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, MBA student and VP of Communications and Outreach for the Kellstadt Collective
As a first-year student at the Kellstadt Graduate School for Business (KGSB), navigating the endless opportunities and organizations on campus is both exhilarating and overwhelming. However, amidst all the options available, one organization that stands out as a beacon of inclusivity, collaboration, and professional growth is the Kellstadt Collective.
My introduction to the Kellstadt Collective began with the opportunity to revamp the organization through my position as a graduate assistant. I have been able to work with four other MBA students to relaunch a group open to all of KGSB. Little did I know that the Kellstadt Collective was destined to become a cornerstone of my experience at DePaul.
A Successful First Event
Our first event, a study break/happy hour in the Fall Quarter, exceeded all expectations with nearly 70 students in attendance. Our event was located at 2Twenty2 Tavern, just a block away from DePaul’s Loop Campus. We brought together students from all Kellstadt programs, including the MBA and M.S. degrees in marketing, business analytics, hospitality leadership, finance, economics, accounting, supply chain management and many more. This event allowed KGSB students to meet new people outside of their program while grabbing a bite to eat and drinking a cocktail or two.
The success of this event is a testament to Kellstadt students’ desire for more in-person events tied with the ability to make meaningful connections in the KGSB community.
Looking ahead, we plan to hold a professional development event in the winter quarter and have other events, both professional and informal, in the pipeline. Kellstadt students — stay tuned!
From “Partners” to “Collective”
The Kellstadt Collective stemmed from the organization previously known as Kellstadt Partners. While the mission of the revamped organization is aligned closely with the original group’s mission, the leadership of the 2023-24 academic year felt compelled to redefine the group’s essence.
In particular: We felt that the term “partners” suggested a space for spouses or significant others, veering away from the essence of inclusion that truly defined the organization. The name Kellstadt Collective emerged because we wanted to embody a community built on the inclusion of all KGSB students.
We then decided to create a mission centered around the growth and inclusion of KGSB students. Our mission aims to:
- Foster an inclusive environment of collaboration, professional growth, and shared success by leveraging the diverse talents and backgrounds of our members.
- Build a dynamic community of forward-thinkers, innovators, and business leaders.
- Provide robust networking opportunities, enriching professional development experiences, and harnessing the collective spirit of DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.
Our Leadership Team
Driving the mission of the Kellstadt Collective is a dynamic leadership team, spearheaded by Noah Wallin as President, Noelle Rotte (myself) as VP of Communications and Outreach, Ashlee Bakunowicz as VP of Professional Development and Treasurer, Claude Mueller as VP of Event Coordination, and Niara Tomlinson as VP of Digital Marketing (featured below from left to right).
Each of us has a different background, with some born and raised in the Chicago area, while others are new to this city. Our leadership team was brought together through a Kellstadt Career Managment Center Graduate Assistantship, and we are committed to revitalizing the Kellstadt Collective and enhancing the KGSB experience.
Inclusive Engagement: How to Get Involved
Getting involved in the Kellstadt Collective is easy! The best ways to stay up to date are by following us on online platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and DeHub. Our events are open to every Kellstadt Graduate Business student, so we welcome you to join our community.
As I head into my second quarter of my MBA, I reflect on how the leadership team came together to re-energize the Kellstadt Collective community. I am looking forward to the many networking events and growth opportunities that will come from the Kellstadt Collective. I hope you are too.
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 Nadia Alfadel Coloma
Whether you’re just starting your program at Kellstadt or coming back as a returning student, it’s important to have a strong start to the fall quarter because your approach will set the tone for the rest of the year.
Here at the Kellstadt Career Management Center (known on campus as the CMC), we’re here to help you develop a strategy that will set you up for a successful fall and new academic year. We sat down with one of our award-winning career advisors, Associate Director Ellen Dawson Van, to ask her for some advice on how to do that. Read on for her tips.
Take Advantage of the “Fresh Start Effect”
Have you ever heard that “September is the new January” when it comes to setting goals? Well, mounting evidence suggests that it is. September is a popular time for reinvention and renewed motivation because of something behavioral economists call the Fresh Start Effect.
This principle suggests that it’s easiest to adapt to habits at natural transition points—in other words, new beginnings. Birthdays, for example, signal new beginnings, as do temporal landmarks like the first of the month or a change in seasons.
Research shows that experiencing temporal landmarks can boost motivation to pursue goals. And in the fall—a season we’re socially conditioned to associate with going back to school—that motivation can be channeled toward your graduate studies.
One great way to take advantage of the Fresh Start Effect is to take some time for self-reflection. Ask yourself:
- What are your goals (have they changed over the last year or few months)?
- Why are your goals important to you? (Do they still align with your values and long-term vision for your life/career?)
- What are the steps to make your goals happen? (If you don’t know the steps, do you know where you can turn to for advice and support?)
