Two of them are from Kellstadt; one intern brings her expertise as a student in the school of public health. All three agreed: getting hands-on experience through the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business changed their trajectories for the better.
Read on for the first story in the series. And stay tuned into Entrepreneurship at DePaul for the rest!
Growing up in the vibrant city of Bangalore, often dubbed the “Silicon City” of India, I was a part of an environment where startups thrived and the spirit of entrepreneurship was tangible. My goals of becoming an entrepreneur have never swayed. With my bachelor’s degree in engineering and nearly two years of experience as a software engineer under my belt, I now stand on the cusp of graduating from the MBA program at DePaul’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business in spring 2024.
My interest in business strategy, development and crafting impactful marketing campaigns has influenced my choices at DePaul. While my academic decisions have shaped my educational trajectory, my extracurriculars are paving the way for my future career.
Last summer, a pivotal chapter in my career journey unfolded when the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center connected me with Qilo, a data analytics firm specializing in utility data, particularly electrical grid data. Their mission is to uncover energy-efficient and cost-saving solutions in this highly niche field.
At Qilo, I took on the role of a Digital Marketing/Business Development Intern, in which I worked directly under the CEO. Stepping into business management for the first time, especially within the unique context of a small-stage startup, was undoubtedly a daunting beginning.
The challenges I faced at Qilo were multifaceted. Delving into the intricacies of grid data and unravelling the industry’s complexities made for a steep learning curve. Furthermore, the highly competitive nature of the market necessitated that we distinguish ourselves.
Challenges aside, this journey was also marked by remarkable learning experiences. My time at Qilo deepened my understanding of data interpretation and marketing, enabling me to craft campaigns that resonated profoundly with our clients. From the ground up, Qilo entrusted me with solidifying the company’s brand identity and implementing rules and branding techniques. I conceptualized, executed and meticulously managed several campaigns that enhanced the organization’s digital presence by a significant percentage. Observing the tangible outcomes of my efforts cultivated a newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance.
In addition to this, I had the unique opportunity to represent the company at various industry events and conferences, where I was engaged in pitching to potential clients and investors. Not only did these experiences serve as a significant networking platform, but they also introduced me to influential figures within the industry.
Being part of the trajectory of a startup enterprise instilled in me a sense of solidity and innovation, both of which are crucial in a highly specialized field. My time at Qilo has unquestionably set the stage for my future. As I move on to the next chapter of my journey, I look forward to continuing in the active domain of business management strategy, with a particular focus on marketing within organizations. Since my internship, I have taken on the role of Director of Social Strategy and Communications for one of DePaul’s student organizations.
Looking beyond my academic journey, my post-graduation plans revolve around a career dedicated to marketing and business strategy. My time at Qilo fueled my entrepreneurial spirit. In the long term, I dream of establishing my own venture in business consulting.
My experiences at Kellstadt, including my transformative internship at Qilo, have shaped my career trajectory and instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. As I prepare to welcome the opportunities that lie ahead, I remain deeply grateful for the support and guidance from the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center that have brought me to this point in my journey.
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 Kelly Rao
We are all looking for that magic formula, one that helps us stand out to recruiters and makes us look good in front of colleagues on LinkedIn. Truth be told, there isn’t just one but many different templates for success when it comes to managing your online professional presence.
LinkedIn is often the centerpiece of your online professional persona and the first point of reference for employers to verify your credibility. It is also a tool that can help you build relationships and create new opportunities for yourself. At a recent event held by Kellstadt Business Analytics Organization (KBAO), we brought in experts from the Kellstadt Career Management Center to help students fine-tune their LinkedIn presence and provide students with the opportunity to take a professional LinkedIn headshot. Our key takeaways from the event included developing your brand, leveraging LinkedIn’s ecosystem and being proactive about building relationships.
KBAO faculty advisors and student board members at the LinkedIn event that KBAO hosted in the fall (left to right): Don Patchell, instructor and director of the MS in Business Analytics Program; Kelly Rao, president; Rudhra Seetharam, vice president of public relations; Shoeb Ahmed, vice president of strategy; Sina Ansari, assistant professor of management and entrepreneurship; Chris Lai, treasurer.
Create a Profile that Reflects Your Brand
Building a brand can be difficult, especially when you aren’t sure of what exactly you want to do. A brand isn’t necessarily your job title or function but a snippet of what you hope to accomplish. Your photo and headline in LinkedIn are the most important aspects of your profile that can help build your brand. If you think of yourself as a business, these would be your company name, logo and mission statement. This information often determines whether a recruiter who finds you through LinkedIn will click on your profile.
