Alejandro O´Farrill, Kellogg MBA Class of 2018
Age: 30
Hometown: Monterrey, México
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, major in economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Amazon, vendor manager, international expansion, 2015- 2017. FEMSA , risk management and strategic planning, 2011- 2015
Why business school? Why now? I was fully convinced that committing to business school would offer me a unique learning experience as well as an opportunity to experience personal and professional growth.
Going to business school after six years of professional experience was a great way to reflect on my career, strengthen my network, and improve specific functional area knowledge and management skills.
Why Kellogg? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? I had the opportunity to interact with Kellogg alumni multiple times throughout my career, most recently during my time at Amazon.
Kellogg alumni struck me as truly collaborative, cross-functional, and inspiring leaders. This ultimately was the #1 reason that drove me to choose Kellogg among other business schools.
Besides, Kellogg offers the best one-year full-time MBA program, which allows me to get back into the workspace after 12 months.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? We brought our five-year-old Pomeranian, Ewok, with us to Evanston.
Post-MBA career interests? Tech and entrepreneurship
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Don’t obsess over test scores. Focus on delivering an overall strong application that demonstrates why you are a unique candidate and what makes you stand out from the rest.
–One thing you would change or do differently? Apply during the first round. This gives you plenty of time and flexibility to evaluate funding options, scholarships, apply for your student visa, and plan for relocation, especially if you are coming as an international student.
Greatest highlight so far at Kellogg? Seeing how engaged Kellogg and the student community are with partners and significant others. Almost all of the events at Kellogg welcome partners and significant others. Many professors encourage and welcome “Joint Ventures,” a local slang for partners, to attend their class. My wife and I both attend Harry Kraemer´s “Managerial Leadership” class this fall and have found it exceptionally insightful for our personal and professional growth.
One thing about Kellogg that you didn’t expect before arriving? The Kellogg Global Hub is mind-blowing. The views you get to enjoy of Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago from the Global Hub patio are surreal.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? You have to focus and prioritize. Kellogg, as well as many other MBA programs, offers countless learning and networking opportunities outside the classroom, and it’s impossible to attend everything. You have to feel comfortable not being able to do everything that is out there.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? The Kellogg Ski Trip. Shredding the slopes with 900 Kellogg classmates during winter break in Telluride, Colorado.
