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

Why did you choose MMM?

My career began in the military, serving as a Military Intelligence Officer and later at the US Army Special Operations Command. It was here that I first encountered human-centered design thinking. I was drawn to the challenge of understanding complex problems from an empathetic perspective. As I transitioned from viewing the world through an adversarial lens to focusing on everyday people in the Middle East, I became deeply interested in user needs and decision-making processes.

The MMM program stood out to me as the perfect blend of business expertise and a human-centered approach to solving problems. I saw it as an opportunity to build on my background, combining the practical business skills I needed with a methodology that focuses on the user. This intersection of human-centered design and business at Kellogg and the Segal Design Institute was exactly where I wanted to be to make this happen.

What is life like as a MMM student?

The life of a MMM student is intense but rewarding. Our schedule is packed with core classes in finance, marketing, and operations, alongside engaging group projects and personal interactions with classmates. The sense of community is strong in the 'FaMMM' where we work closely together and support one another both academically and personally.

There's also the excitement of being part of Kellogg's broader ecosystem while having access to technical and design resources at Segal and McCormick. The dual benefits of these worlds mean a wealth of opportunities and a constant need to make tough choices about what to take on next. It's a demanding program, but it's fulfilling to be surrounded by so many opportunities to learn and grow.

How did MMM help you during your summer internship?

During my internship at Capital One, I was deeply involved in the product discovery phase for their Core Modernization project. My work was to understand our internal users' needs and to make recommendations for the data architecture that would best serve them. I engaged in numerous user interviews, each leading to deeper insights and helping me clarify the project's direction. The MMM program's focus on user-centered design and technical skills was crucial during this time. The curriculum prepared me to dive into the project, quickly understand the technical aspects, and work effectively with various stakeholders.

The biggest advantage I had was always staying curious, a core value that is reinforced time and time again throughout the MMM curriculum. Another advantage the program gave me was my approach to problem solving. I remained focused on our end users and the stakeholders, doing multiple user interviews that enabled me to make sound decisions as a product leader. My time as an intern allowed me to explore the fit of product management for my future and to test my technical capabilities in a real-world setting. Thanks to the MMM program, I was ready to take on these challenges and excel in my role.