By Ferdi Alfajora
In summer 2024, after several years of deliberation, I decided to go to graduate school.
As a nontraditional student, what value do I really get from a master’s degree? I’ve been out of school for many years and have been working in the tax profession. I had been thinking about getting a graduate degree, but I was hesitant because of various reasons. Mainly tuition cost and time — but also, frankly, I was not sure how younger students would react to an older student in class.
Returning to school
So, why go back to school for my masters? After all, I’ve already reached a fairly high-level position in the tax profession. I’ve worked in full circle of the profession as a tax auditor, a tax consultant for the Big Four, and a tax executive for a publicly traded company. As far as tax profession is concerned, I have been a tax client, a tax consultant, and a tax auditor. That’s the full circle of the profession.
Most, if not all, of my knowledge comes directly from those experiences as a professional. Tax knowledge gained through experience is useful, but I’ve always felt that there are gaps in my knowledge because I did not acquire it through in-depth research, discussion, and analysis. I decided that there is value in getting my master’s degree in taxation: to fill in the gaps. I know enough about taxes — but I also don’t know what I know.
So here I am, pursuing my master’s degree in taxation.
Choosing DePaul
Once I decided to return to school, the next obvious question was where I’d go — and how much it would cost.
My research started with a Google search. I found that there are a number of online programs. Almost every school has one, and the cost varies from reasonably cheap to ridiculously high.
I submitted my application to DePaul along with other schools. Compare to other schools’ application processes, DePaul’s was quick and simple. DePaul’s tuition was also within the median compared to other schools — but, with the help of tuition assistance and potential scholarships, the tuition cost becomes more manageable.
After more research, I found that DePaul has a national reputation. Most of the instructors are senior staff of big CPA firms, the IRS, or other state tax agencies. DePaul also offered me a scholarship. I decided to attend DePaul mainly because of the scholarship, in addition to its reputation.
Navigating online learning
As I browed the courses for the online M.S. in Taxation program, I wasn’t entirely clear as to what “online” meant. Did it mean courses are live and you attend via videoconference so that you can see other students and the professor on your screen? Or did it mean courses are pre-recorded and you can watch them at your leisure? Would there be homework, exams, and quizzes? How would they be administered?
As I pondered these questions, I got an email from DePaul inviting me to make an appointment with my advisor for any questions. My questions were answered. There are both live and pre-recorded classes. In fact, most of the live online classes are also recorded, so you can go back to the recording if you miss the class. Professors are also easy to get a hold of; they have office hours via Zoom, and you can also email them directly.
Finding community
One key takeaway that I did not anticipate was the number of students that are just like me. I was happy to see that half the class are older or nontraditional students with years of experience in the tax field.
Younger students often come to us because we are experienced, and ask us questions about what’s it’s like being a tax professional. They welcome our advice and suggestions on how to prepare for job interviews, how to approach questions, and deal with clients.
Overall? I know I’ve made the right choice in returning back to school and selecting DePaul’s M.S. in Taxation program.
About the author
Ferdi Alfajora is a first-year graduate student at DePaul University. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for both active and reserve duty. He worked as a tax auditor for the State of California, a tax manager with PwC, and a tax director for Insight Enterprise (NSIT).
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
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.
As Master in Business Analytics student Suprito Biswas sees it, business analytics brings together two distinct skillsets.
“You have to be well-versed in data,” he said, “and you have to have business acumen.”
This duality drew Biswas to study at DePaul’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. It also encapsulates the approach Biswas and classmate Shafeeqa Syeda took to competing in – and winning – the 2023 Data 4 Good case competition.
“Suprito’s from a technical background; I’m from a managing background,” said Syeda, an interior designer who runs a nonprofit focused on empowering women in business. “I think that was the perfect blend and that made us an amazing team. We knew what our roles were; there was no clash of interests.”
Hosted by Purdue University, the Data 4 Good competition is a two-month-long national challenge with more than $45,000 in prize money at stake. The charge: Use a large language model — the form of artificial intelligence at play in tools like Chat GPT – to extract relevant information from health care records without sacrificing accuracy.
Biswas and Syeda christened their team K3. They were drawn in, they said, by the chance to apply their skills as business analysts to a real-world context. Guidance from Kellstadt faculty was key to their success.
“Professor [Sina] Ansari played a major role in guiding us through the project,” said Syeda. An associate professor in the management and entrepreneurship department, Ansari has experience in the health care sector. “He was able to help us understand things we wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.”
The team put considerable effort into ensuring their solution kept sensitive data secure.
“Understanding the importance of data security — as a business analyst, that’s the most important thing you need to know,” said Syeda. “Someone’s trusting you with information that’s dear to them. You have to be really careful.”
Project management skills were just as important — another area where Syeda credits support from Kellstadt faculty, this time Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship Khadija Ali Vakeel.
Thanks to this support and their skills, team K3 emerged as regional champions in the Midwest: a region that comprised nearly 40% of the competition as a whole.
“Once we won the region,” Biswas said, “we knew we could potentially win the entire thing.”
Win they did.
For both students, the national win — an honor that comes with $6,500 in prize money — affirmed their passion for their chosen field of study.
“No matter what field you’re in, you eventually come around to business analytics,” said Syeda. “This competition has given us massive experience when it comes to understanding a different industry altogether.”
Syeda plans to continue integrating AI into her course of study; Biswas is considering enrolling in health care-related electives.
Both students hope that their success will blaze a trail for other Kellstadt students.
“We want students to know there’s a lot of opportunities out there,” said Syeda. Sharing their story, Syeda said, “feels like our way of giving back to other students so they don’t have to reinvent the wheel.”
“We want students to understand that they can do this too,” said Syeda. “We did this alongside being full-time students and being board members of student organizations, the Kellstadt Marketing Group and the Kellstadt Business Analytics Organization. There was a lot of stage-managing; there was a lot of balancing multiple roles. But this is not something to get scared of. You do get a little overwhelmed. This shows that other students can do this too.”
As much as data analysis, business acumen and project management skills all played a role in the team’s win, the biggest takeaway for both students was the same.
“Friendship is what drove us to this competition,” said Syeda, “and what kept us going.
“The fact that Shafeeqa and I had a lot of trust in each other is extremely important,” echoed Biswas. “We each trusted that, whatever we were struggling with, the other person could solve it. We became much closer friends because of this experience.”
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