Five Reasons Why I Chose Kellstadt

Five Reasons Why I Chose Kellstadt

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.

Five Tips for a Smooth Transition Back to School After Full-time Employment

Five Tips for a Smooth Transition Back to School After Full-time Employment

Five Tips for a Smooth Transition Back to School After Full-time Employment

 

“It’s been HOW LONG since you were in school?”

Since MBA programs often require a few years of professional work experience, a majority of MBA students haven’t made use of their study skills for a while. For this reason, many students find it difficult to get back into the “swing of things” when it comes to studying. Here are five tips to help make sure you’re fully prepared once that first class starts.

Organization is key. Everybody has their own preferences on how to stay organized, from sticky notes to project management apps to calendar blocking. Whatever your process is, implement it from the beginning of the quarter and maintain it throughout to stay up-to-date with everything on your plate.

Make a budget. Let’s face it, money stresses everybody out! Going back to school, especially in a full-time program without a full-time salary, means you’ll have some financial adjustments. By making–and sticking to–a budget, you’ll eliminate overspending and additional stress. There’s also a variety of financial aid available to Kellstadt students–from scholarships to assistantships, there’s support at every level.

Use your resources. I realized during my time at DePaul that faculty and staff truly want to help. If there’s a class you’re struggling with or career advice you’re seeking from a mentor, there’s a resource available or person who can help. There are also a variety of networking and university-sponsored events to take advantage of, including the Food for Thought program by the Office of Adult, Veteran, and Commuter Student Affairs, which encourages you to take a professor to lunch. Networking is always easier when lunch is involved!

Get to know your peers. I can’t express how fortunate I feel to be in my cohort. These classmates-turned-friends have been an invaluable support system–as study partners and helping me adjust to my new city. My cohort has become the foundation of my DePaul community and I know that I will have them to rely on as part of my network in the future.

Plan ahead. Valuable materials and resources will be shared with you starting on day one, so plan ahead to eliminate procrastination and last-minute stressors. Get a head start on the internship and job search by utilizing the many resources offered by the Kellstadt Career Management Center. Networking and job searching can be overwhelming, and the support offered by the CMC is invaluable.

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Author: Hannah Leibeinger, Kellstadt Graduate School of Business MBA student Contributors: Paul Rosenfeld and Mike Fowler, students in the Kellstadt MBA program

   

 

Inside Kellstadt: Voices of the DePaul University Graduate Business Community