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.”
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.
Nick DiMaggio (MBA ’21) is now a consultant at Gallup
Today, Nick DiMaggio (MBA ’21) is a business strategy consultant at Gallup.
Just a few years ago, DiMaggio was enrolled in the full-time MBA program at Kellstadt.
It was the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Business was changing, and fast.
DiMaggio was at a turning point of his own. He had grown up in a family of business owners; conversations about “people, process, and products” were standard dinner-table fare. He had garnered extensive experience in sales across multiple industries. He aspired to one day lead a Fortune 500 company.
To get there, he’d realized, the best next step was to become an enterprise strategy consultant.
“I was looking around for programs that could help me do that effectively,” DiMaggio says. Two things stood out about Kellstadt. First, its business strategy concentration. And second, the ability to create a custom MBA concentration.
“This gave me flexibility,” DiMaggio says. “And it gave me the opportunity to stretch my business strategy skills.”
Read on for DiMaggio’s reflections on how Kellstadt equipped him to make an impact – and for how you can make the most out of your time in Kellstadt’s MBA program.
Find someone whose vision aligns with yours
“It’s important to find those professors who see the light,” DiMaggio says, “but can also challenge you.”
For DiMaggio, that person was Rafael Tenorio. A professor of economics, Tenorio approaches business strategy and decision-making by deploying tools from behavioral finance and game theory.
“Humans often act illogically,” DiMaggio says, describing one of the core tenets of behavioral economics. “We as humans understand that every day. Take going to the grocery store. We don’t need the Kit Kat bar. We know that. But every time, you find yourself buying it.”
Historically, researchers excluded irrationality from their models of the economy. A key insight of behavioral economics is that these models work better when researchers find ways to add irrationality – human behavior as it actually functions – back in.
“These undertows flow through our daily world,” says DiMaggio. He recognized them from his experience in sales. But have a “framework,” he says, made all the difference in his ability to harness insights from behavioral economics in his career.
Get the reps in
Another thing DiMaggio says was key to launching his career change? Putting theory into practice – and doing so over and over again.
He likens the hands-on learning he experienced at Kellstadt to a workout.
Learning new tactics, he says, is all about “getting the reps in.”
He cites a business strategy class as one example. He and the rest of his full-time MBA cohort got the chance to run a simulated market. This meant that students weren’t just practicing the strategies they studied. They were seeing how their actions impacted the market as a whole.
“How does the market move?” recalls DiMaggio. “How do the decisions we make help our company move forward?”
The exercise was meaningful precisely because students could see the results of their choices. In this regard, it was far from alone.
Work with real businesses on real challenges
A consulting class, DiMaggio says, took putting theory into practice to the next level.
Student groups partnered with firms to address urgent challenges. Many of these firms, DiMaggio says, were connected to the class via DePaul alumni.
DiMaggio’s group partnered with a third-party logistics company. The company’s charge for the MBA students: At a time when logistics are more essential – and complicated – than ever, how do you increase the retention of truck drivers?
In tackling this challenge, DiMaggio received guidance informed by on-the ground experience.
“Our professor was doing consulting himself,” DiMaggio says. This allowed him to teach models in a way that made their practical applications clear.
At the end of the quarter, the group presented their research to leaders at the firm. The group didn’t get to see the end results of their work. Instead, it functioned as a starting point. Equipped with the team’s thorough research, leaders would be able to conduct further analysis of their own.
Getting to work directly with key decision-makers, DiMaggio says, was an invaluable opportunity.
“These were real-world problems that we got to work on,” he says. “These businesses needed our perspective to move the needle.”
Be an entrepreneur in your own education
Looking back, DiMaggio sees his Kellstadt experience as lying the perfect intersection of three fields: business strategy, behavioral economics and game theory. DiMaggio’s passion and skillset led him to that intersection. At Kellstadt, he found the expertise and hands-on learning to combine the three areas.
Now, that intersection has become the launch point for the next phase of DiMaggio’s career.
“At Gallup, I found the intersection that I want to base my career on,” he says. In his consulting work today, he is able to combine all three areas of expertise. This has been especially impactful, he says, when he is able to help businesses keep employees engaged.
“Engagement can be linked directly to business outcomes,” says DiMaggio. “Think about productivity, or turnover, or sales — the list goes on and on.”
DiMaggio is able to trace that impact directly back to his approach to Kellstadt.
“It is your job, no matter where you go, to have an entrepreneurial spirit,” he reflects. “By having a custom MBA, Kellstadt gives you the ability to be that entrepreneur in your own education. To find your interests – and then double down on them. To build the network around you that will allow you to make that career change – and successfully launch it.”
By Mitchell J. Hill
When I was asked to write about my experience in the MBA program at DePaul, what first came to mind was to write about my reaction to the academic challenge that DePaul offered. However, what I think will be more relatable is the experience of my emotional journey through the MBA program. What I have been successful with as an adult is the ability to utilize the emotions I experience. Too often, I have feared the experience of feeling anxious that may accompany a hard task. My journey through the MBA program has taught me not to shy away from said emotions, but to embrace them. I strongly believe that if you’re feeling anxious, or afraid at work or school, then that means you care – that means your passion is aligned with your focus. Because why else would you feel so strongly about work or school, if you didn’t care?
A little backstory about myself – I had a brain tumor when I was two years old. I have had three brain surgeries and 43 MRIs to-date. Experiencing all of this has left me with lifelong trauma that has taken me 19 years to recognize, and eight years of therapy to contain. That said, I feel as though I am in a unique position to have a credible stance on living life to its fullest. What my time at DePaul has taught me is the ability to embrace emotions, not fear them. Being able to accept the fact that there may be some days that won’t go according to plan—that’s okay. The ability to recognize that if I’m feeling anxious, that that’s not a result of something I’m incapable of, or something I’m doing wrong, rather – it’s a reminder that I’m living and experiencing the emotions in life: not fearing them.
So, how does all of this relate to school, you ask? What a great question: You’re all reading this as new graduates, meaning you’ve accomplished a very impressive task. You should appreciate the journey that you’ve been on with tackling this accolade, rather than thinking “okay… what’s next.” It’s easy to view life from a lens of what you should accomplish next, which I do think has some merit to it – I mean, that’s where one’s drive comes from, right? What’s the next challenge? How am I going to better myself?
All I ask, however – from someone who is just starting to learn how to appreciate emotions and celebrate wins, – – is to slow down. Recognize the accomplishment you’ve just made by obtaining your first, maybe second, maybe multiple degrees, and bask in the satisfaction that comes with that accomplishment.
It’s taken me 27 years to learn how to be happy. My advice is to learn how to appreciate your accomplishments, appreciate your emotions. That’s what I think true success is. And that is the biggest takeaway I have gotten from my time at DePaul. Thank you and go Blue Demons.
Mitchell J. Hill received his Bachelor of Science in business communications with minors in psychology and journalism from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He went on to work in business development for a boutique digital agency at Shift7 Digital. After a three-year stint at Shift7, Mitchell left in January of 2022 to pursue his MBA at DePaul full-time. Mitchell since has relocated to Seattle Washington and is completing his Corporate Management Trainee program with a concentration on business development and sales with Hyatt Corporation. Mitchell has some experience with philanthropy as well having created a fundraiser to redecorate MRI rooms so they are more comforting for children. Along with the help of some partners, this project has led to the redecoration of 5 MRI rooms at Lurie Children’s Hospital in downtown Chicago.
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