Learning by Doing: Nikita Nese

Learning by Doing: Nikita Nese

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! 

A headshot labeled Part 1: Nikita Nese

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.

Three Pieces of Leadership Advice from Four-Time DePaul Graduate Thom Dammrich

Three Pieces of Leadership Advice from Four-Time DePaul Graduate Thom Dammrich

By Jaclyn Lansbery. Photo by Jim Summaria

“Commit to never stop learning and growing. Recognize that at those times in your life when you are most uncomfortable is when you are learning and growing the most.”

Forty-nine years ago, first-generation college student Thom Dammrich stepped onto DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus to earn a liberal arts education. Today, Dammrich is a four-time DePaul graduate who recently delivered the 2019 student commencement speech at the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business ceremony. The ceremony took place on Sunday, June 17 at Wintrust Arena, where approximately 600 graduates joined the DePaul alumni community. Dammrich was graduating with a doctorate in business administration from Kellstadt, his third degree from the school.

“Commit to never stop learning and growing,” he said in his speech to the crowds of graduating students and their friends and families. “Recognize that at those times in your life when you are most uncomfortable is when you are learning and growing the most.”

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics, Dammrich went on to earn an MBA in finance and a Master of Science in Accountancy. He has led an impressive 39-year career as an association executive, and now works as president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Although Dammrich will retire from his current role in mid-October, he plans to keep himself busy. “I would like to continue to do research. I may teach,” he says. “I would love to mentor young people to help them achieve all they can out of life and work. I look forward to seeing where life takes me in the years ahead.”

Below, Dammrich shares the top three pieces of leadership advice he has learned throughout the years.

1) Lifelong Learning is Critical

Whether it is an advanced degree or participation in conferences, seminars or other meetings, exposure to new ideas and people is critical to advancing your career.

“Too often we work so hard in the business, we forget to work on the business,” he says. In his role, Dammrich says he tries to get his employees outside of the organization, “to take off the blinders,” and see how others are doing. “I have always believed a lot more gets done if you don’t worry about who gets the credit,” he adds. “It’s results that matter. The more credit you give others, the more you will get in return.”

2) Ask for Help

Do not hesitate to ask for help. Dammrich says leaders need to recognize that people may not know when to ask for help, so speaking up is critical. “You should also help others freely and without expectation of getting anything in return,” he says. “Like with giving credit, the more you help others, the more help you will receive when you need it.”

3) Communicate and Take Initiative

In addition to learning to ask for help, Dammrich says it’s important for leaders to communicate and take initiative. Leaders should be open and direct in their communication and learn how to help without being asked. “I have seen people create whole new jobs and advancement by seeing something that needed to be done and doing it,” he says. “You are likely far more capable than you realize and the more you learn, the more you can do.”

Click here to learn more about the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.

Inside Kellstadt: Stories by and from the DePaul Graduate Business Community