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.
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.
By Dana Fitzmorris
Kellstadt’s Fall 2019 Career Conference on Nov. 2 did not disappoint. This event is hosted twice a year by the Career Management team at Kellstadt to provide an opportunity for students to network with business leaders in the Chicago community and gain career insights through workshops and panel discussions.
The conference kicked off with keynote speaker (and DePaul alumnus) Martin McGovern who talked about the realities of job searching. Martin is a coach at Career Therapy who helps clients with the emotional and promotional aspects of professional development. In his talk, Martin provided three helpful tips for graduate students when looking for jobs:
1. Focus on meeting people
The most valuable use of your time when job searching is connecting with individuals already working in your desired industry. Not only does this broaden your network, but also helps you understand job responsibilities with different companies. Most people are happy to share their experiences and help you learn.
2. Leverage your existing network
When applying for jobs, submitting your resume online should not be your only step. It is crucial to utilize your network and meet professionals face-to-face because personal relationships are typically what help you secure a job. Only 20% of people land a job from just an opening found online.
3. Maximize your use of LinkedIn
Many students create LinkedIn profiles once and never login again. This is a mistake. LinkedIn has extensive search capabilities to help find mutual connections with those working for a certain company or industry. By using the People Search feature on LinkedIn and expanding all filter options, you can generate search results based on granular criteria like past employers, geographic location and specialty services.
The second part of the conference involved three Q&A panel breakout sessions, where students could choose whichever session they found most applicable. The first session focused on using your graduate degree to advance your current career, the second talked about changing your career and the third was centered on careers in consulting. The panelists were honest and open with their responses to our questions, helping paint a clear picture about their industry and career expectations.
My favorite part of the Career Conference was receiving advice from the panelists about what grad students can be doing right now to prepare for the job market. Gaining applicable experience through internships, practicing interview skills with sample case problems and behavioral questions, and using DePaul alumni as resources were all tips they offered.
Kellstadt’s Career Conference helped me think about my career goals and develop a plan to reach them. One of my biggest takeaways was the importance of your network when job searching. The event supported this notion, as we were able to connect with Chicago employers and DePaul alumni at the breakout sessions. The Career Conference encouraged me to continue growing my professional network, and I am already looking forward to next year’s event.
Dana Fitzmorris graduated from Texas Christian University with a bachelor’s degree in finance and management. She is currently pursuing an MBA at DePaul, with a focus on entrepreneurship. She is co-founder of Kellstadt’s Women in Business student organization.
Recently, we had an incredible opportunity to learn and build our professional networks in a setting beyond what’s possible in the classroom. On a brisk October morning, we bundled up and made our way across Detroit’s riverfront to attend the 2019 Net Impact Conference, representing the DePaul Net Impact chapter as proud chapter leaders.
Net Impact, a nonprofit based in Oakland, Calif., has more than 400 professional and university chapters around the globe. The organization’s mission aims to equip, inspire and build the professional networks of the next generation of change-makers and social impact leaders. A Net Impact chapter has been operating at DePaul for several years, and in 2019, we hoped to make the presence of the DePaul Net Impact chapter felt in Detroit. This year’s conference theme was dubbed, “Widening the Lens” – in other words, how can students and industry professionals expand their ideas about sustainability and social impact.
On Friday, we were lucky enough to present at the first-ever Net Impact poster presentation session, where we had the opportunity to raise awareness around the issues of food loss and global climate change – issues that drove us both to pursue degrees in the field of sustainable management at DePaul. It was an informal setting where we could see how our tech-based idea for reducing food loss in supply chains would be received by others, mostly students and working professionals also attending the conference. We received plenty of encouragement from other conference attendees during that afternoon session. We both came out thinking, “This public speaking thing isn’t too bad, right?”
On Saturday, we attended a career-building session sponsored by LinkedIn. We served as mentors to scholarship students attending universities in Detroit. Our goal was to assist these students as they advance their professional networks and build their LinkedIn profiles for future job hunting. It was an amazing chance to learn about the life experiences and journeys of others, and we left the session having learned a lot more than we gave.
All the final presentations and papers we have endured as students, and the concepts we have learned in the classroom, put us in the position to not just enter the conference as participants but seize the opportunity to be change-makers and storytellers. We both felt clarity and direction in our careers; a situation you dream of when you first decide to take the initial step in pursuing an advanced degree. Based on the feedback we had from visitors at the poster presentation, it seems like we are on track for graduation next year with the skills required in today’s competitive landscape: attention to detail, creativity, and critical thinking, which were some of the comments we heard.
Martin Holzmann (left) and Ryan Henderson at the Net Impact conference in Detroit.
For students interested in a similar experience, Net Impact hosts ongoing challenges, where you can submit a proposal and test your entrepreneurial spirit in a professional environment. Earlier this year, we submitted a proposal to the Net Impact 2019 Food Solutions Challenge. As finalists, we received an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City in June and had the opportunity to pitch our idea to a panel of investors and sustainability experts. We placed second overall, and it was one of the reasons Net Impact invited us to present at this October conference.
A strong finish to our last year at DePaul has never been more motivating. We are excited to get back in the classroom and leverage what we have learned about building networks that inspire change in the world. We challenge students at DePaul to get involved around campus – whether it’s a study abroad program or a student organization. There are plenty of opportunities to take your classroom concepts out into the world. Don’t wait until you graduate.
We would like to thank DePaul University for making these opportunities possible for us.
Learn more and join DePaul Net Impact by visiting the website or emailing depaulnetimpact@gmail.com.
Ryan Henderson and Martin Holzmann are graduate students in the MS in Sustainable Management Program at the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. They currently lead DePaul Net Impact as the chapter leaders.
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