Give us a concrete example of how you applied a Chicago Booth learning at work
One of the classes that I found to be really helpful was the Choice Architecture in Practice lab class. You are assigned a client, and the class runs over three quarters. You learn to design and test a behavioral science intervention for a particular outcome. We went through the process of how a randomized control trial would work and set it up. Simultaneously, at my job, I proposed a randomized control pilot that was looking to increase access to energy saving programs that would encourage people to save money. I could apply the frameworks and processes I was learning in the Choice Architecture class to my work at the same time.
Name a highlight of your time at Chicago Booth
The people make the experience. The ideas are great, but the ability to talk about them with friends and professors has been so enriching and just lights me up. I can’t read a newspaper anymore without thinking about things that have come up in different classes, from game theory to the business of media itself. To be able to have a community of people that I can forward that article to and get diverse perspectives, and being welcomed into that community has been my favorite part. I honestly had some hesitations about whether I would fit in because I don’t have a typical business background, but it’s been the opposite of that. Studying and collaborating with friends has made the experience so much better. Having classmates who collectively want to succeed together is very motivating and has truly aided in my success.
What advice do you have for prospective and current students?
For current students: Dig in and share out. There are a wealth of resources available, and many ways to give back. It will enrich your experience to challenge yourself by going after new opportunities, like getting involved with pro bono consulting projects to test out these different frameworks and new ways of thinking. It’s really important that you share out that knowledge so your education goes beyond just you.
For prospective students: You belong here. Especially if your background isn’t that of a “typical” MBA student. We are all stronger when diverse experiences are shared.
Once you have extra time back on your hands, you will...
Start training for some long distance endurance races again. I used to do triathlons and marathons and I’m looking forward to spending Saturday mornings back out on the lakefront trail.
Anything we missed that you would like to include before we wrap up?
I want to add that I feel so grateful to have been able to study at Chicago Booth. It has been challenging and tested me in so many ways I didn’t anticipate, but it has been so worth it. Especially during a pandemic, while the switch to remote learning wasn’t ideal, the ability to keep learning during this time when we had to come up with new solutions not only kept me sane, but allowed me to progress in a way that was really important when a lot of things felt like they were on pause. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to keep learning during the pandemic and am looking forward to hopefully finishing up back in person.