To create a great first impression, your headline should include what you currently do, as well as keywords related to your industry or professional aspirations. Also consider including a unique accomplishment you feel is valuable.
When it comes to the “About” section, tell the audience your unique story. Instead of making generic and cliché statements like “I am a critical thinker,” try to provide an instance where you developed that skill. For example, “When working at X, I had to dig deep and develop my critical thinking skills to solve XYZ.” Being specific in this section and creating a well-crafted narrative will make your profile engaging and memorable. The “About” section is where you describe only you and not anyone else.
The idea of crafting a narrative extends to other sections of your LinkedIn profile, such as your experience section. The most common assumption about this section is that you include all your work experience and simply state your job descriptions in each one of them. For more experienced professionals, this can lead to information overload on their profiles. And for those with not much experience, this can be limiting.
There is no single template for success; how you arrange your experiences will depend on the narrative you want to craft. If you have too many experiences, think about omitting those that are less relevant to your narrative. The same way you would for a résumé, select your experiences for the job you want. If you are facing the opposite problem, and your profile looks sparse, consider including volunteer experience and other non-professional experience. If you’re a student, don’t be afraid to include your relevant classes if you need to fill the section out. Classes are valuable experience and if you can articulate what you did in a class, you can sell yourself to a recruiter who decided to look you up.
Being intentional about what you choose to include in your profile could be the difference between landing an opportunity or getting a rejection email. While your profile may reflect your goals at this point, it is good practice to review it every few months to make sure it still reflects your goals.
Leverage LinkedIn’s Tools and Features
Many of us know LinkedIn as the platform to display our professional record and build our network, but few explore what it can do beyond this. There are countless ways to maximize your presence on LinkedIn through features such as Interview Prep, Skill Assessments and LinkedIn Learning. These are just a few of the many tools on the platform.
LinkedIn Learning is one of my favorite features, but to call it a feature is a bit reductive. It is a distinct platform that competes with other educational sites such as Coursera, Udemy and edX. What separates it from its competitors is its tight integration with LinkedIn and its wide-range of practical course offerings, many of which require a minimal time commitment of just two hours. And, it is free for DePaul students when you link your depaul.edu account.
Completing courses and displaying them on your profile can be valuable, but another way to showcase your skills is by using the Skill Assessment feature, which allows you to take a short quiz and test your knowledge on software tools or business concepts. If you score in the top percentile, you are awarded with a skill badge you can put on your profile.
Lastly, LinkedIn Interview Prep can help you find templates for general interview questions and guide you on what works and why. If you frequently include LinkedIn jobs as part of your job search, consider using your free trial of LinkedIn Premium to get access to detailed interview prep questions and answers. Be aware, however, that this resource does not include job-specific technical questions; it is more of a higher-level view.
Engage and Connect
One of the best ways to advertise yourself on LinkedIn and build your network is by consistently engaging with content that’s relevant to your brand. But make sure to do this mindfully because LinkedIn displays posts your connections interact with, and this can be a pro or con depending on how frequently you engage.
Reaching out to people to make connections is another great way to gain exposure. Just make sure you explain why you are reaching out and what’s in it for them, especially when you’re doing cold outreach. Being vague will likely garner a poor response rate. Assume the person is busy and ask specific closed questions they are likely to know rather than open-ended questions that require some investigation. Questions that focus on the person go a long way and shows them you are interested in them as a professional beyond what they can offer you.
Whether it is building your brand, making the most of LinkedIn’s tools or connecting with people, keep in mind that managing your LinkedIn presence is a marathon, not a sprint. Start early, be consistent and results will follow. If you’ve done everything right but still can’t seem to gain traction, reach out for advice. The Kellstadt Career Management Center is a good place to start, but there are also many career coaches familiar with LinkedIn, and they are just a connection away.
Are you a graduate student at DePaul interested in analytics? Join KBAO, and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for upcoming events.
Kelly Rao is an MSBA candidate at the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, president of Kellstadt Business Analytics Organization (KBAO) and proud blue demon with a BS in Management Information Systems from DePaul University. In addition to his involvement in student organizations, Kelly is a data visualization enthusiast and active volunteer in non-profit data projects. In his free time, you can find him at the bouldering gym, on the tennis court or at the Riverwalk listening to a podcast.
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