Part-Time MBA Student Profile Kandace Barker
Digital Media Planner, Digitas
City of Residence: Chicago, IL
Education: Howard University, Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Kandace Barker: 00:00
My nonprofit is called MAFA Chicago. It stands for Mosaic Alumni and Friends Association, and we founded the organization here in Chicago to really build a community of diverse talent within marketing and advertising. Everyone knows the people side of it. We need to have diversity because it’s just the right thing to do, but at the end of the day, if you cannot make a business case for it, then it’s very hard to sell it in, and that’s the work that we’re doing right now. I’ve actually been working with a ton of my professors here at Chicago Booth to help me build an independent study that will allow us to develop a business case for diversity. So that again is something that I could not do at any university. It’s pretty much only here at Chicago Booth that you can do something like that.
Kandace Barker: 00:00
As a requirement for attending Chicago Booth, every student has to go through effective leadership. There was one exercise where we learned about people’s first impressions of us. And it’s interesting because you would think that’s something that most people know. When I first meet someone, this is what they think of me, but I was completely surprised by some of the things that came out of it. And it really just taught me so much about myself, the way I deal with conflict, the way I enter into a conversation, and the impact that it has on other people.
Kandace Barker: 00:00
I think Chicago Booth taught me that diversity is more than just race and culture and background. Diversity is so much bigger than that. Diversity is about thinking. Really diversity in thought. That, to me, is diversity, you know? It’s not just about I'm black and you’re white, or you’re Latina, and I’m a man and you’re a woman. It’s really diversity of thinking and experiences that I love.
Career Changes While at Booth
I have been promoted to media supervisor at Digitas
My Advice to Anyone Considering Business School
Make the most of your time while in business school. It’s easy to focus on just the work, but really spend time getting to know your classmates and professors. They really make the experience worthwhile.
Why Booth?
I chose Booth for the flexibility. Being a part-time student there were many times I needed to attend classes in different sections because of work. I also loved taking classes I was interested in whenever they were available rather than following a prearranged class schedule.
Student Group
African American MBA Association (AAMBAA)