Why Community is Essential for the MBA Experience

Laurene is a second-year student originally from Kenya. Before attending Booth, she was in the healthcare space, particularly thinking about leveraging technology to improve healthcare access for the most vulnerable populations. Post-Booth, Laurene will be pursuing a career in consulting.

“I have loved forming a network of peers who have been so supportive throughout my time at Booth. It amazes me that I have formed such strong bonds with people I did not know a year and a half ago, and together, we have been able to create core memories through classes, recruiting, travel, and exploring Chicago. I have also really enjoyed taking exciting classes with some brilliant professors.” – Laurene Amoit, Full-Time MBA Student

Caroline grew up in China and moved to the United States to attend the University of Minnesota, where she spent a decade mastering the art of surviving Minnesota winters—making Chicago’s winters feel like a breeze! Caroline started her career at Ernst & Young before transitioning to Optum, where she focused on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic finance, and financial planning and analysis (FP&A). Now at Booth, she is excited to sharpen her strategic and operational management skills, exploring how they can create impact across a variety of industries.

“What I appreciate most about the Booth community is the diversity of networks—academic, career-driven, and social. Academically, everyone is driven and collaborative, creating a truly supportive learning environment. Career-wise, the resources from the career center, student clubs, and peer advice are incredibly valuable. Socially, there are countless opportunities to bond and form meaningful friendships. I’m one of the co-chairs of the Food Club, and we’ve organized numerous events where students connect and learn about different cultures through food. My cohort is also incredibly close—a lot of us have been hanging out almost every weekend since LAUNCH and have traveled together. In fact, some of us are traveling to London this Thanksgiving to visit a friend who is studying abroad there! Booth truly brings people together in meaningful and lasting ways.” – Caroline Cao, Part-Time MBA Student

Prior to Booth, Michael was in the energy industry and worked in a variety of roles from sales and marketing to business development and corporate strategy. Now, Michael is pursuing investment management at large; he’s interested in learning all facets of the money management industry as it pertains to both private and public markets.

“What I appreciate most about the Booth community is how the little things add up to create a truly unique two-year experience. From our intimate living arrangements in the Loop, to the inherent ethos of giving back and the unmistakable Midwest niceness, Booth has fostered a sense of community that sets it apart from our East- and West-coast peer schools (and even our cross-town rival!). Whether it’s something as simple as heading a few floors down to hang out with your close friends, or chopping it up on shared commutes to campus and social events, these everyday moments add up to set the Booth community apart. It’s more than just a 2-year career journey – it’s a place where I’ve built meaningful, lasting friendships that go far beyond the classroom and traditional networking opportunities.” – Michael Chao, Full-Time MBA Student 

Before Booth, Bennett served as a Field Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army. Bennett chose Booth as the perfect bridge to transition from military service, equipping himself with the skills and knowledge for the next chapter of his career. After Booth, Bennett will be joining McKinsey & Company as an Associate in their Denver office.

“Booth offers so much to be thankful for, but if I had to choose just three highlights, it would be the outstanding faculty, the diverse and talented classmates, and the vibrant city of Chicago. The professors are engaging and truly bring the material to life. I've connected with so many impressive individuals from all backgrounds, and the support, both professionally and personally, has been incredible. On top of that, Chicago’s accessibility and variety of activities have made my time here even more enjoyable.” – Bennett Chappell, Full-Time MBA Student

Catherine is a Chicagoland native and Evening MBA student who began her journey at Booth in the spring of 2023. Currently, Catherine works as a Customer Success Manager at Alight Solutions, a leading cloud-based human capital technology and services provider. At Booth, Catherine is pursuing concentrations in Behavioral Science, Economics, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management.

“As we reflect on gratitude this Thanksgiving season, I am especially thankful for Booth’s pay-it-forward philosophy. From my very first days at LAUNCH (new student orientation), I was warmly welcomed by current students serving as mentors. They generously shared their insights and made me feel a sense of belonging long before classes began. This spirit of generosity inspired me to give back. As the LAUNCH Mentor Coordinator on the Student Advisory Council, I now have the privilege of helping foster a welcoming community for future Boothies. This culture of connection and mutual support truly makes Booth a place to be thankful for.” – Catherine Joss, Part-Time MBA Student

Phil is originally from East Texas and served in the U.S. Army before Booth, primarily alongside Military Working Dogs. At Booth, Phil has explored multiple career interests across corporate strategy and consulting. Phil will ultimately be joining McKinsey & Company in Dallas upon graduation in the spring.

“I appreciate the diversity of experiences and perspectives of my peers. It’s great to sit in a class and discuss a case where multiple students can speak up to their practical experience regarding the topic in a way that harmonizes the academic angle as well as the practical angle.

I also truly appreciate the willingness of those around me to invest in the community, whether that be leading groups and providing a vibrant social environment or contributing their knowledge and skills to further academic exploration at Booth.” – Phil White, Full-Time MBA Student