Pursuing an MBA is a catalyst for personal and professional growth.Tell us how you have you grown in the past? How do you intend to grow at Kellogg?

“We have an exciting opportunity for you. You are the only person for the role, and if you say no, it won’t happen. We want you to run the Riverside facility.” I have never been so surprised during a year-end review. I had planned to discuss next steps and development opportunities, but never imagined the scope of the role that was proposed. Having spent the previous year initiating and leading the downtown revitalization project, I was finally seeing results. Riverside would be an entirely different challenge.

As expected, the Riverside opportunity led to significant professional growth over the past year. My job was no longer just about one team and driving sales. I was stretched to view the center as a whole and understand how to influence both short-term and long-term profitability. Trade-offs had to be considered - sending a truck to Springfield might lead to incremental sales, but did they outweigh the cost of sending the truck in the opposite direction? When I accepted the role I knew change was needed in Riverside, it was losing nearly $100k a month. Finding ways to instill accountability, urgency and a team-mentality in the facility while keeping staff motivated through changes to both headcount and structure was challenging. The experience tested my emotional intelligence, change management, and conflict resolution skills. For example, creating a new reporting structure and eliminating two leadership positions could have created disengagement, but by properly communicating we faced no backlash.

At Kellogg I will grow in the classroom by pursuing strategy and marketing majors, which will provide me with a deeper understanding of how the decisions of managers influence the economic performance of their firms and the journey of the customer. Kellogg’s strong curriculum will help me expand my undergraduate business knowledge. I will take on leadership roles in the Strategy and Business Development Club, Marketing Club and the Finance Club. Being involved with clubs and events will help me fine tune leadership skills through speakers and workshops, such as the BLC’s Symposium or personal board of directors, as well as providing networking opportunities with CPG companies. Classes such as International Business Strategy and Strategic Challenges in Emerging Markets, trips such as KWEST, and interacting within a diverse classroom will help me form a more global perspective and prepare me for an international CPG career.

When I attended Kellogg Preview Day and heard students describe their experiences, whether exploring a new continent or working as a team with local businesses, I knew Kellogg was where I belonged. Kellogg’s student-led culture matches my long track record of extra-curricular activities, and will provide the perfect environment for me to grow professionally, socially, personally, and as a leader.