MBA + MS Design Innovation (MMM Program)at the McCORMICK SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING and KELLOGG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

Why did you choose MMM?

Before coming to Kellogg, I spent the past four years in a finance leadership development program at General Mills, working on iconic food brands like Annie’s, Betty Crocker, and Blue Buffalo. I really loved digging into the “why” behind the numbers to decide which products were financially feasible to launch but constantly felt an itch to get closer to the consumer. 

Through research, I found that the MMM Program was the perfect pivot for me. I knew it would help blend my data-driven background with human-centered design, teaching me how to translate raw consumer insights into solutions people actually need. Beyond the classroom, I knew that getting a dual degree from Kellogg and the McCormick Engineering School would be a unique differentiator for brand management recruiting and provide me with a tight-knit alumni network to lean on throughout my career.

The biggest sell for me, though, is the faMMM. Coming from a smaller undergraduate business school, I felt intimidated by a 700+ person MBA class. Instead, the 60-person MMM cohort is the perfect size where I knew I would be able to build deep, intentional relationships over the summer, while still getting the large, broader Kellogg network. I distinctly remember sitting at the MMM breakout session during DAK for prospective students and seeing how genuine the community was. I knew right then I found something special.

What is life like as a MMM student?

Being a MMM student is exciting chaos. Whether we are huddled in the MMM lounge or sitting on the Spanish Steps at the Hub, every day looks different. But the constants are what make it special: meeting incredible people, always learning something new, and showing up for each other throughout all the highs and lows.

Here is a little snapshot into a day-in-the-life of a MMM student: 

• Morning: I wake up around 7:00 AM to catch up on WhatsApp/Slack messages and prep my meals for the day. I usually enjoy a 30-minute walk to campus for fresh air and exercise, though I’ll take the campus shuttle if the weather is bad.
• Lunch: I eat lunch with friends or attend lunch-and-learns. A recent highlight was a behind-the-scenes look at the Doritos x Stranger Things campaign led by Kellogg alumni.
• Afternoon: I usually hunker down in a study room with fellow MMMs to tackle readings and homework between classes.
• Evening: After walking home with friends, I’ll attend a small group dinner (SGD) or head to a club event. Some of my favorites so far include hosting a Cookie Swap, seeing The Book of Mormon in Chicago, and an MMM Cheesecake Factory SGD.

What have you loved about your MMM experience?

The people are what truly have made my MMM experience incredible so far. From my first introduction to the program through DAK to now being fully immersed in my own cohort, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the meaning of the faMMM. It’s a community of genuine people with incredibly diverse stories, all rooting for each other's success. That openness extends to families, too. Moving to Evanston with my JV, I was so grateful for how quickly everyone made him feel like he truly belonged here.

Spending our first summer together in Evanston allowed us to build an incredible bond through shared classes and unique traditions. Some of my favorite memories so far include our fake bachelorette party in Chicago before the infamous MMM wedding, apple picking in Wisconsin, and the entire cohort surprising our statistics professor by wearing Hawaiian shirts on the final day of class. Whether I need a shoulder to lean on during a tough week or someone to celebrate a summer internship offer with, I know this community has my back.