- Now that September is here, what are some concrete things you can accomplish this month that will bring you closer to achieving your goals?
Create SMART Goals using a three-pronged approach
We all know that setting goals is important: they give you long-term vision and short-term motivation. They help you organize your time and resources so you can make the most out of your life.
But the type of goals you set is almost more important than just the act of setting goals.
Creating sharp, clearly defined goals that you can measure, i.e., SMART goals, will help you see progress. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. The “smarter” your goal is, the easier it will be to achieve.
Being a Kellstadt student, your SMART goals need to have a specific kind of focus. Think about incorporating the following when you create your goals for the quarter:
- Academic success
- Career planning
- Health and wellness
These three elements create a strong foundation for success when you’re in business graduate school. They work together as stepping stones to your goals and also influence each other greatly. For example, if you neglect taking care of your health and wellness, you can fall ill or become burned out, which in turn will affect your ability to perform optimally in your classes. And if you’re not doing well in your classes, you won’t have the time or energy to focus on activities that can boost your career development (missing networking events, for instance, because you are behind in coursework).
Creating SMART goals that are tied to your academic success, career development, and your health and wellness will ensure that you have all your most important bases covered.
Connect with the Kellstadt Career Management Center
Remember that the CMC is here to help you achieve your goals. Our events and services are designed with your academic and career success in mind, so connect with us and discover what we have to offer. Checking out the new Virtual Kellstadt Career Management Center here is a great way to start. This new site is a one-stop shop for Kellstadt students to access academic and career resources, and to contact CMC staff, faculty and student organizations.
Last but not least, get in touch with your career advisor. Schedule regular meetings so we can help you stay on track with your goals and answer any questions you have along the way!
Nadia Alfadel Coloma (LAS MA’11) is a communications analyst in the Driehaus College of Business and the editor of the Inside Kellstadt Blog.
By Gurjot Singh
COVID-19 created huge challenges for everyone. It was a challenging time for me as I was starting the Master of Science in Business Analytics program at Kellstadt in the fall of 2020. I felt nervous about how I would make the most out of graduate school during such unprecedented circumstances, so I started off trying to seek help from all the resources DePaul and Kellstadt had to offer. I became a member of many student clubs at the university, got connected with the Kellstadt Career Management Center (CMC) and started attending different events.
Even as the events were virtual, they were a great source for meeting new people and helped me a lot in making connections. Talking to my Kellstadt advisor, professors and fellow classmates has helped me a lot to stay engaged and connected.
Most recently, I attended a CMC event called “Work Your Network” on how to connect with employers, increase your social reach and map your networks in today’s hybrid world. I learned many tips and best practices, but here are the three takeaways that stood out to me from the event:
1. Know your goal
It is important to have a goal in your mind as you build your network. For example, what events you choose to attend and the people you choose to network with all depends on where you see yourself in the future. Is the person you want to connect with in a field that interests you? Or do they work for a company you’d like to work for one day? Knowing your goal will help you connect with people strategically, which will not only help you gain knowledge but also confidence.
2. Networking is a skill that takes practice
In business we all know that networking is key. Every panelist at the event emphasized this, saying that no amount of networking is enough, that it’s something you must do throughout your career if you want to keep advancing. But networking is a skill that takes practice. It’s important to start networking not only with people you know but with people you don’t know. Get to know different people in the industry of your interest. Networking helps you understand what kind of candidates companies are looking for. It helps you build confidence to carry yourself through interview processes. Get tips from professionals on what helped them along their way. One of the best ways to start connecting with industry professionals is through events that CMC organizes and even through your courses at Kellstadt, as many professors invite these individuals to classes to talk about their experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out after these events.
3. Leverage the power of LinkedIn
Your LinkedIn profile is more important than you might think. It showcases who you are to the people in the professional world, so having a strong profile is a must. Nowadays, the first thing employers do is look at your LinkedIn profile because it helps them understand and form an impression of you. Always make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and that you’re leveraging the tool’s networking capabilities as much as possible. Kellstadt has an alumni page, which is a great place to start connecting to DePaul alumni who are already working professionals. The great thing about connecting to alumni is that you have a greater chance of getting a response since you’re also student or alum of Kellstadt.
There were so many other great tips discussed in this event. The Kellstadt CMC is a great resource for career advice and guidance so I would highly encourage all students to attend one of their events or make an appointment with one of the advisors.
Networking can be intimidating at times and doesn’t come easily to everyone, but graduate school is a great place to start practicing and building your network. It’s a starting point that offers support, resources and a community that is eager to see you succeed.
Gurjot Singh is in the Master of Science in Business Analytics Program at the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. Originally from India with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, he is trying to pivot toward a career in analytics and looks forward to applying all the concepts and skills he’s learning at Kellstadt in the professional world. Gurjot loves to spend time with his family and friends and enjoys taking walks around his neighborhood while listening to music.
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